Aston Martin to Introduce the V12 Vantage in the U.S.

Although initially Aston Martin didn’t intend to bring the V12 Vantage to the U.S. market, the British sportscar maker is planning to introduce this model in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to Inside Line.

Based on the 2007 V12 Vantage RS Concept, the roadgoing V12 Vantage was launched in Europe in 2009, being a heavily modified version of the standard V8 Vantage. Aston plans to build only 1,000 units of this car, which is powered by a 510 horsepower V12 engine.

Since the V12 Vantage was never destined for the U.S., Aston Martin had to make extensive modifications to the frontal crash structure so that the vehicle can pass U.S. crash test standards.

According to Aston Martin itself, the V12 Vantage is the brand’s „most exhilarating sports car”. It is the fastest and most agile Vantage ever created, thanks to racing-derived technology used in the vehicle. The V12 Vantage boasts 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, which help propel the sportscar from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

“The V12 Vantage has a unique character, one unlike our other cars. This will appeal to different people with different tastes, allowing more people to enjoy the Aston Martin experience,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO. In addition to the standard Vantage V12, Aston Martin will also bring to the U.S. the Carbon Black edition.

Pricing for the U.S. market has not yet been made official, but The Inside Line estimates a price range of $180,000 to $200,000.

The V12 Vantage is derived from the V8 Vantage coupe, launched in 2005.