Spy shots of the 2023 Aston Martin Vantage V12 RS: the "hardcore" variant tops the list of upgrades

Aston Martin is testing an early prototype that appears to be a hardcore variant at the top of the updated Vantage lineup.

Aston Martin is expected to introduce an updated version of the Vantage in late 2022 or early next year. The focus of the update will be on interior specification, but there will also be a new hardcore variant that is said to revive the Vantage V12 RS name first used on the V12-powered Vantage concept car introduced in 2008.

It is believed to be Aston Martin's version of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series or Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

The prototype is still fitted with homemade body panels, but huge vents on the hood, air curtains on the front fascia, widened track at the front and rear, an aggressive rear diffuser and center-mounted exhaust tips are already visible. visible.

Under the hood is expected to be Aston Martin's own 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12. This engine is tuned to produce 760 hp in the DBS GT Zagato, while the Vantage is expected to produce closer to 700 hp.

It is unclear whether the V12 engine will be a permanent option for the Vantage or for hardcore special editions like this car.

Unfortunately, a manual transmission will not be offered as on previous Vantage models with the V-12 engine. Aston Martin plans to phase out manual transmissions with the introduction of the updated Vantage family. This means that only an 8-speed automatic transmission will likely be offered in the future.

The price of the "hardcore" variant will likely be close to $200,000. The highest price for the current Vantage is already $162,000 for the Vantage F1 Edition, which will be introduced in 2021.