What's the news?
Aston Martin has released more information about its forthcoming V12 Vantage S; including claimed acceleration times and its top speed.
So, the engine first. Under the bonnet of the V12 Vantage S is the familiar 6.0-litre V12 engine, this time developing 573hp and a mountain of torque. This torque figure starts from 510Nm at just 1,000rpm and increases to 620Nm as the revs climb to the 5,750rpm mark. This is then fired through a new Sportshift III AMT (automated manual transmission) and then sent to the rear wheels.
The resultant performance figures stand at a 0-62mph time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 205mph. Aston Martin claims that, apart from the now unavailable One-77, the new V12 Vantage S is both the fastest and fastest accelerating car the company has ever produced.
While straight-line speed is good, how does the V12 Vantage S fare when the going gets twisty? Well, Aston claims to have that sewn up too; as the car has spent many, many hours of development at the 'Green Hell' that is the Nurburgring. Combining this with the company's recent WEC win at Silverstone and its formidable efforts at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race, the V12 Vantage S certainly has potential.
Three-stage adaptive damping also features in the new model, giving drivers the choice between Normal, Sport and Track to suit various driving conditions. Each setting adjusts the overall dynamics of the car as well as altering the power steering assistance. This is joined by a separate Sport button on the dashboard that changes throttle response, gearshift ferocity and exhaust note.
Anything else?
All this technology and power does come at a price. Aston Martin has revealed that you will need £138,000 to get your hands on this flagship baby-Aston.
James Giddings - 21 Jun 2013