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ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 5
First production year: 2009
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage photo gallery

Aston Martin prepared a final edition for the V12 Vantage. It was a loud and impressive farewell from the astonishing British supercar.

The Vantage name was not new in the Aston Martin stable. However, it was associated with a V8 powerplant most of the time. Yet, in 2021, the carmaker confirmed that it will produce an exclusive final stint for the V12 version.

With numerous aerodynamic enhancements that increased the aerodynamic loads up to 204 kg (450 lbs) at 200 mph (322 kph), the Aston Martin V12 Vantage was a striking supercar beefed-up with all the tricks in the book to make the big vehicle not only fast but also behave excellently at higher speeds. Ever since 2007, when the carmaker introduced the idea, brand's fans have been excited. But to do that, the final edition V12 Vantage had to be light. Thus, carbon-fiber materials were extensively used on the hood, front bumper, front fenders, and side sills. In addition, the integrated diffuser and the rear wing were made out of the same lightweight material. Even the battery was a lighter one.

Inside, the car sported a similar layout with the rest of the Vantage range but enhanced with the Sport Plus Seats covered in semi-aniline leather. The Aston Martin badge was quilted and perforated as standard.

For the technical department, Aston Martin didn't spare anything. From CCB discs (Carbo-Ceramic Brakes) to the wider track and stiffer spring rates. Last but not least, the twin-turbo V12 powerplant sent its massive power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical Limited Slip Differential. Unfortunately, production was limited to only 333 units.

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ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage Roadster  photo gallery

When Aston Martin unveiled the 2022 Vantage V12 Roadster, it announced that it was going to make only 249 units, and that was only one of the essential details of the British roadster.

While the world was ready to switch to electric supercars or, at least, to electrified supercars, Aston Martin produced a vehicle that aimed directly at those customers who appreciated the feel and passion for internal-combustion engines only. And, if the coupe version was more focused on-track performance, the open-top sibling came to enhance the open road driving experience.

Thanks to the unmistakable look of the front grille, the Vantage V12 Roadster warned the other drivers that they would be overtaken in a split second. Moreover, the carbon-fiber lower lip from the apron and the swept-back headlights didn't show anything other than aggressiveness. From its profile, the wide-body Vantage Roadster revealed its 21" light-alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R21 front and 315/30 R21 rear tires. Unlike the coupe, the open-top version didn't feature the standard wing on the deck in the back, but that was offered as an option.

Like its coupe sibling, the Vantage V12 Roadster could host just two occupants inside the cockpit. The car manufacturer fitted a pair of sports seats, which were lighter by 7.3 kg (16 lbs) than those installed on the previous Vantage Roadster. To further enhance the performance-oriented feel of the vehicle, Aston Martin added carbon-fiber trims on the dashboard, center console, center stack, and door cards. A pair of big paddles behind the steering wheel helped the driver manually control the gear changes if they wanted to do so.

Under the car's skin stood a 700 PS (690 hp) that sent the power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

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ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage V600 photo gallery

Aston Martin has decided to launch a very limited series of its astonishing V12 Vantage in the form of a seven-speed manual, 600 horsepower supercar.

The British automaker is one of those manufacturers that managed to launch special edition after special edition and sell them all at huge prices, such as this V12 Vantage 600. This one, for instance, was produced in just seven units. But it was more than just a supercar. It was also a piece of art on wheels that managed to get almost unnoticed by those who didn't really know the Vantage.

With a refreshed exterior that featured a pattern with holes on the hood instead of extracting vents and an apron that came low to the ground so it could improve the car's grip, the Vantage V600 was a car for purists. There was no massive wing in the back and no fancy side skirts on the sides. Instead, it was just a clean look, with widened wheel arches to cover the fat tires.

The cabin blended luxurious materials and a sturdy roll cage. With its high-bolstered front seats, the Vantage V600 promised that it won't let the occupants slide on the sides during high-speed cornering maneuvers. At the same time, the carbon fiber covered most of the interior, from the door cards to the center stack. Moreover, the same material was used inside the instrument cluster. But an unusual detail was seen on the vents. Most vehicles had those made from plastic or aluminum, but the V600 had them leather-wrapped.

Underneath the bulged hood, Aston Martin placed a 5.9-liter V12, naturally aspirated engine. It cranked out 600 hp (608 PS) that were sent to the rear axle via a seven-speed manual gearbox.

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ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage S photo gallery

Aston Martin Vantage S was introduced in late 2013 and it was the replacement for the V12 Vantage model. And there was more than just a letter added at the end of its name.

The 2013 Aston Martin Vantage S was designed on the same idea given by Henrik Fisker back in 2005 but with better mechanical components. The car's shape was similar to its predecessor. There was a big difference on the hood, where multiple vents helped cooling the big V12 engine. It was, apart from One-77 hypercar, the fastest Aston Martin ever built by the time of its launch.

The Vantage S was not a GT as its Vanquish sibling. It was built using race-car technologies with CNC-machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts to reduce their inertia. These are just a few examples of what Aston Martin's engineers did to the 6.0-liter AM28 engine. For the transmission, the Vantage S featured a newly developed gearbox together with the Italian company Oerlikon Graziano. They shaved 25 kg (55 lbs) when compared to the older gearbox. Moreover, since the gearbox was installed on the rear axle, it helped to reduce the weight in the back of the car. The driver could have left the gearbox to switch gears in automatic mode, or to select them via two paddles installed behind the steering wheel.

The interior of the car was special, with a minimalist design, but with expensive and special materials such as carbon-fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara. The car featured all the comfort amenities for a relaxed drive, but it was built mainly for performance driving. It was lighter than the Vanquish with more than 200 kg (440 lbs) and that made it quicker.

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ASTON MARTIN V12 Vantage photo gallery

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.

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