It’s almost last call for Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated V-12. Despite its humble origins under Ford Motor Company ownership—in essence, it’s a pair of 3.0-liter Duratec V-6s—the 5.9-liter V-12 is among the most exotic-sounding engines in the world, and it’s found in the Aston Martin Vanquish. As white-gloved hands polish the final 2018 Vanquish models, the Gaydon factory will produce 175 Ultimate editions based on the S coupe and the Volante convertible.
The Ultimate boasts 580 horsepower, a 201-mph top speed, and a gorgeous body that won’t ever go out of fashion. None will come to the United States, unfortunately. Americans do get a similar Vanquish special, although they must first declare allegiance to Tom Brady and his branded protein powder.
The Ultimate offers a trio of exterior and interior color themes. The Ultimate Black car pictured here wears the same paint color featured on the V12 Vanquish S Ultimate in 2007. Copper accenting on the side sills, rear diffuser, and lower front air intake brighten the sinister appearance of black exhaust tips, black two-tone wheels, and extra carbon-fiber trim. The scaly-looking Chestnut Tan contrast-stitching pattern over the Obsidian Black seats, door panels, and center armrest has us squirming, but in a good way.
The second Vanquish theme is based on “technical sportswear,” although the Phantom Gray leather seats, yellow accents, and blue stitching will not wick sweat or turn a Vanquish owner into a triathlete. On this car’s Xenon Gray exterior, Cobalt Blue stands in for copper trim, and the brake calipers are yellow.
The third theme flips the black car’s interior, with an Obsidian Black pattern over Chestnut Tan leather and a carbon-fiber center stack. White gold paint mixes with bronze exterior accents, along with gloss black and carbon-fiber trim. Aston doesn’t offer photos of the gray or white Vanquish themes, but a couple of clicks through the company’s online configurator should get you 90 percent of the way there. We’ll miss the Vanquish, although, for a while longer, its angry V-12 will still be available in the Rapide S sedan.
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