Well we waited a little time for a significantly faster Vantage and AM managed to keep the project quite close to their chests until it was announced at the opening of the new Gaydon design centre,11th December 2007. I'm not suggesting squeezing essentially the V12 from the DBRS9 under the Vantage bonnet was easy - but it was an obvious trick that AM would eventually try. But do have a close look at the picture of the V12 engine and compare it to the similar engine picture of the V8 Vantage; it was very tightly squeezed into that space.

The (claimed) 600bhp 5.9 litre engine featured in the V12 Vantage RS concept benefited directly from race development and featured a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power of 600 bhp was achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm at 5000rpm.

In addition to the engine, Vantage RS V12 was comprehensively re-engineered to cope with such a huge power output and extreme performance. Weight saving was been a priority and the 1600kg RS was almost the same as the V8 giving a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 375bhp per tonne. Both the heavily vented bonnet and boot lid were, like the DBS, made from carbon fibre which was also found in great quantity all around the car both inside and out. For the first time on an Aston, there was a deployable spoiler that rose automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. And as with the DBS, the RS had motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.