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The Aston Martin GT12 occupies a unique and almost mythical position within the modern Aston Martin story.
Launched in 2015 originally as the Vantage GT3 Special Edition before later becoming known globally as the GT12, it was far more than a limited-production Vantage derivative. It was Aston Martin’s uncompromising attempt to create a true road-legal race car inspired directly by the company’s Nürburgring endurance programme and GT3 competition machinery.
Only 100 examples were produced worldwide. Every car was effectively hand-crafted. Every surface, aerodynamic component and mechanical upgrade existed for one reason: to deliver the most focused and visceral Aston Martin driving experience ever created.
At the time, Aston Martin itself described the GT12 as:
“The most potent and focussed derivative that we have ever created.”
Nearly a decade later, the GT12 is now regarded as one of the most important and collectible Aston Martins of the Gaydon era. For many enthusiasts, it represents the perfect intersection of analogue V12 power, motorsport engineering and uncompromising design.
To understand the significance of the GT12, it is important to understand the environment Aston Martin was operating in during the early 2010s.
The V12 Vantage S was already regarded as one of the great modern driver’s cars. Compact, muscular and powered by Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12, it offered something increasingly rare: a front-engined supercar with immense character and genuine mechanical engagement.
But Aston Martin wanted to push the concept significantly further.
The company’s growing GT racing success, particularly with the V12 Vantage GT3 race programme, inspired engineers to create a road car with far closer links to Aston Martin Racing’s competition machinery. The Nürburgring 24 Hours programme played a particularly important role in shaping the GT12’s development philosophy.
Aston Martin stated clearly:
“The DNA of the Vantage GT3 Special Edition is clearly linked to our GT3 race cars.”
Development work drew directly from:
The project was delivered by the same specialist team responsible for:
That lineage alone tells you everything about the intent behind the GT12.
This was never designed to be a conventional special edition.
It was designed to become an icon.
When first unveiled in 2015, the car was officially named the “Vantage GT3 Special Edition”.
The name reflected its close connection to Aston Martin Racing’s GT3 competition cars, with the design and engineering heavily inspired by endurance motorsport.
However, trademark complications with Porsche regarding the “GT3” naming convention ultimately forced Aston Martin to rename the car shortly after launch.
The new name became:
At the heart of the GT12 sits Aston Martin’s legendary naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine.
Even in standard V12 Vantage S form, the engine was already celebrated for its immense character, rich soundtrack and progressive power delivery. For the GT12, Aston Martin engineers reworked the engine extensively to improve airflow, response and overall performance.
Key upgrades included:
The magnesium inlet manifold was particularly significant.
Aston Martin explained that the new manifold:
“Increases air speed via a Venturi effect to provide more air to the inlet chamber.”
The result was sharper throttle response, improved airflow distribution and enhanced power delivery throughout the rev range.
Specification | Aston Martin GT12 |
Engine | 6.0L Naturally Aspirated V12 |
Power | 600PS / 592bhp |
Torque | 625Nm |
Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
Transmission | Sportshift III 7-Speed |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
In an era increasingly dominated by turbocharging, the GT12 represented one of the final great naturally aspirated Aston Martin halo cars.
The character of the engine remains extraordinary even by modern standards:
It is an engine that feels alive in a way few modern turbocharged powertrains can replicate.
One of the GT12’s defining sensory experiences is its titanium exhaust system.
Aston Martin engineered an entirely new exhaust setup downstream of the manifolds, featuring:
The system alone reduced weight by:
The centre-mounted black ceramic-coated tailpipes became one of the GT12’s most iconic visual features.
The sound itself remains unforgettable:
This is not an artificially enhanced soundtrack.
It is mechanical theatre at its purest.
The GT12 utilised Aston Martin’s Sportshift III seven-speed automated manual transmission.
Unlike modern dual-clutch systems prioritised for smoothness and refinement, Sportshift III delivered a far more mechanical and aggressive experience.
Aston Martin claimed:
“Each gear-shift takes less than 70 milliseconds.”
The rear transaxle layout contributed to:
Combined with:
the GT12 became one of the most engaging Aston Martins ever produced.
Importantly, it still demanded respect.
Unlike many modern electronically sanitised supercars, the GT12 retained a degree of rawness and unpredictability that enthusiasts continue to celebrate today.
Weight reduction was absolutely central to the GT12 project.
Aston Martin targeted:
“A projected net weight save of 109kg.”
The engineers approached lightweighting obsessively.
Component | Weight Saving |
Carbon body components | 28kg |
Carbon lightweight seats | 20kg |
Titanium exhaust system | 18kg |
Interior optimisation | 18kg |
Lithium-ion battery | 17kg |
Magnesium wheels | 8.5kg |
Magnesium torque tube | 7.5kg |
Carbon door cards | 5kg |
Polycarbonate windows | 3kg |
The final target kerb weight was:
For a front-engined V12 supercar in 2015, this was an extraordinary achievement.
