- V12 performance
- Excellent dynamics
- Engaging to drive
- Exclusivity
- For Vantage S, semi-automatic transmission is indecisive in traffic
- Hard-to-read gauges
- Bonnet vents detract from design purity
Review: Aston Martin V12 Vantage (2010-13)
Overview
Released in April 2010, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage initially available as a two-seat, high-performance coupe, though a Roadster variant followed in 2012. Manufactured in Warwickshire, England, the rear-wheel drive V12 Vantage was powered by an all-alloy 5.9-litre V12 petrol engine – shared with the DBS – which had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.7:1; a six-speed manual transmission was fitted as standard.
Like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage on which it was based, the V12 Vantage had a bonded aluminium structure with aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel components. However, the suspension for the V12 Vantage was lowered by 15 mm, springs rates were stiffened by 45 per cent and the anti-roll bars were also stiffened (by 15 per cent at the front and 75 per cent at the rear). While the V12 engine was 100 kg heavier than the V8, lightweight materials and components such as carbon ceramic brakes, lighter forged aluminium wheels and lightweight inner rear quarter panels limited the weight gain to 50 kg.
The V12 Vantage had double wishbone front and rear suspension with coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bars. The driver could also select Normal, Sport and Track modes; Sport mode provided sharper throttle response and a louder exhaust note, while Track mode which delayed the intervention of the electronic stability control system.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V12 Vantage | 5.9-litre petrol V12 | 6sp man. | 380 kW at 6500 rpm | 570 Nm at 5750 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard equipment for the V12 Vantage included dual front airbags, front side airbags, front curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The V12 Vantage was fitted with Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes, consisting of 398 mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 360 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.
Features: V12 Vantage
Standard features for the V12 Vantage included 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, a sound system with a CD player, six-disc CD changer, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, Alcantara headlining, cruise control, xenon headlights with washers, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, driver’s seat memory settings, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
The V12 Vantage was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
V12 Vantage Roadster
In 2012, the V12 Vantage Roadster was released. Compared to the coupe, the Roadster had a modified rear damper set-up, revised front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design. Visually, the Roadster could be identified by its carbon-fibre elements (side strakes, front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror camps and rear lamp infills), redesigned rear boot lid to reduce rear lift and a lower front air intake. It is understood that only one or two Roadster models were exported to Australia.
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Review: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (2014-17)
Overview
Released in Australia in early 2014, the V12 Vantage S was powered by Aston Martin’s 6.0-litre AM28 V12 petrol engine with a seven-speed ‘Sportshift III’ automated manual transmission (AMT). Like the AM11 engine in the AM310 Vanquish and Rapide S , the AM28 engine had CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts, but the ’28’ referred to the new Bosch ECU (with OBD compliance).
In addition to its drivetrain, the V12 Vantage S had a new exhaust system, ZF Servotronic power assisted steering (with a quicker 15:1 ratio) and three-stage adaptive suspension damping with selectable Normal, Sport and Track modes. As before, the ‘Sport’ button on the centre console will provide greater throttle response, faster and later gearshifts, reduced steering assistance and a louder exhaust system.
Visually, the V12 Vantage S could be identified by its forged ten-spoke alloy wheels, new grille (with black carbon fibre or titanium silver mesh), black painted roof and part-painted boot panel.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V12 Vantage S | 6.0-litre petrol V12 | 7sp semi-auto | 421 kW at 6750 rpm | 620 Nm at 5500 rpm |
Features
Inside, the V12 Vantage S featured new seats, stitching and welt detailing; there was also a choice of Luxmill and semi-aniline leather grades.
From mid-2015 (‘MY16’), the Aston Martin V12 Vantage was fitted with Aston Martin’s ‘AMi II’ infotainment system which included a real-time display of vehicle power and torque.
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