Aston Martin Brings V12 Vantage To U.S.

By Todd DeMeza

Todd DeMeza

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Todd DeMeza has a long time interest in and passion for cars. During high school, he decided he wanted to use his enthusiasm to become an automotive... More

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1,844 views May 7, 2010

Aston Martin Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage and DBS

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 Nelson Ireson over at our sister site, Motor Authority has gotten word that Aston Martin will start to bring the Aston Martin V-12 Vantage here to America. The car was rumored would be available here, according to a piece by Car and Driver in September, 2009, but it has officially been confirmed.

The V12 Vantage is a factory hot rod by definition. They took the smallest car in the lineup, the Vantage, and shoehorned in the5.9L, 510hp V-12 out of the larger, more expensive DBS. The results are 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph, not to mention offering one of the best exhaust notes for a current production car.

Like most “normal” cars with a special engine worked into it, most potential buyers want to differentiate themselves from the less expensive cars. The car gets a special, speed-sensitive spoiler, rear defuser, and a carbon fiber trunk and vented hood. To counter act the added weight of the V-12, the Vantage gets carbon-ceramic brakes.

The car is apparently so good, that filming the Top Gear review of the Aston Martin, Jeremy Clarkson, who almost always does commentary, barely said a word.

Ireson is reporting that the first V-12 powered cars in the U.S. will be the Carbon Black edition, which is even more limited than the limited V12 Vantage production. The Carbon Black Edition will get a special paint job and extra carbon-fiber goodness.

[Sources: Car And Driver, Youtube]