Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS

This is kind of big surprise! This week, Aston Martin invited 700 VIP guests for the opening of its new design centre and then suddenly uncovered this 600 bhp Vantage RS concept. On the first pictures, we can only hope that this one isn’t staying a concept car.

The Aston Martin engineers have modified a version of the 6.0-litre V12 from its DBRS9 into the Vantage to create its fastest accelerating road car ever! The Aston Martin will capable of reaching 62 mph (100 kmh) in four seconds and 100 mph (160 kmh) in just 8.5 seconds.

Part of the key was to loose weight. Like the recent DBS, the RS features a carbon-fibre bonnet and bootlid, which helps to bring the new car close to 1500kg. That’s less than the standard V8 despite carrying the heavier V12.

Other additional stuff are a motorsport inspired kit with carbon-ceramic brakes, that awesome carbon-fibre bonnet and a lot of ducting to keep things cool. There’s also a carbon front splitter and a deployable spoiler on the back that pops up at speed for more downforce.

Last but not least, if you’re wondering about the price, Aston Martin’s CEO simply said “it would reflect the exclusivity of the car”. That should push it past DB9 territory, then. Let’s wait and hope to see it on the Geneva Motorshow, coming March.

[via Top Gear]