► V8 Vantage, but not as we knew it
► Gets 591bhp V12, seven-speed ‘box
► First deliveries in Q3 of 2018
Aston Martin may have switched things up with the groundbreaking new Vantage, but it’s about to head back down memory lane. Today Gaydon announced the new V12 Vantage V600, a limited-run homage to the classic 1999 V8 Vantage V600.
Commissioned by a customer, the new, old car will feature a classic 591bhp non-turbocharged V12 mated to a similarly analogue seven-speed manual gearbox.
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The differences
Although based on the classic V8 Vantage V600 – now marking its 20th anniversary, by the way – the new model was commissioned by a private customer, and will be built by Aston’s unique personalisation service Q.
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There are a few changes between this model and the original though; the new car uses a V12 with 591bhp, 9bhp down on the supercharged V8 of the original. We’ll take the noise of a V12 in exchange for 9bhp, though.
The updated V600 also features a front and rear dual independent wishbone suspension with three-stage adaptive damping, for a thoroughly modernised ride according to Aston.
What’s more, the fully-carbonfibre-bodied Vantage V600 looks a lot like the original car, but features a few design changes to bring it more in line with Aston’s contemporary models. There’s a redesigned side-strake – an iconic feature on the original car, for instance. You’ll also find a larger bonnet, and modified grille on the new V600, too.
The only catch? Only 14 examples of the reimagined ’90s classics are being produced: seven roadsters and seven coupes. As for the price? If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. Deliveries are taking place in Q3 of 2018.
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