Thread: First Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS

First Drive: Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS

The Best Aston Martin Ever

By Andrew Frankel, Contributor
Date posted: 03-25-2008

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is a car to make you sweat on a cold day. Its acceleration is not unmanageable but it lives in a place right on the outer edge of your comfort zone. Instead of looking eagerly at the instruments to see how fast you're traveling, you actively try quite hard not to think about it.

As we rocket down the long, long, long straightaway at the Paul Ricard Circuit here in the sunny bit of wintry France, you wonder if there is any point returning your hand to the steering wheel for that ever-so-brief pause between feeding this car's insatiable appetite for gears with the shift lever. You do anyway, because guiding this thing with just one hand on the helm seems a long way from a good idea.

As you reach the end of the 1.1-mile straight, it's clear that very little work has been done on the car's aerodynamics because the steering is worryingly light and the car starts to wander across the track.

Bloody hell. Six hundred horsepower and $300,000. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is not for the faint of heart.

The 600-hp Barrier
Because the car you're looking at is the only Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS currently in existence and has been designed as a concept car to sit on a show stand and not rocket up the public road, it is entirely illegal on the road and can, therefore, only be driven on a test track. But unlike most concept cars — whose doors start to fall off if you drive them at much more than 30 mph — this one is still yelling for more when we have to brake for the corner at the end of the back straight at — conservatively — 175 mph. It'll go 200 mph if you have enough room.

At its most basic (as it is described on the tin, in a manner of speaking), this is an Aston Vantage with its 4.3-liter V8 replaced by the 6.0-liter V12 used by the Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DBS. But describing this car as a Vantage with a V12 motor is like calling Michelangelo a handy interior decorator — true, but not exactly to the point.

As we described recently in our First Look, the V12 Vantage RS is so much more than this. For a start, the engine is neither the 450-hp V12 used in the DB9 nor the 510-hp version used by the DBS. Instead the RS features a full race engine with a whole host of expensive modifications from forged pistons to dry sump lubrication that allow it to pump out a mighty 600 hp.

The English Like Hot Rods, Too
It's hard to know just when 600 hp became the standard of measure in high performance. After all, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz AMG just recently stepped up with new 500-hp V8s to match the 500-hp Dodge V10. And now the 600-hp 2008 Dodge Viper ACR has been followed by the supercharged 600-hp Corvette ZR1. It's amazing that Aston Martin has been able to create its own entry in this splinter-size segment in just a few short months since last fall.

Though few speak out in public, the motor industry is not short of those who say that Aston Martin is going to find life hard now that it has returned to private ownership some 17 years after the company was sold to Ford in an almost moribund condition.

So Aston Martin has sought to make a small but significant gesture to those who claim that it was only as good as the Blue Oval behind it, and created a couple of limited-production cars in recent months. It also makes good business sense, as Lamborghini has shown us that specialty models keep a nameplate in the spotlight where the increasing number of millionaires in formerly overlooked corners of the globe can find it.

Fortunately Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez learned his chops while directing engineering at Porsche, BMW M and then Daewoo, so he has ensured that Aston Martin has invested in the right kind of hardware to serve it well in the long run, like its all-aluminum chassis architecture, the 4.3-liter V8 and the 6.0-liter V12.

All this makes the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS the most extraordinary road car ever to display the winged badge of Aston Martin on its nose.

Power and (Less) Weight
But it's best not to be thinking such thoughts at the end of the long straight at Paul Ricard High Speed Test Track (HSTT), now a test facility after a long history as the site of races for Formula 1 and other road racing series.

You tread on the V12 Vantage's brake and then feel the pedal sink disconcertingly under your foot with little sign of any meaningful retardation. Then suddenly the temperature of the carbon-ceramic discs hits the optimum operating zone and the nose of the car dips, stability returns and your excess speed is discarded in an instant.

Given its early stage of development and the weight of the huge V12 engine in the nose of a car scaled for a V8, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is astonishingly good in the corners. The steering feels precise and reassuringly heavy, guiding the nose of the car with unquestioned accuracy. Once in the corner, the Vantage RS feels neutral, progressive and, above all else, on your side.

It helps that the V12 Vantage does not weigh much more than a V8 Vantage. In fact, it weighs 287 pounds less than the 3,594-pound V8 Vantage thanks to the removal of things you don't need on the track, like air-conditioning, airbags and a chunk of acoustic insulation. A not-insubstantial weight saving also came from the use of carbon fiber for the hood, door liners and trunk lid.

Figure It Out
To put this in perspective, imagine a car weighing the same as a Ford Mondeo, only with the same power as the Aston Martin DBR9 racing car that won the GT category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year. You might expect the result to be certifiably insane. And you'd be right.

We estimate acceleration to 60 mph is around 3.5 seconds, with no more than the same amount of time again being required to get from 60 to 100 mph. So that's zero to 100 mph in a nice, round 7 seconds — which, as you will have noticed, is a perfectly respectable 0-60-mph time for most conventional performance cars.

And while the V12 in a DB9 or DBS sounds wonderfully invigorating at full throttle, this one is nothing less than savage. If you merely brush the accelerator while idling at a standstill, the V12 barks its approval. Give the pedal a proper stab and it will emit a howl of such ferocity that it makes you want to duck.

Indeed the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS is an entirely intimidating car. It could land you in more trouble than you could conceive in less time than you could imagine, but only if you were treating the car with less than the respect it deserves.

You must be constantly aware not only of its power but also of its short wheelbase and the fact that traction control is provided by your right foot alone. If you aren't, then frankly you deserve what's coming. If you look after it, it will look after you.

