Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Officially launched!



Aston Martin revealed the AM V12 Vantage today, officially marking the end of the tier model differentiation previously putting the V8 Vantage apart from the V12 DB9. Of course, some 'marketing' stuffs had to be done to separate them apart, and this comes in the form with the V12 Vantage's 6.0 ltr V12 engine capped at 510hp and 570nm of torque, with performance figures 'slightly' below at 4.1 seconds to the century sprint and a top speed of 305km/h. Power is transmitted via a 6 speed manual gearbox, with ride height lowered by 15mm with spring rates stiffened by 15% and the anti roll bars stiffened by 45% up front and 75% rear.

As with most modern supercars, the AM V12 Vantage will sport variable throttle response, with a normal mode and as expected, a 'Sports' mode where throttle response is greatly sharpened. As with all increased output supercars, stopping power is increased with the use of 398mm front and 360mm rear Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes which not only provide better braking power (when heated) and shedding off 12.5kg of unsprung weight.

Of course visual cues are required to mark strong differentiation form the 4 cylinder lesser sibling, thus 4 slabs of HUGE air vents on the bonnet helps 'cool' the huge V12 engine. Of course carbon fiber front splitters are inevitable, as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser, inside, there are more carbon fibers to be found with even a carbon fiber door handle. Interiors are also swathe with Alcantara leather, and different designs for the meter clusters. Prices are not announced yet, but expect it to be not very wallet friendly.