Unveiled in January 1998 at the Detroit Motor Show, the Project Vantage thrust AML back into the world supercar spotlight. Initially built as a one off Derwent Green prototype, with ‘no plans for production’, the car, like many other previous AML prototypes, was a fully engineered vehicle, claimed as capable of being run on the road or racetrack. Reaction from the press and potential customers was fantastic – Aston Martin just had to build the car to become it’s ‘hero’ model and replace the aging ‘V’ car range. We didn’t know it at the time – but Project Vantage was our very first view of the legendary V12 Vanquish. Project Vantage featured a new 6.0 litre V12 engine with a claimed output of 450 bhp, initially proposed for installation into the 1993 Lagonda Vignale and Ford Indigo prototypes. In addition, the gear box was an F1 derived paddle shift system – what would become another Aston Martin first. It was built on an aluminium tub and was clothed in composite panels, not aluminium as would have been expected. 

price $	$ Prototype
engine	V12
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement	5972 cc / 364.4 in³
bore	89.0 mm / 3.5 in
stroke	80.0 mm / 3.15 in
compression	10.0:1
power	329.6 kw / 442.0 bhp @ 6250 rpm
specific output	74.01 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	bhp per tonne
torque	550.0 nm / 405.7 ft lbs @ 4200 rpm
body / frame	Aluminum & Carbon Fibre
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	F 255/40ZR-19
rear tires	R 285/40ZR-19
front brakes	AP Racing Vented Discs w/Hydraulic Assist
f brake size	x 381 mm / x 15.0 in
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/Hydraulic Assist
r brake size	x 356 mm / x 14.0 in
front wheels	F 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19.0 x 9.5 in
rear wheels	R 24.1 x 19 cm / 9.5 x 7.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
curb weight	1550 kg / 3417 lbs
wheelbase	2692 mm / 106.0 in
front track	1549 mm / 61.0 in
rear track	1600 mm / 63.0 in
length	4666 mm / 183.7 in
width	1890 mm / 74.4 in
height	1298 mm / 51.1 in
transmission	6-Speed Manual with Auto Paddle Shift
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~321.9 kph / 200.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~4.0 second