This is the last one of its kind.
Aston Martin has introduced the last V12 Vantage, a high-powered version of the DBX 707. The wraps have been on the vantage’s range-topping version almost a year. This is the most powerful Vantage ever fitted with a combustion engine. It has a twin-turbo, 5.2-liter turbocharged V8 that improves the car’s power to weight ratio by more than 20%.
The V12 Vantage produces 690 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 753 Newton-meters (6555 pound-feet), of torque starting at 1,800 RPM. After a series weight-saving measures, the supercar weighs in at 1,795 kg (3,957 lbs). The front bumper, hood and front fenders are all made of carbon fiber. Side sills and bumpers also include this material. The deck lid and bumper at the back are also made of carbon fiber.
Draconian’s diet includes a lighter battery and a new stainless-steel exhaust that has centrally mounted dual tips. This setup is a 7.2-kg lighter (15.8 lb) than the standard one and it has been tuned to produce a more aggressive sound to match the V12 Vantage’s status of a flagship model.
Aston Martin engineers installed standard carbon-ceramic brakes. The front has 410mm discs, which are partnered with six-piston disc calipers. The rear has 360mm discs that are paired with four piston calipers. The CCB brakes are lighter than the traditional steel set by reducing weight by 23 kg (51 lbs). These brakes, made by Gaydon and can withstand brake fade at temperatures up to 800 degrees Celsius (1.472 degrees Fahrenheit).
The 21-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot 4S tires. They look amazing and cut 8 kg (18 lbs). The standard rubber is 275/35 R21 at front and 315/30 R21 back. The V12 Vantage has been extended by 40 millimeters (roughly 1.6 inches) to house these shiny new wheels.
Aerodynamically, the revised bodywork is a boon since it generates 204kg (450 lbs), of downforce at its top speed. The V12 Vantage can reach speeds of 200 mph (322 km/h), after hitting 62mph (100 km/h), in 3.5 seconds, and 60mph (96.5 km/h), in 3.4 seconds. Talk about going out with an awesome.
An eight-speed automatic transmission transmits all that power to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted mechanical limited slip differential. The ZF gearbox was modified to deal with the increased power of the engine and provides faster shifts using lessons learned from the development of the Vantage F1 Edition.
The adaptive suspension, which features redesigned anti-roll bars and bushings as well as spring and damper assemblies, is another important hardware improvement. The V12 Vantage has 50 percent stiffer front springs than the regular Vantage. However, the rear springs are 40 percent stronger.
You can make the machine a bit more manageable by adding the Comfort Package. The Comfort Package includes an enclosed parcel shelf and divider, which allows for some insulation to be restored to lower levels. There are many options, including a 4-piece luggage set, an indoor car cover, trunk rug, and a battery conditioner, as these cars are rarely driven.
Already sold out, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is limited to 333 cars. The first deliveries to customers will take place in the second quarter.