Aston Martin launches 205mph V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is expanding its sports car lineup with a new model called the V12 Vantage S. Following the same general blueprint as the V8 Vantage S, the V12 Vantage S is essentially a harder-edged version of the V12 Vantage.

Billed as “the most extreme Aston Martin in history,” the V12 Vantage S arrives with fresh styling, a more powerful engine, a quicker-shifting transmission and an up-rated suspension.

In order to set the V12 Vantage S apart from lesser Vantage models, the range's new flagship comes equipped with a carbon fiber front grille – replacing the Vantage's typical aluminum vanes – inspired by Aston Martin's recent CC100 Speedster Concept. Other styling tweaks include a black painted roof and trunk panel and unique ten-spoke alloy wheels.

Under hood, the V12 Vantage S makes use of Aston Martin's AM28 5.9-liter V12 engine, tuned to produce 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. For those keeping track, those figures are 11 and 9 percent, respectively, higher than the regular V12 Vantage.

Power is sent to the car's rear wheels via Aston Martin's new seven-speed Sportshift III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission. In addition to having a one-cog advantage over the outgoing six-speed gearbox, the new seven-speed unit is also about 55 pounds lighter.

Aston Martin says the V12 Vantage S can hit a top speed of 205mph, making it the British automaker's fastest ever series production model.

In order to keep that speed under control, the V12 Vantage S comes fitted with a new three-stage adaptive damping system. Featuring selectable ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes, the new system not only fine tunes the V12 Vantage S' suspension, but also alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note. The system can even change the amount of power steering assistance offered.

Braking duties are handled by all-new carbon ceramic disc with a unique track feature that allows for delayed anti-lock response.

“The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language,” Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said. “Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I’m proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year.”

Aston Martin has not yet announced pricing or availability for the V12 Vantage S.