Automakers adopt a 'class system' to separate their premium flagship products from the lesser brethrens. A low-cost hatchback, for instance, will never quite match up to the grand and almighty luxury sedan that sits at the top of the family tree.
But that's not the case with exquisite marques where, arguably, there isn't an 'entry-level' model - like in the case of Aston Martin.
The Vantage may have began life as the base model of the British marque. But since its inception in 2005, its heart has grown from a 4.3-litre V8 to a 4.7-litre V8, before a 6.0-litre V12 sets in. In its latest iteration, the Vantage gets more fiery performance from a new V12 block that has been further uptuned to give 565 horses and 620Nm of torque.
As if it had a twist of fate, the hitch has elevated the baby Aston through the ranks of hierarchy and made it the fastest car the company has ever built, yet. Exterior
The graceful, well-proportioned profile of the Vantage may have come a long way now, but it still feels evergreen and is in no way outdated. Even in the company of more current peers, there is little doubt that the V12 S will hold its own.
But that's not the case with exquisite marques where, arguably, there isn't an 'entry-level' model - like in the case of Aston Martin.
The Vantage may have began life as the base model of the British marque. But since its inception in 2005, its heart has grown from a 4.3-litre V8 to a 4.7-litre V8, before a 6.0-litre V12 sets in. In its latest iteration, the Vantage gets more fiery performance from a new V12 block that has been further uptuned to give 565 horses and 620Nm of torque.
As if it had a twist of fate, the hitch has elevated the baby Aston through the ranks of hierarchy and made it the fastest car the company has ever built, yet. Exterior
The graceful, well-proportioned profile of the Vantage may have come a long way now, but it still feels evergreen and is in no way outdated. Even in the company of more current peers, there is little doubt that the V12 S will hold its own.
But those looking for more differentiation in this latest Vantage will be disappointed, as other than the rear moniker and more go-faster carbon fibre bits, little separates the V12 S from the V12 which it supercedes.
When cloaked in a shimmery coat of metallic black (which Aston names 'Onyx'), the carbon fibre trims will take a pair of trained eyes to spot. But that is the kind of subtleness that separates the Aston from its flashy, ostentatious rivals.
When cloaked in a shimmery coat of metallic black (which Aston names 'Onyx'), the carbon fibre trims will take a pair of trained eyes to spot. But that is the kind of subtleness that separates the Aston from its flashy, ostentatious rivals.
Interior
If you think of the V12 S as a sportscar bred solely for the tracks, you will be genuinely surprise once you step into the cabin.
Despite being the most hardcore in its lineup, the V12 S still exudes a sense of opulence that is more associated to a cream-of-crop luxury car than a bored-out track-bred sportscar.
Unlike other supercars we have seen, the V12 S doesn't seem too engrossed with saving precious kilos. From looks alone, its best weight shedding efforts are left to the carbon fibre-weaved panels. Specifically, the carbon fibre and Kevlar composite seats save 17kg.
If you think of the V12 S as a sportscar bred solely for the tracks, you will be genuinely surprise once you step into the cabin.
Despite being the most hardcore in its lineup, the V12 S still exudes a sense of opulence that is more associated to a cream-of-crop luxury car than a bored-out track-bred sportscar.
Unlike other supercars we have seen, the V12 S doesn't seem too engrossed with saving precious kilos. From looks alone, its best weight shedding efforts are left to the carbon fibre-weaved panels. Specifically, the carbon fibre and Kevlar composite seats save 17kg.
Still, there is an impressive amount of craftmanship. The buttons on the centre console, for instance, are made out of clear glass. The same goes to the contrasting stitching on alcantara steering wheel and seats.
All in all, the cabin is certainly a special place to be in - or simply, a class of its own.
All in all, the cabin is certainly a special place to be in - or simply, a class of its own.
The Drive
With the trend of engine downsizing in full steam, we got into the V12 S thinking that this could very well be one of the last 12-cylinders. But more than that, the V12 S is special in its own way.
The 6.0-litre V12 may have retained an identical cylindrical capacity and setup, but is a new block altogther. As expected, power has been upped to a blistering 565bhp and 620Nm of torque.
Figures alone would have completed an image of a devastingly fast, raucous beast that is best kept for the tracks. But in reality, the V12 S can be just as civilised on our urbanscape too.
Driven without a sporting intent, the V12 S feels as at home as any grand tourer. The only hints of its hidden prowess, perhaps, is the tightly strung suspension and the sonorous burble from 12 cylinders.
The latter, however, is more 'music to your ears' than mere annoyance. And should you get tired of it, the premium sound system is more than capable of drowning those notes.
Though there wasn't enough ground on our local roads to unleash the V12 S' potential, it felt instinctive and involving at the wheel. The muscular power did, however, feel undermined by the seven-speed single-clutch transmission, which could do with quicker reactions.
Conclusion
Contrary to beliefs, the latest Vantage is nothing quite the maniac V12 beast that you would have expected.
Despite taking on a huge heft of raw performance, the V12 Vantage S stays rooted and remains to be one of the perfect gentlemen supercars.
Conclusion
Contrary to beliefs, the latest Vantage is nothing quite the maniac V12 beast that you would have expected.
Despite taking on a huge heft of raw performance, the V12 Vantage S stays rooted and remains to be one of the perfect gentlemen supercars.
