2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is artful amalgamate of aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber, leather, rubber and glass represents pure sensory overload. artful amalgamate of aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber, leather, rubber and glass represents pure sensory overload. The carbon fiber louvers cut into the aluminum hood allow heated air in the engine compartment to escape, thereby lowering air pressure and lift brought on by high speeds.

Under the aluminium bodywork is a brilliantly engineered all-alloy aluminum monocoque platform (Aston Martin's recognized "VH architecture"). The lightweight bonded framework is both strong and very rigid – an ideal platform for the robust powertrain.

In interior, the front seats drop into leather and Alcantara bucket seats. The swan doors pull shut with carbon fiber handles and the gearshift is a massive hunk of sculpted aluminum alloy. The instrument cluster has been revised for improved clarity higher contrast numerals and a splash of color.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is fitted with 48-valve 6.0-liter. Displacing 5,935 cubic centimeters, the naturally-aspirated all-alloy powerplant is rated at 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to the back of the engine is a traditional (three-pedal) six-speed manual transmission – the only gearbox offered. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a carbon-fiber propeller shaft mated to a standard mechanical limited-slip differential.

Compared to the V8 Vantage, the rear suspension of the V12 model features a more compact dual-rate spring design – changes that allow a more aggressive wheel/tire package. Furthermore, the spring rates have been stiffened by 45 percent and the anti-roll bars are stiffer (by 15 percent up front, and 75 percent in the rear). The ride height has also been dropped .59 inches, lowering the center of gravity with it. The automaker's Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is not offered, or needed, on the V12 Vantage.

The front brakes are 15.67 inches in diameter and the rear brakes are 14.17 inches in diameter with four-piston calipers. Wheels are forged aluminum alloy, 19-inches in diameter, wrapped in custom Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (255/35ZR19 front and 295/30ZR19 rear). The UTQG treadwear rating on the tires is "60." Flypaper has less stick.

According to Aston Martin, the V12 engine weighs about 220 pounds more than the V8, but thanks to the lightweight construction and componentry (including carbon ceramic brakes and forged wheels) the V12 Vantage is only about 100 pounds heavier than its V8 sibling. The curb weight is listed at 3,704 pounds, of which 85 percent lies between the front and rear axles (weight distribution is a near-perfect 51:49). Shift properly, and the V12 Vantage should punch through 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, and the coupe won't stop pulling until it hits 190 mph.