No V12 for new Aston Martin Vantage

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is dead. Built as high-priced limited-edition halo cars for previous generations of the Aston Martin sports car, 12-cylinder Vantages have become some of the most collectible modern Astons.

And that status is likely to be boosted with confirmation that a V12-powered version of the new-generation 2024 Aston Martin Vantage – which has just been launched exclusively with V8 power – will not be produced.

The British marque recently announced the existence of an upgraded and re-engineered version of its Ford V6-based 6.0-litre V12. Future-proofed in terms of emission requirements for the time being, the twin-turbo V12 will debut later in 2024 in the next-generation Vanquish super GT car – the replacement for the DBS.

But Aston insiders have killed off any hope of the new 613kW/1000Nm V12 finding its way into the restyled and sharpened new Vantage.

“The V12 is around 100kg heavier [than the Vantage’s twin-turbo V8]. You don’t want that hanging off the front,” our Aston insider stated.

“We have no plans and there won’t be any plans,” he stated.

But that doesn’t mean the Vantage will top out at the new model’s 489kW/800Nm output ceiling.

“There are options to look at. And that includes electrification,” he hinted.

The Vantage coupe’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is sourced from Mercedes-AMG but has unique tuning and componentry. Notably, Mercedes-AMG will combine its version of the same M177 bent-eight with hybrid technology in its upcoming ‘73’ badged models, the outputs of which will be about 600kW/1000Nm – all but matching Aston’s new V12.

The other avenue Aston is likely to explore for the new Vantage is more track-focussed models. Porsche famously monetises the 911 with increasingly higher-performance variants such as the GTS, GT3, GT3 RS and GT2 RS.

In addition, Aston Martin will debut its “worst-kept secret” – a new open-top Vantage Roadster – later this year.

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