V12 Vantage S and Vanquish Volante Announced | Aston Martin
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin Unveils V12 Vantage S and Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin, celebrating its 100th anniversary this yearannounced in Tokyo on November 6th, V12 Vantage's successor model, the V12 Vantage S, and the top-tier Vanquish's open-top version, the Vanquish Volante.
Text by SAKURAI Kenichi
Equipped with a 573ps V12, the Most Powerful in Aston Martin History
On November 6th, Aston Martin announced the V12 Vantage S, successor to the sportiest V12-powered "V12 Vantage" based on the "Vantage", and the Vanquish Volante, the open-top version of the Vanquish, which is positioned as the current range's top model succeeding the "DBS", at a Tokyo event.
The "V12 Vantage S"
The "Vantage" is Aston Martin's entry-level model, a compact 2-door coupe/roadster equipped with a V8 engine. However, even as an entry model, it's still an Aston Martin. Its potential is proven, with racing machines based on the "V8 Vantage" competing in numerous races, including the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.
The V12 Vantage S, now launching in Japan, is the successor to the hardcore "V12 Vantage", which featured a V12 engine and was exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. The V12 Vantage S, newly bearing the "S" designation, employs the AM28 (6.0-liter V12) unit, boasting the highest performance in its history with a maximum output of 573ps and a peak torque of 620Nm (63.2kgm). This is paired with Aston Martin's 7-speed automated manual transmission, called Sportshift III AMT (Automated Manual Gearbox).
This engine is the same naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 found in the flagship "Vanquish". However, the V12 Vantage S utilizes the lightweight "V8 Vantage" body as its base. Combined with a 25kg reduction from the transmission change and extensive use of parts designed with weight reduction in mind—such as dedicated lightweight seats, an exhaust system, and carbon fiber front grille and diffuser—the body weight is kept to just 1665kg despite housing the V12 engine. Consequently, its performance is clearly superior to that of the flagship Vanquish.
In fact, the V12 Vantage S accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 330km/h. This performance surpasses even the current flagship model, the Vanquish, which boasts a top speed of 295km/h. It is undoubtedly the most ferocious supercar, second only to the ultimate limited edition model in Aston Martin's 100-year history, the One-77, in terms of historical performance.
The price has been announced at 22,398,000 yen. With this level of performance available at a more reasonable price than its rivals, it's unlikely that even the most discerning supercar fans will remain indifferent.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin Unveils V12 Vantage S and Vanquish Volante (2)
The "Vanquish Volante"
Meanwhile, the "Vanquish Volante", announced concurrently with the V12 Vantage S, is the "Volante (open-top)" version of the Vanquish, which succeeds the "DBS" and is already familiar as the Bond car in the 007 series. Aston Martin traditionally calls its convertible models "Volante", and this follows that convention.
However, the "V8 Vantage" is an exception, being named a Roadster to emphasize its sporty character, as it is a 2-seater model.
Like the coupe model, the engine is a 6.0-liter V12, producing a maximum output of 573ps and a peak torque of 620Nm (63.2kgm), among the top class for naturally aspirated engines. According to data from its home market, the Vanquish Volante weighs 1,844kg, 105kg more than the coupe "Vanquish" (1739kg) due to being an open-top model, yet it achieves the same top speed of 295km/h.
However, while the Vanquish accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, the Vanquish Volante takes 4.3 seconds. Despite a 0.2-second difference, it is undoubtedly still exceptionally fast.
The notable roof is a three-layer structure, utilizing lightweight fabric. Opening or closing takes a mere 14 seconds. Unlike the DBS Volante, the front screen extends to the seams of the soft top, a design feature of the Vanquish Volante and a testament to Aston Martin's pursuit of beauty. Furthermore, the luggage space has been increased by a remarkable 50% compared to the DBS Volante, bringing the total capacity to 279 liters, thus enhancing practicality.
The highly anticipated price for the Vanquish Volante has been announced at 33,762,750 yen.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
Body Size | Length 4,385 x Width 1,865 x Height 1,250mm
Wheelbase | 2,600 mm
Engine | 5,935cc V12 DOHC
Maximum Output | 573ps / 6,750 rpm
Peak Torque | 620Nm / 5,750 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed semi-automatic (Sportshift III)
Drivetrain | FR
Weight | 1,665 kg
Tires Front/Rear | 255/35ZR19 / 295/30ZR19 (Pirelli P Zero Corsa)
Top Speed | 330km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 3.9 seconds
Price | 22,398,000 yen
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Body Size | Length 4,728 x Width 2,067 (incl. mirrors) x Height 1,294mm
Wheelbase | 2,740 mm
Track Front/Rear | 1,525 / 1,540 mm
Weight | 1,844 kg
Engine | 5,935cc V12 DOHC
Maximum Output | 573ps / 6,750 rpm
Peak Torque | 620Nm / 5,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed automatic (Touchtronic II)
Drivetrain | FR
Tires Front/Rear | 255/35ZR20 / 305/30ZR20
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.1 seconds
Top Speed | 295 km/h
Price | 33,762,750 yen



