More cylinders, more power, and even more exclusivity!
Aston Martin has confirmed that the V12 Vantage – the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 96-year history - will be shipped across the pond to North and South America later this year. It was originally launched in 2009, but was not homologated for export to the Americas until now. Based on the V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage features a 12-cylinder 6.0- liter engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph.
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 Aston Martin driving experience; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling drive in a highly exclusive package."
A detailed Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis resulted in the development of an alternative load transfer path, incorporating an innovative version of the structure at the front of the car,
which now satisfies North and South American requirements.
For launch in the Americas, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage will also be available in a highly desirable and strictly limited Carbon Black edition. This new special edition adds a typically understated flair to V12 Vantage. On the exterior, the car features Carbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; painstakingly created through a hand painting process taking 50 man-hours. The iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fiber backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10- spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.
Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch. The interior is hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon – Aston Martin’s global headquarters in England. Also featured are a Piano black facia trim, center stack and console, anodized black tread plates and unique sill plaques. The normally optional Aston Martin 700-watt Premium Audio System is standard.
The V12 Vantage is at home on the road and track. As part of engineering durability testing last year, a near-standard spec V12 Vantage won its class at the the grueling Nürburgring 24-hour race. Aston Martin’s engineering team fielded the car. A similar V12 Vantage is set to compete in the 2010 race on May 15-16.
The V12 Vantage is built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters. It joins the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage models which are built in the state-of-the-art production facility combining high-tech manufacturing processes with traditional hand-craftsmanship. Deliveries to the Americas are scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year.
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