2009 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Published Apr 15, 2009
GAYDON, England — Aston Martin has released images and data on its new V12 Vantage, which the British firm is billing as "the most potent production sports car in the marque's 95-year history." The car will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show next month.
The specs are indeed impressive. Based on the V8 Vantage and previewed more than a year ago in concept form, the new V12 edition sports an enhanced Aston 6.0-liter V12 rated at 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, the 12-cylinder packs enough oomph to propel the two-place coupe to a top speed of 190 mph and to rocket from rest to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
That master of hyperbole Aston CEO Ulrich Bez professed: "This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package, providing spectacular performance."
Aston says the V12 Vantage was "designed for the focused driver" and borrows heavily from the firm's motorsports experience. The car employs a variety of lightweight materials, including a body crafted of aluminum, magnesium alloy, steel and carbon fiber, as well as carbon ceramic brake discs.
The V12 Vantage rides on 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires — 255/35ZR19s in front and 295/30ZR19s in the rear.
Among the visual changes that distinguish the V12 Vantage from its eight-cylinder sibling are a louvered hood, a larger rear spoiler, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, new side skirts and a new front bumper with larger air intakes.
Production starts this summer in Gaydon, England, on the same line that builds the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage. Aston plans to assemble only 300 to 500 per year.
Inside Line says: The buzz in Europe suggests this one might not come to the States, at least not initially. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent