Aston Martin has unveiled a limited-edition model paying tribute to a 90s classic.
Called the V12 Vantage V600, it’s based on the outgoing generation of Aston’s entry-level machine, which first entered production in 2005 and will officially be replaced next month when deliveries of the new 2019 model begin.
The V600 will be sought-after by motoring purists, as it pairs a 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing 598bhp, with a seven-speed manual gearbox. It’s also the last two-door sports car Aston Martin will build on the VH platform, which it has been using different variations of since as early as 2001.
Only 14 examples of the V12 Vantage V600 will be built – seven coupes and seven roadsters. The car is a project of Q by Aston Martin, which takes special commissions from customers.
The original Vantage V600, upon which the car is based, entered production in 1993 as a dramatically upgraded version of the Virage. It had a 5.3-litre twin-supercharged V8 engine, which initially produced 550bhp — before an even more powerful Le Mans edition was introduced in 1999 with 604bhp.
Aston Martin says that the new V600 is “available upon request” and that deliveries will start in Q3 2018.
Marek Reichman, vice president and chief creative officer at Aston Martin, commented: “This is precisely why we created our ‘Q by Aston Martin - Commission’ service.
“Our customers can create truly bespoke sports cars by personally collaborating with myself and Aston Martin’s design team.
“The V600 name remains a classic in Aston Martin’s heritage and I’m proud to see it adorn the V12 Vantage V600 once again.”
