Description
“It’s fantastic. It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful” exclaimed none other than Jeremy Clarkson when summing up the V12 Vantage in one of the most emotionally charged automotive videos ever created for Top Gear.
Since 2009, the most overtly sporting Aston was the V12 Vantage; a combination of the most powerful V12 engine squeezed into the smallest, lightest body. Enthusiasts worldwide were hugely disappointed when in April 2013, AML announced the V12 Vantage was about to be discontinued. The disappointment did not last long however as a new version of the V12 Vantage, the extreme, lightweight V12 Vantage S, most ferocious Aston Martin yet produced was announced on the 29th May 2013.
The V12 Vantage S is so extreme, it is the quickest series production Aston Martin ever with a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-60 time of only 3.5 seconds. When first launched and for the first three years of production, a conventional manual gearbox was not available for the V12 Vantage S.
The ‘S’ also introduces 3-stage Adaptive Damping (normal, sport and track) and Servotronic Steering to extract the maximum amount of the potential performance in the widest range of situations. The AM28 engine has a power increase of 55 bhp from 510 bhp to 565 bhp, matching the new Vanquish. Of greater real-world significance is the immediate increase in torque when pulling away from only 1000 rpm where an additional 70 Nm is available versus the V12 Vantage. A new and advanced Bosch engine management system (unique to the ‘S’) controls AM28 alongside the debut of Dual Variable Camshaft Timing and knock-sensing – all improving efficiency and engine capability. This makes the car considerably quicker both when accelerating from stand-still and through the gears. Special attention has been paid to achieve greater aerodynamic efficiency to both aid cooling and increase vital downforce.
The exterior styling largely follows on from the previous car but features a new look Carbon Fibre front grille with vertical spars of the CC100 Concept Car, engineered to maximise airflow cooling and aerodynamic balance. The ‘S’ can also be specified with new optional 10 spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels although the standard wheel remains the 10-spoke design from the previous V12 Vantage.
The seven-speed manual transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position; an echo from the past that was welcomed by driving enthusiasts. This dog-leg configuration also ensures the gears used most frequently are located in a double ‘H‘ pattern like that of a conventional 6-speed manual.
The new manual transmission also features AMSHIFT. The system, which is driver selectable uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors, together with finely-tuned programming of the engine management, to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts; the act of blipping the throttle while braking and changing gear. AMSHIFT also offers the capability of full-throttle upshifts for maximum smoothness and minimal interruption in acceleration.
AMSHIFT can be used in all driving modes, but is especially effective in Sport, with the sharper throttle response and louder exhaust note really emphasising the downshift throttle blip for maximum excitement.
The optional V12 S Performance Pack fitted to this example delivers a power upgrade of up to 30bhp. Magnesium manifolds coupled with a full-length titanium exhaust produce increased performance with a spectacular soundtrack. The all-new carbon fibre diffuser blade completes this pack by giving the V12 Vantage S an even sportier look.
The titanium exhaust system downstream of the manifolds incorporated within the system is a new design muffler developed using technology from the Aston Martin GT12, with improved gas flow which has been optimised to work in synergy with the new magnesium inlet manifolds to achieve maximum torque and power output improvements. Overall, the titanium exhaust system is almost 14 kg lighter than the standard steel V12 Vantage S system.
The V12 Vantage S AMR Performance Pack also includes brand-new cast magnesium inlet manifolds. The new design inlet manifold has enhanced airflow routing through internal fencing that increases air speed via a Venturi effect to provide more air to the inlet chamber as well as more evenly distributing air across the cylinder heads. As a result, there is improved response and power distribution through the engine speed range. Replacing the standard aluminium manifolds with lightweight magnesium also saves 1.6 kg.
Also included in the V12S Performance Pack is a brand-new carbon fibre lower rear diffuser. The vertical vanes help to manage the transition of airflow as it exits from underneath a car, and smooths flow around the new titanium muffler, reducing drag and turbulence. The full visual quality carbon fibre completes the look and links back to Aston Martin’s GT products.
Hilton & Moss are pleased to present for sale this stunning V12 Vantage S Coupe 7-speed manual, first registered in December 2017 making it one of the last of the line V12 Vantage S to have ever been made. It is just one of 114 right-hand drive models equipped with the 7-speed manual transmission making the car incredibly rare.
Finished in what is considered to be one of the most desirable colours of Alloro Green over Pure Black Alcantara hides, with Yellow contrasting stitching and Obsidian Black carpets. Spec’d with the exterior carbon pack (side strakes and mirror caps), black side window surrounds and black headlamp bezels. A small but easy-to-spot addition specific to the ‘S’ is an optional additional ‘V12’ badge that sits alongside the side repeater.
Thought to be one of the highest specifications V12 Vantage S in existence, this car is fitted with nearly £36,000 of optional extras. These include: AMR Performance Pack, Lightweight Carbon Fibre seats (a must-have), Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio, reversing camera, Yellow brake callipers, Aston Martin Wing Stitched in the headrest, Carbon Fibre Hood Louvres, Front parking sensors, Matt Black tailpipe finishers, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Glass Switches, Piano Black interior trim pack, front grille carbon and Graphite Lightweight 19” 10 spoke.
The car presents in fantastic condition having been fitted with Paint Protection Film (PPF) to the stone chip-prone areas and comes complete with full Aston Martin service history, the last service having been completed by none other than Aston Martin Works themselves. Our pre-sales inspection confirms that the vehicle is in superb condition overall, showing only minimal signs of use.
This Aston Martin V12 Vantage S isn't merely a car; it's a statement—a celebration of power, style, and the sheer joy of driving. With low production numbers adding an air of exclusivity, the V12 Vantage S stands as a beacon for those who crave the thrill of the open road, wrapped in the sophistication of British automotive artistry. In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, this manual masterpiece is a homage to the purist's passion for driving—an icon.
Available now for viewing and demonstration at our Bishop’s Stortford showrooms.
Specification
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Make Aston Martin
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Model V12 Vantage
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Year 2017
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Mileage 6,520 mi
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Colour Alloro Green
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Price SOLD