Aston reveals showroom-ready V12 Vantage

It's been over a year since Aston Martin revealed a V12-powered Vantage concept, and now the company is set to unleash a showroom-ready version of what stands to be its fastest production car to date.

Based on the popular entry-level V8 Vantage, the new fire-breathing variant sources its 6.0-litre V12 engine from the DBS and DB9, and its outputs of 380kW and 570Nm represent a substantial hike on the 4.7-litre V8 cooking model's 313kW and 470Nm.

No surprises, then, that Aston Martin is boasting of a 0-100km/h split of 4.2sec and v-max of 305km/h -- figures that comfortably give it the edge over the likes of the BMW M6 and Mercedes-Benz SL63.

The original V12 Vantage concept was unveiled to guests at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007, which means the car has had a relatively rapid gestation period.

"This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience," said Aston Martin boss Dr Ulrich Bez.

The V12 Vantage is said to benefit from Aston Martin's racing nous and features an array of race-developed materials and components; naturally, there's an abundance of carbonfibre (from the front splitter to the rear diffuser).

The bespoke aero package is not only claimed to enhance high-speed stability and cooling efficiency, it also has the effect of "optically widening the car", claims Aston.

The black-on-black interior features lashing of Alcantara and, of course, the mandatory drilled alloy pedals nestle in the driver's footwell. There's also a rather tasty metal-look gearshift lever.

The V12 Vantage will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon -- joining the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage model lines, which are built in a facility that combines hi-tech manufacturing processes with traditional hand-craftsmanship.

Production will be limited to between just 300-500 examples per year, and deliveries of the V12 Vantage are expected to start overseas in the third quarter of this year. Prices will be confirmed at the Geneva motor show.