Aston Martin V12 Vantage
 | | Aston Martin V12 Vantage |
Ever wished you could play at running a car manufacturer for a day? Creating a Frankenstein of your own by raiding the parts department could result in a slick, stunning coupe with the largest possible engine inserted in it.
That's not how the Aston Martin V12 Vantage came about, but it does explain quite simply what it is: the compact Vantage body with the 4.7-litre V8 removed and a 6.0-litre V12 put in its place - the same V12 that powers the gorgeous DBS past 190mph.
 | | Aston Martin V12 Vantage interior |
In short, it's a car that should get the juices flowing just by looking at a piece of paper with the spec written on it.
The standard Vantage is elegant and handsome in a very Aston way, but the V12 version adds several layers of muscle thanks to different wheels, tasteful aerodynamic additions plus bulges and vents all across its body. It gives off very loud signals that this is a serious performance car.
Making that massive 6.0-litre fit in a car that was never designed to hold it was a feat in itself. Despite the motor being 100kg heavier than the V8, the V12 Vantage is actually 50kg lighter than the regular car thanks to savings made elsewhere.
In doing so Aston has also managed to keep the weight distribution close to 50/50, all the better for handling balance.
There's structural bracing poking its way into the rear of the cabin, the suspension has been heavily revised and there are carbon ceramic brakes as standard.
Your expectations are maintained as you climb inside. Specify the superb bucket seats and once clambered in, the suede-covered steering wheel is a race-car touch that feels fantastic to hold. Blip the throttle and the whole car rocks from side to side as the engine does its best to turn itself over. Punch the Sport button (which also sharpens throttle response and the suspension settings) and a valve in the exhaust opens, allowing the full noise out in the open.
Slot first then pull away, and within yards it's easy to feel the changes that have transformed this Vantage into a significantly different car. It's the firmest car Aston makes, and you have a crystal clear impression of what the front wheels are doing and the road surface itself, yet it still retains sufficient comfort to be an every day car - just like an Aston should.
But that engine delivers the biggest thrills. It's the kind of powerplant that encourages you to keep driving just to hear and feel it strut its stuff. The power builds from tickover, punching ever harder as the revs pass 4,000rpm with the noise growing all the time. By 7,000rpm it's all done, but by then you'll be concentrating very hard indeed. Braking is just as effortless, requiring only a minor squeeze to shed speed. Push hard and you're shoved hard against the belts.
Despite the epic performance, it's the ride and handling mix that is even more impressive. This is without doubt a firmly-sprung supercar with the responses to match, but you won't feel the need to swerve around big bumps or wince over potholes.
Then on the twisty bits, there's an absence of roll with sure and predicable grip from both ends. Inevitably with this much power the ability to steer from the rear is always there, but the two-stage stability control means that it will only happen when you want it too.
This is a thoroughly re-engineered car from nose to tail, and it couldn't feel more different than the car upon which it is based. It's also close in performance to its arguably more handsome and definitely more spacious brother, the DBS. Yet this is undoubtedly the most dynamic, the most exciting and the most convincing sports car that Aston Martin has ever built.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage - £135,000
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