The DBX 707 was a true beast on wheels when it came and now the last V12 Vantage is here. This top-of-the-line Vantage is the most powerful Aston Martin ever produced. The power comes from a twin-turbo 5.2-litre enhancing the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio by over 20 per cent than the V8 model.
The automaker claims the power of 690 horses at 6,500 rpm and 753 Newton-metres (555 pound-feet) of torque from 1,800 rpm. Analyzing the power output, it translates to 385 hp per one metric ton. It weighs just 1,795 kilograms (3,957 pounds) thanks to a number of weight-saving techniques the British automaker applied.
To make it weight low, Aston Martin employed lots of carbon fibre at different places, comprising the front bumper, hood, front fenders, and even the side sills. At the rear section, the deck lid and bumper use the same lightweight material.
When it comes to shedding weight to improve a car’s performance, you have to look beyond carbon fibre use. In this regard, the engineers installed a lightweight battery and a freshly created stainless-steel exhaust with centrally fixed dual tips. It sheds 7.2 kilograms (15.8 pounds) contrasted to the regular model.
To make it a perfect weight loss recipe, the automaker installed standard carbon-ceramic brakes with 410-mm front discs and six-piston calipers at the front. The back wheels get 360-mm discs mated to four-piston calipers. The braking setup cuts 23 kg (51 lbs) compared to the typical steel brake system.
Further weight reduction comes through Michelin Pilot 4S tires and new 21-inch alloy wheels that shave off 8 kg (18 lbs) of fat. The wheels are 275/35 R21 at the front axle and 315/30 R21 at the back. The fenders are now heavier as they are extended by around 40 millimetres (almost 1.6 inches).
All these changes do not only shed extra weight but also improve the sports car’s aerodynamics. It can produce 204 kg (450 lbs) of downforce at the maximum speed. The result is a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) g 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 3.4 seconds.
The power goes to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-installed mechanical limited-slip differential. The ZF transmission has been improved to manage the mill’s extra power and offer faster shifts.
Other significant hardware modifications come through the new adaptive suspension, boasting restructured anti-roll bars, bushes, and spring and damper assemblies. Analyzing it against the standard Vantage model, the V12 Vantage has 50 per cent front and 40 per cent tougher rear springs.
The speed beast can be tamed through the available Comfort Package that adds insulation to minimise the NVH levels as well as a parcel shelf and divider. Other available facilities include a four-piece luggage set, indoor car cover, trunk mat, and a battery conditioner.
Aston Martin is only making 333 units of the V12 Vantage and sadly all have already been accounted for. The customers should start receiving this hardcore machine in the second quarter of 2022.
Source and Images: Motor1