2009 Aston Martin V12 Vantage: 510hp, 570Nm

February 4th, 2009

2009 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The 2009 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will be equipped with the same 6.0-liter 510hp, 570Nm V12 engine currently powering the top of the line Aston Martin DBS super-coupe.

Although the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is only about 10kg lighter than the DBS, it still takes the whole 0.1 second less to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (perhaps, thanks to a better tuned six-speed manual transmission channeling the torrent of power to the rear wheels and a new limited slip differential).

With its top speed of 305km/h, the V12 Vantage is 2km/h slower than the DBS but 3km/h faster than the V8-powered model.

The new model has also received a final drive ratio of 3.17:1 identical to that of the DBS and 0.2 shorter than the V8 Vantage sports, adding that extra feeling of catapult-like acceleration.

The list of modifications also includes an intake bypass valve opening at 5500rpm, an alloy torque tube with a lightweight carbon-fiber propeller shaft, new coil springs and huge ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers on the front wheels and four-piston biters at the rear. These are hidden inside gorgeous-looking 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels.

Of course, there is also a new hood with lots of extra air-vents in different places, new front and rear bumpers sporting a new carbon fiber spoiler lip and a rear diffuser made of the same feather-light material, and a small deck lid spoiler.

Aston Martin plans to limit the V12 Vantage’s production to only 500 units per year with pricing and additional technical specs revealed at this year’s motor show in Geneva.