We sample what is arguably one of the most exciting modern-classic Aston Martins: the 2009-2018 V12 Vantage – equipped with a manual transmission, no less!
Aston Martin is well-known for its gorgeous sportscars. We immediately associate the Gaydon-based brand with James Bond, as well as a strong racing pedigree. So, desirability is certainly strong. It can be argued, however, that most of the marque’s offerings fall more in the grand tourer category than being thrilling, engaging driver’s cars (excluding the likes of the super-exclusive Valour and Valkyrie, of course).
There are exceptions, though. If you’re looking for a fairly modern Aston Martin sportscar that is both good to look at and thrilling to drive, then the V12 Vantage, introduced in 2009, must rank at, or near, the top of the list. Besides… when last did you experience a V12 mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox?
The Details
Being the V12, this model is equipped with numerous model-specific addenda. Notice, for example, the carbon-fibre louvred bonnet, which is not just for show – it allows excess engine heat to dissipate.
You have to appreciate the 10-spoke alloy wheels and the small front splitter, to name a few other eye-catching details. It is not “over-the-top”, however, this car is still immediately recognisable as a Vantage.
The doors swing open (slightly upward) to reveal a cabin still in a near-pristine condition. When we took this car for a drive, it had less than 10 000 km on its odometer; unsurprisingly, the sportscar’s leather trim and the tastefully applied Alcantara inserts were in great condition.
When you’re ensconced behind the tiller, you are greeted by an anti-clockwise analogue rev counter and the clockwise speedometer behind a thick-rimmed (and Alcantara-trimmed) steering wheel. To your left is the most notable feature in the cabin, the stubby – and rather shiny – metal-capped gear lever.
This ornament gives you access to the car’s party piece: a 6-speed manual gearbox – not an automated manual, but a true stick-shift. Next, slot the crystal glass key fob into the dashboard. Press it and the 6.0-litre V12 engine erupts with a (very welcoming) deep burble from the pair of exhaust pipes at the back.
Specifications
- Model: Aston Martin Vantage V12
- Engine: 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder (V12), petrol
- Power: 380 kW at 6 500 rpm
- Torque: 570 Nm at 5 750 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, AWD
- Weight: 1 680 kg
- 0-100 kph: 4.34 sec (as tested by CAR magazine)
- Top speed: 305 kph (claimed)
Behind the ‘wheel
Whether you’re parking the car or trundling through town at low speeds, the V12 Vantage feels relatively compact. At no time does it feel like a big, cumbersome GT, even if the expansive bonnet is pronounced.
In the bottom half of the rev range (at, say, 2 000 or 3 000 rpm), you can lean on the sizeable V12 motor’s torque, but the engine truly comes alive from there on out. If you push the revs past 6 000 rpm, the Aston feels like a true sports car in every way, accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack.
As I head towards Kalk Bay along Boyes Drive, I revel in the V12 Vantage’s ample performance and can’t help but smile at the visceral driving experience that this British machine delivers. With 380 kW and 570 Nm of torque on tap, you quickly run out of road to experience all the performance that it has to offer.
Make no mistake: the V12 Vantage is a fast car. Its claimed 0-100 kph time is 3.9 sec (with a top speed of 305 kph), but you’ll need time to familiarise yourself with the car, so you can learn how to best launch it.
The steering wheel provides enough feedback, while the carbon-ceramic brakes work perfectly to brush off speed – and in a hurry, which may often be the case. The faster you drive the V12 Vantage, the more compact the car begins to feel. The ride quality is firm, but thankfully not crashy whatsoever.
You can also count on the car’s grip, which is immense, but should the situation allow – and you’re sufficiently skilled behind the wheel – you can get the back end to break away with ease (such fun!), even if the front tyres are 255/35 ZR19 in size and, at the rear, a more substantial 295/30 ZR19.
If you haven’t driven a hardcore manual sportscar for a while, the Aston’s clutch action might seem a trifle heavy, but after a few minutes, you forget about it and are simply absorbed in the experience.
Summary
This Aston Martin V12 Vantage has a split personality. I can imagine how one could spend a good few hours behind the ‘wheel while covering vast distances in relative comfort. At the same time, it’s a dyed-in-the-wool sportscar that invariably offers an exhilarating experience, even on a dash to the shops.
Seeing as it’s a modern classic, don’t forget to pack your CDs from a decade ago if you need musical accompaniment in the car, but for most enthusiasts, I suspect the sonorous V12 will more than suffice.
Trading at more than double the price of a manual Vantage V8 from the same era, a V8 Vantage in great condition might still be a better buy – a bargain, even. However, if you want the ultimate non-S Vantage variant – a driver’s car that will beguile and engage you – it is hard to fault the V12 Vantage manual.
Apart from those gorgeous looks, the combination of the performance and the practicality of being able to take on a road trip (with some luggage accommodated in the boot), makes it a great proposition as a weekend toy and grand tourer. Relative rarity should ensure values remain strong in the long term, too.
This car was sourced and sold by MotoVillage, located in Tokai, Cape Town.
Find a new or used Aston Martin model listed for sale on Cars.co.za
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