Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
(Aston Martin Press Release) NEW YORK, April 12, 2001 – The most sophisticated and technologically advanced new model ever to be designed, developed and built by Aston Martin is making its debut at the New York International Auto Show.
With a maximum speed in excess of 300 km/h (190 mph) and a 6.0 liter V12 engine developing 460 horsepower, the totally new Aston Martin V12 Vanquish goes on sale in September and will carry an MSRP of $228,000. It is being built at Newport Pagnell and becomes Aston Martin's new premier, top of the range, flagship model.
Available as either a two or two plus two seat coupe the V12 Vanquish will accelerate to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) in under 10 seconds. Through the application of advanced design techniques and materials it is lighter, stiffer and stronger and offers superior performance to that of the V8 engined Vantage model which it replaces.
In conjunction with the electronic drive-by-wire throttle system, which is fitted to the second generation 460 horsepower 6.0 liter V12 Aston Martin engine, fingertip controlled Formula 1 style paddles enable almost imperceptible gear changes to be completed in under 250 milliseconds – less than the blink of an eye.
Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically with the added facility of a special program tailored to winter driving conditions.
With close co-operation and technical assistance from the Ford Research & Vehicle Technology Group and Ford Research laboratories the new V12 Vanquish represents the largest ever investment by Aston Martin in advanced technology and it pioneers a series of world firsts in its design and construction. The main body structure utilizes carbon fiber, extruded aluminum and composite materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both front and rear. It provides high standards of efficiency, structural integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection.