First Look: 2002 Aston Martin V-12
Photography by the author, Matt Stone
Aston Martin won the hearts of Geneva Auto Show-goers by unveiling the production version of its much-anticipated Vanquish. This V-12-powered exotic GT is a stylistic and technological tour de force. Among its most innovative engineering aspects is its all-new monocoque chassis, featuring a composite central tunnel surrounded by stressed aluminum panels for light weight and extreme structural rigidity.
The 60 aluminum DOHC V-12, previously introduced in the DB7, has been thoroughly upgraded for Vanquish duty. It now cranks out a supercar-worthy 460 hp at 6500 rpm and an equally stout 400 lb-ft at 5000 revs. The only transmission offering is a six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled manual/automatic with paddle shifters, much like the Ferrari 360 Modena F1's system. But it's the Ian Callum-designed all-alloy coachwork that really impresses; this is simply one of the world's most powerfully elegant automobiles-ever. The interior is finished in an artistic combination of leather and genuine alloy trim, and it offers every comfort and convenience feature one could want.
Competition? Only Ferrari's 550 Maranello. Few Vanquishes will be built, and the lines are forming. The $228,000 190-plus-mph V-12 Vanquish will appear in U.S. showrooms late this summer-and rumor is it will appear in the next James Bond movie as well.