British supercar manufacturer Aston Martin has commissioned a limited-run production of an exquisite model that is based on the original 1998 V8 Vantage V600. Christened the V12 Vantage V600, it features a menacing naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 motor under its bonnet that puts out 600 bhp. Only 14 such examples will be ever built, split between seven coupes and seven roadsters. All models will feature a 7-speed manual transmission and will be designed and handcrafted to the maximum degree.
To give a heads-up on the significance of this model, Aston Martin had offered its customers with an extreme version of the Vantage back in 1998. The car was offered with a supercharged V8 engine that produced 600 bhp — making it one of the most powerful sports car of the era. Fast forward by 20 years, the unique personalisation service Q department of Aston Martin has received a customer requirement that was strictly limited to 14 new Aston Martin V12 Vantage V600s.
Underpinning the previous-generation ‘VH’ Vantage, the 2018 V12 Vantage V600 combines the timeless beauty of the model with modern performance of a muscle sports car. To keep the car planted at all time, it has been fitted with dual-independent wishbone suspension at each wheel with 3-stage adaptive damping for an ideal driving experience from the road to the track.
The V12 Vantage V600’s styling continues to follow the original lines and form of the original V8 Vantage with subtle additions, and that gives it a lot of road presence and aggression. Draped in full carbon-fibre exterior, the V600 utilises a re-imagined side-strake and a bulge on its bonnet reminding of the potent V12 that hides underneath. The front grille features a unique mesh design with a darkened look that provides maximum air and engine cooling. There is an all-new carbon fibre diffuser at the back finished with an attention-grabbing quad-exhaust system.
The uniqueness of the V12 Vantage V600 is present in its interior too. There is a liberal use of carbon fibre and dark anodised aluminium. The lightweight seats have a special perforated pattern while the centre armrest comes wrapped in hand-crafted saddle leather providing the best in comfort and styling finished with a machined-from-solid gear shifter.
Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Aston Martin, Marek Reichman said, “This is precisely why we created our ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ service. Our customers can create truly bespoke sports cars by personally collaborating with myself and Aston Martin’s design team. The V600 name remains a classic in Aston Martin’s heritage and I’m proud to see it adorn the V12 Vantage V600 once again”.
