In addition to its DB9 and Vanquish, Aston Martin adds to its range the V8 Vantage. An entry-level model that is going to experience an unexpected success! The Gaydon firm decided to bet heavily on this sporty V8 engine, offering him as early as 2009, a sulphurous declination V12. What is this "little" Aston Martin has everything a great? Is it so unreasonable?
Technical sheet
| Model | Aston Martin V12 Vantage |
| Engine | 5.9 V12 517 horses |
| Dimensions | 4.38 x 1.86 x 1.24 meters |
| Mass | 1 681 kg |
| Marketing | 2009 - 2012 1200 copies |
| average coast | 100 000 € |
| 0 to 100 km / h | 4"2 |
| max | 303 km/h |
| Consumption | 16.4 l / 100 km |
| Date and place | June 14, 2015, Le Mans |
Baby Aston . In 2003, Aston Martin unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show concept car AMV8 Vantage. An entry-level model inspired clearly by the DB7 and also ingesting certain stylistic elements that adorn future production, like inverted T grille. Marketing begins in summer 2005, as the V8 Vantage. Success came quickly, the little Aston Martin quickly than sales DB9 and Vanquish cumulative. More affordable than the big sisters, the beautiful English receives an original V8 Jaguar and offering a displacement of 4.3 liters and 4.7 liters. It stands out as an original alternative to Jaguar XK, Porsche 911 and a rival of choice for the Audi R8 whose production began in 2007. A convertible version even born. It was in 2009 that things (more ...) serious arrive with the arrival of a proposed second engine. We shall see, this is not a simple motor of change that was made ...
Testosterone treatment . V12 Vantage is the name (not surprisingly) the declination V12. In theory, it is legitimate to ask on paper the interest of this version: why make a entry level model and then provide it with a more powerful engine than the DB9 ... But also more expensive? Before responding to this problem, let's look at that body. First impression: it is much more opulent and aggressive than the V8. The hood gets four impressive intakes genuine carbon air while the bumpers are redesigned full, openwork more and more sporty appearance. Initially regarded as a GT, the Vantage would she turns into a pure sports? Anyway, that's what seems to affirm this stylish and outgoing line. Printing also enhanced by the imposing 19-inch wheels.
Compet brake ' . To invigorate the behavior of the Vantage, the V12 has focused on weight reduction but also on aerodynamics. Evidenced by the spoiler, the diffuser and the side air intakes inspired by the version of Vantage N24 race that directs air to the rear and reduces high speed body movements. The rims are completely new and designed specifically for the V12 version by 19 inches, they offer a simple and effective aesthetic resolutely sporting and elegant with a refined two-tone finish. As for the braking system, it is standard in carbon ceramic in the front and rear with discs 398 and 360 millimeters and calipers 6 and 4 pistons. Suffice to say that the braking demonstrates impressive efficacy and a good endurance. However, the cost of replacement is high and it is better not restart after a stint in the gravel as this could damage one of these discs to over € 2000 piece ...
1.7 tonnes . As often, the the beautiful interior is beautifully crafted, assembled an interior with great rigor, simple but effective features and quality materials, a high level of comfort. The equipment is also rich with carbon at multiple locations (and true!) , Electric seats and mirrors , automatic climate control, cruise control and trip computer, a GPS system and a facility for connecting a telephone Bluetooth. As often, drawing in the catalog of options, it is possible to arrive at a single configuration, with different colors for the interior, a smoker kit, an umbrella (it's still the great class, such as Rolls Royce ) , a first aid kit and heated seats. But apart from carbon and aluminum platform, the V12 Vantage remains desperately heavy with nearly 1.7 tons.The V12, as massive as heavy, only adds to the car by 55 kg compared to the V8 version, which remains correct.
Tonic . The profile of the V12 Vantage makes clear its compactness. With 4.38 meters in length only, our English twelve-cylinder has a tendency to understeer, it is better not to push it to its limits. Several settings modes are available for the suspensions, depending on the type of course and coating. A mode that adds to the traction control, very likely and a limited slip differential that allows for curve passages speeds quite remarkable. Nevertheless amortization remains firm but fair, with padded seats to the point and very comfortable. But aside from these few inconveniences, the record is still largely positive: it is a GT bristling testosterone, playful jokes and the melodious sound. Let us focus now on its entrails ...
Breath away . The V12 engine capacity of 5.9 liters comes directly from the DBS. Although reworked, it displays also a power of 517 horsepower, 91 more horsepower than the V8. But beyond the wildest performance significantly, it is the character of our beautiful V12 Vantage which commands admiration. This block is 100kg heavier than the V8, the firm's Gaydon has managed to maintain an excellent balance. The 0 to 100 km / h faster than the DBS with 4.2 seconds and the top speed rises to 300 km / h. The huge torque of this atmospheric V12 reaches 570 Nm. It's mind-blowing. The reinforced anti-roll bars, the wings and lighter seats contribute to the efficiency of the machine, which does not move in corners and provides the feeling of being in a much higher category hypercar! Feeling even more pleasant than Aston Martin V12 with an atmospheric and unique mechanical gearbox is something that is brought to disappear. We must savor the moment. A moment full of brutality, but also happiness.
Gluttonous . The V12 Vantage, as his accomplice V8, is not more docile but deserves some experience to be conducted properly. While driving aids are there, do not necessarily would catch a blunder, a far cry from the behavior of a Porsche 911 or Audi R8, but it's also what makes the charm of this English: a sporty old with good current performance. The rear is distinguished with a prominent diffuser and translucent lights, which will be offered as an option on V8 release also. A model that is appreciated for cruiser on country roads with unique background music, the V12 and 48 valves. An experience we would like interminable but which generally balance ... a passage to the pump. The combined cycle fuel consumption rises very easily in 20 liters per 100 kilometers, it must be recognized that the twelve cylinders are a bit greedy but the pleasure is much higher than many current models downsized.
1200 copies . Sold new to around € 140,000, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage was produced in 1200 coupes and 101 convertibles. Relatively low numbers that will make a future collector model as its features are numerous.S version was even produced, even more radical with 573 horsepower and performance up. But rest assured, the V12 Vantage "classic" is more than enough to have fun and lose his license to any long press on the right pedal. Compared to the DB9, it displays a more lively behavior, sharper raises and its size allows more have fun with. It is halfway between the GT and sports a rather successful mix that gives this model a great versatility.
Authentic . On the second hand market, it takes between 100 and € 130 000 to acquire a healthy copy. A still high rate is explained by the low circulation and the authenticity of the atmospheric V12 more than any manufacturer would dare include in its range, at a time when emissions are tightly framed. Finally, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is neither the most effective nor the least polluting and less expensive to maintain the least, it is even the opposite. But it is an extremely endearing model that offers driving pleasure (or drive) out of the ordinary , with its qualities and defects.
Should I buy an Aston Martin V12 Vantage?
No, an Aston Martin V12 Vantage is absolutely not a reasonable purchase. If its quite costly maintenance and its consumption does not scare you, however this is an excellent choice, oriented driving pleasure. An authentic model that will delight lovers of beautiful bodies and a bit nostalgic models of yesteryear. In the tradition Aston Martin V12 Vantage has the potential to be a future collector's model. Her DBS engine in a template is a total success, do not miss if you have a certain amount of euros at least six figures sleeping on a bank account!
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