Aston Martin V12 Vantage: Coming to the U.S.

GAYDON, England — Aston Martin will launch its V12 Vantage in the U.S., in a move contrary to its original plans. Aston is planning its first deliveries in the fourth quarter of this year, at an estimated price of $180,000-$200,000.

The 510-horsepower version of Aston's smallest model was released in Europe last year to widespread acclaim. Inquiries from potential American customers have prompted it to offer the car in what is currently its biggest market.

The task was not as easy it seems, because the V12 Vantage's front-end crash structure needed modification, mainly to the impact load paths, to meet North American regulations.

The V12's 420 pound-feet of torque allows the Vantage a 0-60-mph time of less than 4.2 seconds and a 190-mph top speed, producing the fastest model to bear the name yet and indeed, the most potent production model in the marque's 96-year history.

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez reckons this is "the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine."

Besides the stock model, Aston will also offer a limited edition Carbon Black edition featuring special paint and minor trim enhancements.

Inside Line says: It's a surprise Aston Martin didn't offer this model to its biggest market in the first place, but great news nonetheless. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent