There are some who think the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage isn't a real Aston. This, in spite of the fact that the hand-built V-8 Vantage was developed using Aston Martin's own vehicle architecture, is without argument an Aston in appearance and is very much a sports car in feel.
So what's the problem? Certainly not looks. Rather, it's the Vantage's diminutive size (think Nissan 350Z), not to mention the paltry 380 horsepower from its 4.3-liter V-8, which is a distant relative of Jaguar's AJ-V8. A base Chevrolet Corvette coupe, by comparison, gives you 50 more ponies at 40 percent of the price and shaves more than a second off the all-important 0-to-60-mph sprint. Embarrassing.
Oh, what to do? Easy. Add more power. A quartet of additional cylinders wouldn't hurt, either, especially when it comes to establishing the Vantage as a bona fide Aston. Now, all of a sudden, the car's small size becomes an advantage. Behold the V-12 Vantage RS.
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A Real Aston Now—a Real Fast Aston
Officially a concept car, the V-12 Vantage RS is basically a V-8 Vantage filled to the brim with about as much motor as can be stuffed in the engine bay. In fact, we're not really sure how they stuffed the 6.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-12 in there. The engine is similar to—but not the same as—that found under the hood of the larger DB9. Indeed, it's much more powerful. Using tricks derived from Aston's racing program—revised camshafts and heads, tuned-length exhaust manifolds, and unique pistons and connecting rods—this particular powerplant makes a solid 600 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than not only the DB9 (by a third) but also Aston's flagship, the DBS, which has a suddenly small 510 horses.
