Aston Vantage V12

V12 will have 517bhp and 190mph top speed

Aston Martin has unveiled its V12 Vantage just 12 months after unveiling the original concept. The car will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and features a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 517bhp and 420lb ft of torque.

Production will be limited to 300-500 cars per year and deliveries are expected to start in autumn. Although the V12 engine weighs 100kg more than the standard car’s engine thanks to the use of lighter materials the weight gain is kept to a minimum.

Carbon ceramic brakes, lighter forged aluminium wheels, lightweight inner rear quarter panels and optional lightweight seats mean the overall kerb weight is 50kg heavier than its V8 sibling.

There is a six-speed manual ‘box using a transaxle configuration to aid weight distribution. The V12 Vantage’s final drive ratio has also been modified from 3.909:1 to 3.71:1. This allows the Vantage to take full benefit of the high torque levels delivered by the engine to provide both flexibility at lower engine speeds.

The rear suspension has been modified, with a more compact dual-rate spring design, in order to accommodate a wider wheel and tyre combination, improving grip and traction. The ride height has been lowered by 15mm, with the spring rates stiffened by 45%.

The anti-roll bars are 15% (front) and 75% (rear) stiffer than the standard car. The V12’s diamond-turned 19” alloys save a total of 5kg and are clad in wider Pirelli P Zero Corsa Tyres. Aston says the car can generate the highest cornering forces of any of its cars, with up to 1.3g possible.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: ‘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 to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience.

‘The V12 Vantage has a unique character, unlike our other cars. This will appeal to different people with different tastes, allowing more people to enjoy the Aston Martin experience.’