Automotive

Aston Martin unleashes most powerful Vantage V12 ever

Aston Martin unleashes most powerful Vantage V12 ever
A Vantage AMR with all the carbon fiber add-ons
A Vantage AMR with all the carbon fiber add-ons 
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A V8 and V12 Vantage AMR side-by-side
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A V8 and V12 Vantage AMR side-by-side 
The Halo Package on the Vantage AMR adds GTE Racing-inspired green highlights to the exterior
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The Halo Package on the Vantage AMR adds GTE Racing-inspired green highlights to the exterior
In case you weren't sure where the Vantage AMR is built, check the badge
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In case you weren't sure where the Vantage AMR is built, check the badge
Just 300 examples will be built, making the Vantage AMR a seriously exclusive Aston Martin
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Just 300 examples will be built, making the Vantage AMR a seriously exclusive Aston Martin 
A Vantage AMR with all the carbon fiber add-ons
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A Vantage AMR with all the carbon fiber add-ons 
The fixed rear wing on the Vantage AMR is made of carbon fiber
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The fixed rear wing on the Vantage AMR is made of carbon fiber 
The basic Vantage shape still looks good, even 12 years after launch
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The basic Vantage shape still looks good, even 12 years after launch 
Aston Martin is offering plenty of AMR accessories to match the Vantage
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Aston Martin is offering plenty of AMR accessories to match the Vantage
Aston Martin is offering plenty of AMR accessories to match the Vantage
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Aston Martin is offering plenty of AMR accessories to match the Vantage
What racecar isn't complete without a set of matching bags? The AMR can be specced with plenty of optional extras
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What racecar isn't complete without a set of matching bags? The AMR can be specced with plenty of optional extras 
The AMR Vantage will be available in incredibly limited numbers
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The AMR Vantage will be available in incredibly limited numbers 
Although it's a special edition, there are plenty of options to be added to the Vantage AMR
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Although it's a special edition, there are plenty of options to be added to the Vantage AMR 
The five-spoke wheels on the Vantage AMR are painted black
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The five-spoke wheels on the Vantage AMR are painted black 
The Vantage AMR will be available as a manual, automatic, coupe, roadster, V8 or V12. In other words, there are plenty of options
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The Vantage AMR will be available as a manual, automatic, coupe, roadster, V8 or V12. In other words, there are plenty of options 
Brembo brakes help haul the Vantage AMR up in a straight line
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Brembo brakes help haul the Vantage AMR up in a straight line 
The interior of the AMR has been tailored to match the exterior
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The interior of the AMR has been tailored to match the exterior 
Carbon fiber abounds inside the AMR
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Carbon fiber abounds inside the AMR 
The AMR design team has made sure you know this is a special edition
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The AMR design team has made sure you know this is a special edition 
The V12 Vantage AMR
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The V12 Vantage AMR 
Just 100 V12 examples of the AMR will be built
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Just 100 V12 examples of the AMR will be built 
The Vantage AMR is available in V12 and V8
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The Vantage AMR is available in V12 and V8
Bonnet vents are one hint as to the V12 lurking within the AMR
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Bonnet vents are one hint as to the V12 lurking within the AMR 
The basic Vantage shape stands up well after 12 years on the road
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The basic Vantage shape stands up well after 12 years on the road 
The Aston Martin Vantage AMR
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The Aston Martin Vantage AMR 
Along with the standard wheels, a set of forged alloys are offered on the AMR Vantage
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Along with the standard wheels, a set of forged alloys are offered on the AMR Vantage 
The Alcantara and leather interior in the AMR
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The Alcantara and leather interior in the AMR 
The Vantage AMR Pro Concept
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The Vantage AMR Pro Concept
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The Aston Martin Vantage debuted in 2005, but a steady stream of new engines, gearboxes and special variants – coupled with its timeless exterior design – has kept it looking fresh. Now, the smallest Aston has been treated to a performance overhaul from its new AMR department. Along with its more powerful engine options, the Vantage AMR gets a unique look and race-inspired goodies.

Having launched the AMR badge in Shanghai, Aston Martin has revealed the two "distinct tiers" of car it will create. Along with limited-run models like the Vantage you see here, the badge will also be applied to ultra-exclusive AMR Pro models for particularly exacting customers. The Vantage AMR Pro Concept – launched at the Geneva Show, and pictured in our gallery with a giant wing on the back – is the first example.

But what actually makes the new Vantage special? Well, the changes start under the hood. Although the V8 engined model makes a standard 430 hp (321 kW), the V12 AMR has been boosted from 565 hp to 595 hp (421 kW to 444 kW) here. There's an optional titanium exhaust, too, for more noise and a handy 31 lb (14 kg) weight saving. Both engines come as standard with a six-speed paddleshift gearbox, but a six-speed stick will be offered in the V8, and a seven-speed manual can be specced on the V12.

The Aston Martin Vantage AMR
The Aston Martin Vantage AMR 

While we're talking weight saving, a range of carbon fiber aero add-ons have been added to the options list for more downforce. Along with a new front splitter and dive planes, a set of side sills and a fixed rear spoiler are available. A set of forged aluminum wheels are also available, and will be unique to AMR models. Although it's still the same Vantage as before, the additional aerodynamics pieces add a touch more racing drama.

There are four different color combinations on offer: white and orange, black and blue, blue with red or silver with grey. The optional Halo Pack adds green highlights to the car, inspired by the finish on the #95 Vantage GTE that won its class in the World Endurance Championship last year. It isn't particularly subtle, but standing out is the goal here.

Inside, the Vantage AMR has been kitted out with a combination of leather and Alcantara, while roadsters get a leather-only finish. Each car will get an interior trimmed to match the exterior paintwork. A set of lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats is on the options list, too.

"It's a real thrill to see our first AMR model go into production," says Aston Martin CEO and President, Andy Palmer. "Unmistakable in look and feel the Vantage AMR will appeal to our most enthusiastic customers. These are people who love our cars for their motorsport pedigree, and for their unmistakable dynamic and emotional qualities. Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectible, but they're so good to drive."

The Vantage AMR will be available as a V8 or V12, and comes in Coupe and Roadster form. Prices will start £97,995 (US$124,924) in the UK, and deliveries will begin in Q4 this year. Just 300 examples will be built – 200 V8s and 100 V12s.

Source: Aston Martin

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1 comment
1 comment
El_Zato
Kudos to Aston Martin, Porsche, the Corvette team and Spyker for being the only supercar makers to offer manual transmission. I'd totally buy a V12 Vantage if I lived in the USA and had the money.