Aston Martin has made the best-looking cars since 1913. And the V12 Vantage RS is no exception.
The V12 Vantage RS is based on the V8 Vantage. The V8 Vantage has been beloved ever since its introduction in 2006. The only criticism for the V8 has been its lack of power. A 380 horsepower 4.3
liter V8 produced good power but lacked real Super Car performance. Now free from the death grip
of Ford motor company, Aston’s new leadership decided to make big news with a V12 Vantage RS
concept. The engine of choice was the V12 engine from the DBR9 racecar that produces over 600 hp.
This engine would add just under 200 pounds to the curb weight of the Vantage, but Aston engineers’
found a way to strip over 300 pounds from the chaise to a total weight of 3420 pounds.
To put this all in perspective, the 2007 Subaru STI weighs in at 3300 pounds and with 300 horsepower
it can accelerate to 60 in 4.7, which is the same as the V8 Vantage. The V8 Vantage’s additional 80
hp is not enough to push the 300 extra pounds faster than the Subaru. The V12 Vantage’s 610 horsepower is almost double the original output and improves the Vantage’s time to the sub
4-second range. This 610 hp engine is also in the new DBS. With the DBS’s additional 350 pounds,
it slows its 0-60 sprint to 4.3 seconds. All in all very respectable performance from the new V12 Vantage
RS.
When the V12 Vantage RS hits showrooms in 2009 except to pay close to 200,000 each in a limited run
of around 100 unites per year. It may be one of the most beautiful cars Aston Martin has ever produced
and better looking than the DBS.
Check out our pics and wallpapers of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS
James Bond’s Favorite Car
The DBS was feathered in the latest James Bond movie and gave car enthusiasts the first look at the
new flagship Aston. The DBS represents the ultimate DB9. The DBS symbolizes outstanding power, race-bred technology and excellent design. Powered by a hand-built V12 engine producing 510 bhp,
the DBS delivers breathtaking power and performance. Beneath the flowing lines of the lightweight
bodywork, the DBS’s components have been honed to create an exhilarating driving experience:
taut, dynamic and fast, and more controlled then the base DB9. The styling of DB9 has been adapted
to give a more purposefully look.
Aston Martin’s Plan for Sports Car Domination
Aston Martin unveiled the DBS for the first time along with two new special editions – the Aston Martin
DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company’s recent achievements at Le Mans and the Nurburgring 24-hour races. The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates
Aston Martin’s achievements at the Nurburgring, where the company enjoyed success in the grueling
ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production racecar. Aston Martin develops and tests all of
its road cars extensively on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke
eight-minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.
The 2008 Vantage N400 includes a number of performance improvements as well as enhancements
to the car’s styling and standard features. The limited-edition model receives a needed boost in power
to Aston’s 4.3 liter V8 engine, peak power rises from 380 to 400bhp, torque is up to 414lb ft. The
handling has been improved as well, thanks to a Sports Package, which includes lighter-weight,
graphite-finished alloy wheels and up-rated springs and dampers and a larger rear anti-roll bar.
The Vantage N400’s most noticeable exterior design improvement is the clear rear taillights.
Side skirts have also received a more sculpted look. The Vantage N400 will be available in three
new exterior colors; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy interior trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. Transmission choice is between Sportshift automated manual or conventional
manual transmission. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth
telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.
All in all the V8 Vantage has been a very good bargain form Aston and now it just got even better
thanks to the upgrades in the M400 special edition.
The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic
in June with the DBR9 – a racecar derived from the DB9.
This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts,
unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ interior trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, including the lighter-weight wheels seen on the Vantage N400.
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