2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S was the last of the original V12s until being revived for 2012. Photo credit: RM Sothebys
The V12 is not dead, as Aston Martin reveals its newest powerplant and hints at where it may be used.
Look for a new V-12-powered Vanquish to once more top the Aston Martin lineup, as the boutique British sports car manufacturer continues to build on its 25-year history of producing V-12-powered sports cars.
The new twin-turbocharged engine is rated at 835 PS (824 horsepower) and 1,000 NM (738 foot-pounds) of torque and will debut in a new flagship model.
According to the company, when it’s introduced in a production car, “all will be vanquished,” giving little doubt as to what the new flagship will be named.
Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli
“The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess,” said Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli, in a statement. “This unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”
The new powerplant features a strengthened cylinder block and conrods, redesigned cylinder heads, reprofiled camshafts, along with new intake and exhaust ports. Repositioned spark plugs and greater flowrate fuel injectors increase its performance while improving its efficiency. Moreover, throttle response and performance have been improved through the use of higher speed, reduced inertia turbochargers.
Look for the engine to be used in Aston Martin’s most exclusive models, including the new flagship. The company promises it will be “a true dynamic disruptor” when it arrives later this year.
No further details were disclosed.
VANQUISHING V8 ENGINES
2001 Aston Martin Vanquish prototype. Photo credit: RM Sothebys
Aston Martin introduced its first 12-cylinder powerplant in 1999, when the company was owned by Ford Motor Company. Displacing 6 liters and producing 420 horsepower through either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, its arrival marked the end of V8-powered Aston Martins at the time. The engine arrived just before the introduction of the 2001 Vanquish, the company’s new flagship model. Designed by Ian Callum, who would go on to lead Jaguar design, the Vanquish’s looks were derived from the Zagato-bodied 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT. Boasting a 460-horsepower V12 and six-speed manual, its body employed an aluminum monocoque bonded to a carbon fiber center tunnel for light weight and high rigidity.
Aston would build 1,489 units through 2005, when it was replaced by the Vanquish S, which saw its power rating rise to 520 horsepower, allowing for 200+ mph top speeds. Styling was revised as well, with a larger grille, front splitter, and a raised rear spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. In 2007, the company announced the end of the Vanquish with a 40-unit run of the V12 Vanquish S Ultimate Editions.
2001 Aston Martin Vanquish. Photo credit: RM Sothebys
The Vanquish S was revived in 2012, and featured a 588-horsepower V12 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz. It featured an all carbon fiber body and 565 horsepower. Power rose to 568 in 2014, increasing to 595 horsepower on the 2017 Vanquish S. Production would end by 2019, and the name has remained dormant since then.
But Aston Martin’s finest GT car looks as if it’s about to reappear and we couldn’t be happier.
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