Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Exotic
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Benz, unveiled the V12 Vantage concept in 2007 in front of a few guests, and, 15 months later, he released the production model at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
By combining its best chassis, from the V8 Vantage, with its most powerful engine, the V12, the result was a rocket-car that could blast the 62 mph (100 kph) mark in a mere 4.2 seconds. At the time of its launch, it was the best car ever made by the struggled British company, who shared its history with Ford and Jaguar and was finally free of the blue-oval brand in 2007 to become a private limited company.
The design was heavily inspired by the Aston Martin N24 race car with its side sills and the hood's carbon-fiber vents. With its wide, shell-shaped grille and the lip-spoiler under the lower air-intake, the V12 Vantage impressed with its aggressive look. The raked windshield and short rear end amplified the sporty look.
Inside, there was some race-inspired design, especially with the optional carbon-fiber fixed seats. The instrument cluster has been revised with even clearer dials to allow the driver to completely focus on the information being relayed from the car.
Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a V12 engine inspired by the DBRS9 racecar. Even though the engine was 100 kg (220 lbs) heavier than the one on the Vantage V8, the car could have been fitted with some lighter parts, making it only 50 kg (110 lbs) heavier than its V8 sibling.
ENGINE SPECS - 6.0L V12 6MT (517 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5935 cm3 |
Power: | 380.3 KW @ 6500 RPM 517.1 HP @ 6500 RPM 510 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 420 lb-ft @ 5750 RPM 570 Nm @ 5750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 190 mph (306 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 255/35 ZR19 || 295/30 ZR19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 172.5 in (4382 mm) |
Width: | 73.5 in (1867 mm) |
Height: | 49 in (1245 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.8/61.4 in (1,570/1,560 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.9 in (2741 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5 in (127 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.6 cuFT (300 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3704 lbs (1680 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4475 lbs (2030 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 11.6 mpg US (20.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 17.3 mpg US (13.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 388 g/km |