The Competitive Spirit
The V12 Vantage RS is a new breed for Aston Martin. Even if you gaze into the mists of times, you'll find that despite the very sporting image of the company, it has mainly busied itself with building fast touring cars, more cruisers than bruisers. The normal Aston Martin V8 Vantage is pleasingly sporting but still very much an everyday, all-purpose machine, while the flagship Aston Martin DBS is clearly a grand touring car at heart, though admittedly a fairly rapid one.

Aston Martin's V12 Vantage RS is none of these things. It is a track-inspired weapon for the uncompromising driver. Much like Ferrari and Porsche, not to mention Aston Martin itself during the 1950s, Dr. Ulrich Bez's company is building its reputation on motorsports. Wherever you find sports car racing, you'll find the Aston Martin badge, from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the FIA's GT4 series for production-based sports cars. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS bridges the gap between the company's racing cars and its road cars, much like the 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, a car now worth as much as $4 million.

Aston Martin still hasn't made a final decision, but we can expect a production run of perhaps as many as 600 cars to begin this summer at a price of about $300,000. Perhaps it'll be worth as much as an Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato in 40 years' time.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS First Drive

top gear:

Press release:

Technical Enhancements for Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Gaydon, 23 May 2008. Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage – originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 – is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car’s position as one of the world’s most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288km/h). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).

Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19’’ alloy wheels.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range.

“With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.

“The V8 Vantage is now the most successful Aston Martin in our history and we are confident these changes will continue its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers.”

Engine

Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin’s acclaimed V8 engine.

The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.

The increase in cylinder bore is facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.

The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes.

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new sump casting with oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides of the sump. The cylinder heads are modified with a new intake port and an inlet valve size increase from 34.9mm to 35.9mm. The intake manifold has been modified to match the new port to optimise air flow.

Transmission

The V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.

Aston Martin’s Sportshift™ transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.

‘Dual Throttle Map’ software is also featured. When ‘Comfort’ mode is selected the engine reacts in a smoother more progressive manner to driver throttle inputs and in the default ‘Sports’ mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.

Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.

Suspension A series of improvements are introduced to the V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.

Steering geometry is also modified to improve steering feel, while the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes are stiffened by 22% to provide enhanced steering response and handling.

The V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

Design & Optional Equipment

Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.

Although the award-winning exterior design of the V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19’’ alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc alloy with a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU – first seen on the DBS in 2007. The ECU – constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the key used previously for the V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the V8 Vantage caused a worldwide sensation as it allowed Aston Martin to enter a new sector of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars on offer. Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin’s Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.

Prices for the revised V8 Vantage will be confirmed at a later date, with deliveries set to commence from quarter three 2008.

Specification: Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Body
Two-door style coupe body style with tailgate or two-door body with soft cover convertible top and heated glass rear screen with 2+0 seating. Bonded aluminium structure, aluminium alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy body. Extruded aluminium side impact bars. Halogen projector headlamps (main beam). LED rear lamps.

Engine
Aston Martin all alloy quad overhead camshaft 32 valve, 4735cc 4.7 litre V8. Variable inlet camshaft timing. Dry sump lubrication system. Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. Front-mid mounted engine. Rear wheel drive.

Transmission
Rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox with optional Sportshift*4 automated manual transmission. Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft. Limited slip differential. Final drive ratio 3.909:1.

Steering
Rack and pinion, power assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock to lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment. Electronic steering column lock.

Wheels and Tyres
Standard: 19’’ alloy wheels – 20 spoke design - Front: 8.5J x 19’’ / Rear: 9.5J x 19’’. Bridgestone Potenza tyres - Front: 235/40 ZR19. Rear: 275/35 ZR19.

Optional: 19’’ alloy wheels – 7 spoke design - Front: 8.5J x 19’’ / Rear: 9.5J x 19’’. Bridgestone Potenza tyres - Front: 235/40 ZR19. Rear: 275/35 ZR19.

Suspension
Front: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers.
Rear: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube dampers.

Brakes
Radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Traction Control. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Positive Torque Control.

Front: Ventilated grooved steel discs 355mm diameter.
Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs 330mm diameter.

Interior
Full grain leather interior. Alcantara headlining. Alloy facia trim and graphite centre console finish. Electrically adjustable seats. Dual stage driver and passenger airbags. Side airbags. Heated rear screen. Automatic temperature control. Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays. Trip computer, Glass ECU. LED map reading lights. Rear parking sensors. Tyre pressure monitoring. Alarm and immobiliser. Remote control central door locking and boot release. Battery Disconnect Switch (BDS). Battery conditioner. Tracking device (UK only).

In-Car Entertainment
160W Aston Martin Audio System with six-CD autochanger. Integrated Apple iPod® connector*5. USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility.

Options
Sportshift*4 automated manual transmission. Sports Pack. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*1+. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps (dipped beam). Satellite radio system (USA only). Piano Black facia trim. Personalised sill plaques. Auto dimming interior rear view mirror*1. Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener*1. Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor). Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions). Heated seats. Front parking sensors. Tracking device*2. First aid kit. Ashtray and cigar lighter. Cruise control. Bluetooth telephone preparation*1. Powerfold exterior mirrors. Boot mounted umbrella. 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®.

I didnt read it but damn that thing is beautiful. I love that color.

WOW!!! Now I have to rethink (in my dreams) if I really want that 8C Competizione.

Sexy!! wow!

beautiful!

yeah this is as ultimate as cars will probably get for me.

I have a new goal in life.