Motoring Weekly

Aston Martin's Vantage RS

January 2 - 8, 2008
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Aston Martin has unveiled a stunning new 600bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS.

The V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin's critically-acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company's design and engineering team has fully exploited the motorsport development of their 6.0 litre V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focussed on extreme performance and dynamics.

Chief executive officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the V12 Vantage RS is no exception. 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."

Director of design, Marek Reichman, said: "Much of Aston Martin's recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimise form and function."

The 600bhp 6.0 litre engine 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.

With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375bhp per ton, the Vantage RS is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 100km/h from rest in 4.0 seconds and 160km/h in just 8.5 seconds.

The unveiling of the car concludes a remarkable year of new product announcements for the British manufacturer.

In the last 12 months the company has launched two of the most eagerly anticipated sports cars of the year - the DBS and Vantage Roadster - and announced details of the DB9 LM and V8 Vantage N400 special editions.







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