Aston Martin V-12 Vantage
Aston Martin unveiled the production version of its most potent and focused car at Geneva. This new car combines the V-8 Vantage's compact 2-seat dimensions with the power of the company's 5.9-liter V-12—to the tune of 510 bhp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Aston is predicting a 190 mph top speed, along with 0–62 mph (100 km/h) dispatched in a scant 4.2 seconds.Although the V-12 engine weighs 220 lb. more than the standard car's V-8, carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter forged aluminium wheels, lightweight inner rear quarter panels and optional lightweight seats have resulted in the overall curb weight that's only 110 lb. heavier than its V-8 sibling's. And the weight distribution is near perfect, at 51/49 front/rear.
"More" has to be taken with a pinch of salt, as Aston only expects to build 300–500 examples a year at its Gaydon factory. Deliveries will begin this fall.
In A meanwhile,Aston Martin will return to the Nurburgring for the fourth year in a row to compete in the 24-hour endurance race. This year the new V12 Vantage will be joining the yellow V8 Vantage - nicknamed 'Rose' - on the grid.
The ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race attracts a variety of entrants from factory backed teams (including Aston Martin, VW and Audi) to private entries in anything from Porsche 911 GT3s and BMW M3 GTS to more modest machinery. The strangest entry in last year's race was probably the Opel Astra Caravan, which finished ahead of a Lamborghini Gallardo!
This year Aston Martin will enter a V12 Vantage, driven by Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez along with members of Aston's engineering team. The car is described as being 'near standard specification', which means about 510bhp from a 6.0-litre V12. Changes include reduced weight, which necessitates re-tuned suspension and Pirelli has provided slick tyres for the race.
New fuel system
Following diagnosis at Enhanced Performance it was clear that the fuel delivery system wasn't really up to the job of providing a race car with a reliable level of fuel flow on track. The lines were old and fixed with crappy clips, the tank had debris in it, the fuel filter was old, one pump was disconnected and a standard fuel pump was delivering all the fuel to the engine.
Luke at Enhanced Performance flushed the original tank, added a new pump and re-connected the fuel system using Aeroquip fittings and new braided lines that run through the interior of the car. The fuel system now uses two pumps and a swirl pot with fuel filter in line. The return fills the swirl pot. This should be much more reliable and I'm confident that the lines, fixings and pumps are up to scratch.
New braided fuel lines in the engine bay and the interior:
And the panel on the boot floor which covers the standard tank, swirl pot, pump, filter and secondary pump:
Luke at Enhanced Performance flushed the original tank, added a new pump and re-connected the fuel system using Aeroquip fittings and new braided lines that run through the interior of the car. The fuel system now uses two pumps and a swirl pot with fuel filter in line. The return fills the swirl pot. This should be much more reliable and I'm confident that the lines, fixings and pumps are up to scratch.
New braided fuel lines in the engine bay and the interior:
And the panel on the boot floor which covers the standard tank, swirl pot, pump, filter and secondary pump:
Enhanced Performance review
I wanted to say a big thank you to Luke at Enhanced Performance. Luke's been around Cosworths for a long time and is clearly knowledgeable and experienced. He's also very enthusiastic and willing to take the time to explain stuff to a novice like me.
He diagnosed my car on a rolling road, then rebuilt my fuel system around the standard (but flushed) tank, swirlpot, new fuel pump, secondary pump, Aeroquip fittings and new braided fuel lines. The standard of work is very high and the bill was reasonable but most importantly I am confident that the work has been carried out to a high standard and that it will suit the spec of my car.
Enhanced Performance workshop:
Luke's suggestions for my car fitted my budget, and he didn't get carried away with pushing the highest spec kit. He also called me when he said he'd call me and told me what work he planned to do it before he did any work.
It's great to deal with a Cossie tuner who knows his onions and loves the cars. Luke at Enhanced Performance is on 01293 560 291 and at www.enhanced-performance.co.uk.
He diagnosed my car on a rolling road, then rebuilt my fuel system around the standard (but flushed) tank, swirlpot, new fuel pump, secondary pump, Aeroquip fittings and new braided fuel lines. The standard of work is very high and the bill was reasonable but most importantly I am confident that the work has been carried out to a high standard and that it will suit the spec of my car.
Enhanced Performance workshop:
Luke's suggestions for my car fitted my budget, and he didn't get carried away with pushing the highest spec kit. He also called me when he said he'd call me and told me what work he planned to do it before he did any work.
It's great to deal with a Cossie tuner who knows his onions and loves the cars. Luke at Enhanced Performance is on 01293 560 291 and at www.enhanced-performance.co.uk.