The GT12 used carbon fibre extensively throughout:
The exposed carbon surfaces became a defining part of the GT12’s visual identity.
Visually, the GT12 looked outrageous when it launched in 2015.
But the aggressive bodywork was not simply styling theatre.
It was functional aerodynamic engineering.
Aston Martin’s aerodynamic analysis showed:
“A 7 fold increase in downforce.”
The company even noted:
“Twice the aero load produced by our GT4 race cars.”
The aero package dramatically improved:
At high speed, the GT12 felt fundamentally different from the standard V12 Vantage S.
More planted.
More stable.
More aggressive.
The Nürburgring influence on the GT12 cannot be overstated.
Aston Martin’s internal materials repeatedly referenced:
The GT12 drew inspiration directly from:
The suspension setup targeted:
The GT12 used Aston Martin’s bonded aluminium VH architecture, but with major revisions.
Aston Martin explained:
“The suspension tune targets a more focussed track driving experience.”
The revised setup significantly sharpened:
The GT12 felt dramatically more alive than the V12 Vantage S.
The GT12 featured carbon ceramic brakes as standard.
Component | Specification |
Front Discs | 398mm Carbon Ceramic |
Rear Discs | 360mm Carbon Ceramic |
Front Calipers | 6-Piston Brembo |
Rear Calipers | 4-Piston Brembo |
The braking performance was immense:
Aston Martin specifically calibrated the:
to allow more driver freedom and reduced electronic intervention during aggressive driving.
The GT12 came standard with:
Tyre sizing was dramatic:
Optional centre-lock magnesium wheels saved:
The centre-lock mechanism itself reinforced the GT12’s motorsport character and significantly enhanced visual drama.
The GT12’s appearance remains one of the most aggressive Aston Martin designs ever produced.
The widened bodywork, giant rear wing and dramatic splitter package gave the car a stance unlike anything else in the Aston Martin range.
The Ocellus Teal and Gulf Orange specification became particularly iconic and remains one of the most recognisable GT12 configurations today.
Optional Q by Aston Martin graphics packs added:
Inside, the GT12 felt very different from a traditional Aston Martin grand tourer.
The cabin was intentionally motorsport-focused.
Aston Martin described it as:
“A race-car focussed environment with Alcantara and Carbon Fibre dominant throughout.”
The lightweight carbon seats alone saved:
Buyers could still personalise extensively through:
Although the GT12 was heavily focused on performance, Aston Martin still included modern convenience features.
Interestingly, the GT12 even featured:
These systems reinforced the GT12’s serious track-day intent.
The British motoring press immediately recognised the GT12 as something special.
Evo praised the GT12’s:
The magazine described it as:
“One of the maddest Aston Martins ever built.”
Autocar called the GT12:
“Aston Martin’s most focused road car to date.”
The publication particularly praised:
Top Gear highlighted:
PistonHeads described the GT12 as:
“A genuinely special Aston Martin.”
The publication also noted that the GT12 felt closer to:
than a conventional luxury sports car.
The GT12 arrived at exactly the right moment in automotive history.
It represents:
Modern performance cars may be faster.
But few deliver the same:
As collectors increasingly value analogue performance cars with genuine motorsport character, the GT12’s reputation continues to grow.
Category | Specification |
Engine | 6.0L Naturally Aspirated V12 |
Power | 600PS |
Torque | 625Nm |
Transmission | Sportshift III 7-Speed |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60mph | 3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | 185mph |
Weight | 1565kg |
Production | 100 Cars |
Brakes | Carbon Ceramic |
Aero | 7x Increase in Downforce |
Structure | Bonded Aluminium VH Architecture |
Aston Martin GT12 Frequently Asked Questions
How many Aston Martin GT12s were built?
Only 100 customer cars were produced globally.
Why was the GT12 originally called the GT3?
The car was initially launched as the Vantage GT3 Special Edition before being renamed GT12 following trademark issues with a certain German sports car manufacturer that sometimes puts their engines in the wrong end of their cars.
Is the Aston Martin GT12 naturally aspirated?
Yes. The GT12 uses a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine producing approximately 600PS.
Is the GT12 collectible?
Absolutely. The GT12 is widely regarded as one of the most collectible modern Aston Martins thanks to its rarity, motorsport connection and analogue V12 character.
What makes the GT12 special?
The GT12 combines:
creating one of the most extreme Aston Martins ever built.
We can also rebuild a V12 engine to GT12 in the HWM Works engine facility.