2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe

It's become hard to keep up with all the V8 and V12 farewells that various nameplates have suffered in an industry transitioning to electrification, and this Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe represents yet another closing chapter. This is the last time a V12 engine will find its way under the elongated hood of the stunning Vantage, so Aston has ensured it's one to remember. Displacing 5.2 liters and with twin turbochargers, it develops 690 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque, sending this brute to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its suspension and aerodynamics have been honed to match the greater power of the V12, and its wider, more aggressive body speaks to its position as the fastest Vantage ever. The more mature Bentley Continental GT Speed and pricier Ferrari 812 Competizione also have V12s mounted ahead of the driver, so although it is a dying breed, the V12 Vantage is not without its rivals, but the Aston may just edge ahead as having the best balance of gorgeous bodywork paired with a beastly V12.

The starting MSRP of the 2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe is $298,200, but in reality, this is a $300,000 car since that price excludes the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax and the $3,086 destination charge in the USA. High-cost options can quickly send the price of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe owards $330,000 or so.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe seems to be having a mild identity crisis. Its gigantic wing, larger grille, and wider body suggest it's at its happiest on the track, but there are quite a few signs that this is still a GT. One of them is the engine note, which fires up with a pleasant but subdued burble. It's a nice sound, but even at higher revs, it lacks the sheer aural ferocity of earlier naturally-aspirated Aston V12s. The V12 also feels a little lazy at first, gradually building up before it unleashes its full - and explosive - power at higher revs. The automatic transmission is smooth but not as exciting as a quicker dual-clutch system, and even the ride is quite compliant for something with such a hard edge to its appearance.

None of this means that the V12 Vantage isn't an immensely joyful thing to drive, but some may expect more drama from what is the ultimate Vantage. The steering has a welcome heft to it and adequately communicates grip levels. The chassis, too, is not hard to read. Aston put in a lot of work to make the V12 Vantage dance around a track more effectively, with suspension spring rates that are up 50% in front and 40% at the back. A rear suspension tower strut brace contributes to better lateral stiffness, and stoppers are now standard carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston front calipers.

In more acute corners, one can sense the greater mass of the V12, while switching to Sport mode reduces some intervention from the traction management system and allows you to easily initiate oversteer. The car is better through longer, flowing curves at higher speeds when you can keep the engine on the boil, and direction changes are less pronounced.

Overall, it's not as multi-talented as a Porsche 911, but the V12 Vantage is engaging enough to enjoy, and the revised suspension just about copes with the massive power at your disposal.

Its louder and more in-your-face appearance isn't quite matched by a sometimes docile driving experience, but the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is still a special car. Even a less shouty V12 like this one endows the Vantage with a different personality, the smooth crescendo of power building steadily until the full impact of those near-700 horses is felt. And, while not as gentlemanly to look at as a V8 Vantage, the angrier styling will be a hit with some. Through the right set of corners and with the V12 kept on the boil, it's a magnificent car to drive. The V12 Vantage's exclusivity is guaranteed by low production volumes, too, so we don't see weak points like the aging interior tech being a deterrent when looking at the bigger picture. As the last of its kind, this is a car to savor.

There is only one trim, so the V12 Vantage you buy depends on how much you want to customize its appearance. These decisions could elevate the final price by $30,000 or more, especially if you add the Lightweight Package. We'd go for one of the darker paint colors, stick with the Alcantara/semi-aniline leather seats, and throw in the heated steering wheel plus ventilated seats to maximize on-road comfort. Whichever car you end up with, it's bound to become a collector's item.