The Aston Martin V12 Vantage sends the VH Vantage platform to history books with a similar pattern.
Although not as extreme as its predecessor, the new V600 marks the official retraction of the iconic VH platform in Aston Martins with two doors. Powered by an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s impressive 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 600PS, the Vantage V600 is designed to excite the senses. A 7-speed manual transmission provides an engaged driving experience, while the front and rear dual independent wishbone suspension featuring 3-stage adaptive damping, produces a sublime ride in all conditions.

Aston Martin Vantage S was introduced in late 2013 and it was the replacement for the V12 Vantage model.
And there was more than just a letter added at the end of its name.

The 2013 Aston Martin Vantage S was designed on the same idea given by Henrik Fisker back in 2005 but with better mechanical components. The car’s shape was similar to its predecessor. There was a big difference on the hood, where multiple vents helped cooling the big V12 engine. It was, apart from One-77 hypercar, the fastest Aston Martin ever built by the time of its launch.

The Vantage S was not a GT as its Vanquish sibling. It was built using race-car technologies with CNC-machined combustion chambers and hollow camshafts to reduce their inertia. These are just a few examples of what Aston Martin’s engineers did to the 6.0-liter AM28 engine. For the transmission, the Vantage S featured a newly developed gearbox together with the Italian company Oerlikon Graziano. They shaved 25 kg (55 lbs) when compared to the older gearbox. Moreover, since the gearbox was installed on the rear axle, it helped to reduce the weight in the back of the car. The driver could have left the gearbox to switch gears in automatic mode, or to select them via two paddles installed behind the steering wheel.

The interior of the car was special, with a minimalist design, but with expensive and special materials such as carbon-fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara. The car featured all the comfort amenities for a relaxed drive, but it was built mainly for performance driving. It was lighter than the Vanquish with more than 200 kg (440 lbs) and that made it quicker.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr.
Ulrich Benz, unveiled the V12 Vantage concept in 2007 in front of a few guests, and, 15 months later, he released the production model at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

By combining its best chassis, from the V8 Vantage, with its most powerful engine, the V12, the result was a rocket-car that could blast the 62 mph (100 kph) mark in a mere 4.2 seconds. At the time of its launch, it was the best car ever made by the struggled British company, who shared its history with Ford and Jaguar and was finally free of the blue-oval brand in 2007 to become a private limited company.

The design was heavily inspired by the Aston Martin N24 race car with its side sills and the hood’s carbon-fiber vents. With its wide, shell-shaped grille and the lip-spoiler under the lower air-intake, the V12 Vantage impressed with its aggressive look. The raked windshield and short rear end amplified the sporty look.

Inside, there was some race-inspired design, especially with the optional carbon-fiber fixed seats. The instrument cluster has been revised with even clearer dials to allow the driver to completely focus on the information being relayed from the car.

Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a V12 engine inspired by the DBRS9 racecar. Even though the engine was 100 kg (220 lbs) heavier than the one on the Vantage V8, the car could have been fitted with some lighter parts, making it only 50 kg (110 lbs) heavier than its V8 sibling.