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's very tightly squeezed into that space.
The (claimed) 600bhp 5.9 litre engine featured in the V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from race development and features 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 is achieved at 6250rpm and peak torque of 690Nm is at 5000rpm.
In addition to the engine, Vantage has been comprehensively re-engineered to cope with such a huge power output and extreme performance. Weight saving has been a priority and the 1600kg RS is virtually the same as the the V8 giving a phenomenal power to weight ratio of 375bhp per tonne. Both the heavily vented bonnet and boot lid are, like the DBS, made from carbon fibre which is also found in great quantity all around the car both inside and out. For the first time on an Aston, there is a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. And as with the DBS, the RS has motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.
Quoting Dr Bez from his speech at the launch "We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car." Which in my opinion translates to almost dead certain production at a price even higher than the DBS. The thing is that the RS may well be worth more than any other current AM. In addition to scarcity value, the RS is claimed to reach 200mph and 0-60 in 4 seconds making it the (equal) fastest road going AM of all time.
