Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS

The V12 is one of two new Vantage models due in the next 12 months. The new rear diffuser set-up and the air-intakes on the bonnet of this car are the most obvious change over a regular V8 Vantage. The rear is very similar to the that on the Vantage RS concept, and with a big V12 putting big power through the rear wheels, decent cooling for a rear differential is a must.

Aston is trying to make the Nurburgring circuit its own, competing in the infamous 24-hour race there, announcing its own dedicated test centre and recently launching a special edition N400 Vantage dedicated to the legendary circuit.

The new V12 Vantage RS will be fairly extreme, though not as hardcore as Porsche’s RS models. For Aston, RS stands for 'road sport', rather than Stuttgart’s track-focused ideology. That doesn’t mean it won’t be fast. The V12 gets its name from the 6.0-litre unit shoehorned under the bonnet. In production form, and with durability on Aston’s mind, expect about 550 bhp, rather than the concept’s 600 horses.

Other changes for production will probably include the replacement of the static concept’s pop-up rear spoiler with a raised boot lip. The V12 should also get new wheels. The Mako Blue colour of the concept will be available, too. Production itself will probably be at Gaydon, and the price is expected to be in excess of 225,000 Euros.