Who Needs James Bond?
When the name Aston Martin is mentioned most of us conjure up images of a dashing British spy in a tux that has a car that oozes sophistication as much as he does. One look at the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and you don’t need to trot out a handsome Brit to get everyone hot and bothered. From the sound of this massive engine, one thing is perfectly clear: This car can speak for itself.
Not Just a Pretty Face
Our friends at Elite Autos in Jonesboro, AR have a prime example of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage in the preferred carbon black paint choice. This beautiful vehicle and many other classic cars can found on their website, www.eliteautosllc.com. The V12 Vantage is a handcrafted piece of art. From the sleek exterior to the sumptuous leather interior, this car is the epitome of sophistication. Don’t be fooled, the V12 Vantage is a sports car with muscle and not just another pretty face.
A Big Engine in a Small Package
When Aston Martin decided to stuff their most powerful engine into a smaller sports car, most of the world was left scratching their heads. Why take the 510 hp 5.9L V12 engine from their premier model, the DBS, and put it in the smaller Vantage? Wouldn’t this weaken the image and status of the DBS? It was a risky move but one that seems to have paid off. With a top speed of 190 mph the Vantage V12 is a force to be reckoned with and has elevated the small sports car into a true driver’s sports car.
Does this Engine Make Me Look Fat?
In order to squeeze the bigger V12 engine into the smaller Vantage, Aston Martin reworks the front structure of the car. With 154 lbs of additional weight, designers need to lighten the load somewhere. They compensate with carbon ceramic brakes and forged aluminum wheels. Aston Martin says that no changes are made for purely cosmetic reasons. All of their changes to the Vantage body are to enhance its performance. The V12 Vantage has the same sleek styling as its V8 counterpart.
It’s Out to Get You
The look of the V12 Vantage is predatory. The large menacing vents on the hood help to reduce air pressure and lift while allowing heat to escape. The aggressively styled front splitter channels air to the front brakes and radiator while also producing down force. Extreme Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are specifically designed for the V12 Vantage’s 19 inch wheels and provide it with a death grip on the road.
What’s That Other Pedal For?
There’s the gas pedal and the brake pedal but what’s that other pedal? Before you think you’ve traveled back in time, the only choice of transmission on the V12 Vantage is the Graziano 6 speed manual transaxle. Yes, a decidedly old school choice by the designers but one that gives the driver the feel of the V12 engine’s power right through the clutch. No sissy computerized shifters for this car.
(Photo courtesy of www.eliteautosllc.com)
They’ll Hear You Coming
This engine isn’t just built for speed. It sounds big. The V12 Vantage sounds like most sports cars when idling at a stoplight but step on the gas and this engine screams to life. The “Sport” button on the dash uncorks the exhaust and gives the throttle a quicker response. This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its fierce growl will definitely wake the neighbors when you come roaring into the hood.
The Stuff of Dreams
The V12 Vantage is the stuff of childhood dreams – a big engine, big wheels and a sleek, powerful body. Aston Martin was eager to be respected for their sports car performance, which is what made them create the V12 Vantage. They achieved their goal. The V12 Vantage has the precise handling of the V8 Vantage with the all-out power of the DBS. It also retains all of the sophistication the Aston Martin name can conjure. Speeding down the highway in one of these beautiful cars, listening to the roar of the engine and feeling power at your fingertips might have been a childhood fantasy but the Aston Martin V12 Vantage can make it a reality.
Collector and Classic Car Insurance for Less
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a lot of car. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your investment. Let our friendly staff at Classic Auto Insurance help you find the right luxury car insurance policy for your needs. Visit our website at www.classicins.com and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
