Aston unveils V12 Vantage S 03 | 06 | 2013
ASTON MARTIN'S NEWLY-REDESIGNED V12 Vantage S, capable of 205mph, is now the fastest regular production car in the company's history (see more official photos of the new, fastest Aston Martin).
The revised look incorporates a number of new features, including a front grille from the recently introduced CC100 Speedster concept.
Externally the revised car gets new lightweight forged alloy 10-spoke wheels, and a subtle yet distinctive exterior graphics pack that includes a black painted roof and part-painted boot panel.
Of greater significance is the more powerful V12 engine which now delivers 565bhp via a seven-speed automated manual gearbox, replacing the previous six-speed manual. The revised version also benefits from adaptive dampers and a lower kerb weight.
Three driving modes — Normal, Sport and Track — have also been added to the new car, increasing its breadth of ability.
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In Normal mode, the V12 Vantage S is, according to Aston Martin, more usable and refined than the V8 Vantage S. Flicked into Sport mode, it closely matches the outgoing V12 Vantage.
But in Track mode it steps above the V12 Vantage in terms of performance to become the hardest and fastest regular Aston built. Official figures have yet to be confirmed, but it's expected it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in under 4.0secs.
Inside the cabin, there's new-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing. There's also two leather grade options — Luxmill and semi-aniline — plus the possibility to include Alcantara.
An optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack, which adds the material to the car’s facia and door pulls, is also available, as is plus — for the first time in a V12 Vantage S — black pedals.
“The new V12 Vantage S is our most extreme Vantage to date," Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said, "engineered to bring race car performance and technology to the open road.
“It is our most powerful engine in a beautifully tailored suit. It is elegant, yet brutal, and it is at the same time easy to control. It has everything that sums up Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.”
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Jim McGill