About a month ago, Aston Martin released two teaser photos of its V12 Vantage coupe ahead of its debut.
On the face of it, the V12 Vantage RS is little more than a standard Vantage with the DB9’s V12 engine shoehorned into it. Okay, the heavily vented bonnet and enlarged rear wing should give a clue, yet they don’t prepare you for this engine being a pure racing unit as powerful as that in the DBR9 racer.
Nobody is talking precise numbers, but there’s general agreement that it produces at least 600bhp. The car also has semi-racing suspension, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and a kerb weight of 3,300lb – some 286lb less than the normal Vantage despite the greater weight of a 6 litre V12 over the 4.3 litre V8. The savings have been made by removing soundproofing, airbags and air-conditioning, and fitting a number of carbon-fibre panels.
The RS has about the same power as Ferrari’s quickest car, the 599GTB, but weighs some 880lb less. So all other things being equal, in a drag race between the Vantage and Ferrari’s fastest, the Italian stallion would be left choking in the dust of this very British bulldog. Again, no numbers are quoted, but 0-60mph in 3.5sec and 0-100mph in 7sec won’t be far from the truth.
Vital statistics
Model Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS
Engine type 5935cc, 12 cylinders
Power/Torque 600bhp @ 7000rpm / 501 lb ft @ 5600rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel/CO2 n/a
Performance 0-60mph: 3.5sec approx. Top speed: 205mph approx
Price £150,000 approx
Verdict The best car Aston Martin has ever made
Date of release Summer 2009
The opposition
Model Ferrari 430 Scuderia £172,500
For Power unit; uncompromising nature
Against Expensive; not as pretty as it should be
Model Porsche 911 GT2 £131,070
For The fastest Porsche; easy to drive
Against Very pricey; not as involving as a GT3
