The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is the experiment in balls to the wall power fitted to the lightest chassis in Aston Martin production to date.  The M28 V12 engine delivers exceptional performance; peak power is stated at 563bhp and an insane top speed of 205mph.  Not to mention, the 6.0l V12 sounds like the devil himself.  So is it rightfully fitting that AUTOart release a 1:18 replica of this supercar?  I waited for the Yellow Tang exterior, as I have a weakness for Yellow cars with Black accent bits.  So how did AUTOart do?

The V12 Vantage S is from AUTOart’s Performance Series.  The base exterior is claimed to be fabricated mostly from diecast metal, a refreshing alternative to their new composite line.  The exterior paint on the model is top-notch.  The metallic flake in the Yellow Tang is perfectly blended; paint work is consistent throughout the model, too.  Panel gaps and shutlines are excellent for the most part; they rival their composite line for sure.

Overall lines of the model are excellent and mirror the 1:1 well.  There are two issues; well, maybe one.  First, AUTOart used chrome trim around the side and C-pillar windows.  Based on images I studied, this should be all Black.  Seems the all Black treatment could be linked to the optional carbon fiber package.  Second, the “V12” badge on each front panel is so small, a magnifying glass is needed to decipher it. Is it in correct scale?  Maybe.

The front of the V12 Vantage S is executed beautifully.  All lower grilles are perforated; even the upper hood cooling elements are slooted with visual openings.  Fitment is exceptional too. Nice touch!  3D Aston Martin badge, nicely detailed headlights, and carbon fiber work round out the package.

Rear is much like the front, perfect.  Lower centre grille is perforated with very nice carbon fiber work surrounding the lower half.  Rear badge is 3D like, and I also like the nicely executed V12 Vantage S decal.  The rear hatch is accessible here.  Dual struts hold the hatch in place, while the mid divider is functional and reveals a fully carpeted storage compartment.

The front hood is supported by dual struts, operation is flawless.  As mentioned earlier, the heart of this monster is a 6.0L V12.  AUTOart’s rendition is one of my favorites from the brand.  The motor has depth and provides realism to the end-user.  I love how the Yellow Tang paint shines through the various openings on the 6.0L v12 lump from the top view.

The Black wheels prove so fitting against the Yellow exterior.  The addition of Red calipers is a perfect extension to the wheel and braking package.  As with past models, AUTOart does an exceptional job with executing both rim and braking bits.

The interior is on par with the exterior.  All elements are nicely appointed and crafted with care.  We find a fully carpeted interior front to rear, and there are also fabric seat-belts to be found.  The Vantage S does feature a few updates, AUTOart managed to add the yellow stripe to seats and doors, but they failed to execute the Yellow stitching on the seats themselves.

I’m totally impressed with AUTOart’s version of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.  Execution inside and out is top-notch for the most part, a few misuses that could have been avoided seemed to be ignored or missed by the team.  If I had to change one thing I would have asked for the optional carbon package version. Nonetheless, the model presented here would be a valid addition to any collection.  Get one!  Enjoy the pics!