To the confusion of some and joy to many Aston Martin enthusiasts, the British automaker introduced the all-new Virage last year. The 2012 Aston Martin Virage is available in a coupe or convertible body. Essentially based off the DB9, the Virage offers minute styling differences, 20 hp more, and the suspension of the Rapide. It also boasts a price tag about $30,000 higher than the DB9. Still, the Virage is here and what it's all about is a heady combination of sports and luxury that attempts to draw buyers away from such 'pedestrian' brands as Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
In fact, the Virage can make a case against top sport and performance versions of all of those German automakers. And it makes a pretty good comparison, actually. For the price of entry, Virage buyers get a bespoke-feeling car that features a front-mounted 6.0-liter V-12 engine producing up to 490 horsepower, ranking right in between siblings DB9 and DBS. The brawny Virage is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
With beautiful styling befitting the British automaker, a powerful engine and an interior that combines sporty and luxurious elements, the 2012 Aston Martin Virage is an attractive sports car worth consideration for shoppers in the segment.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engine: 6.0-liter V-12
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Models: Virage Coupe, Virage Convertible
What's New
The 2012 Aston Martin Virage is claimed to be an all-new model, refined from the DB9. Subtle front and rear styling and standard carbon ceramic brakes help distinguish it from its lesser stablemate. Equipped with a hand-built 6.0-liter V-12 massaged to 490 hp, the Virage packs a bit more punch than the DB9, yet doesn't encroach on the DBS' territory.
Exterior
Aston's most current design language, as seen on the Virage, is sleek and elegant, with xenon headlights, taut body lines, and a subtle aggression that is undeniably British. The 2012 Aston Martin Virage features the brand's signature trapezoidal grille, and twin exhaust pipes that all add a sporty touch. 20-inch alloy wheels are standard. Five different wheel designs are available to choose from. One neat feature is the doors themselves, designed to open at a 12-degree incline, to avoid curbside scrapes.
Interior
Most interior surfaces are lavishly wrapped in fine leather, in keeping with Aston's luxury-oriented nature. The 10-way power seats are comfortable. Dual-stage heated seats, navigation and iPod connectivity are standard. A neat feature, the trunk includes a mounted umbrella. The coupe has a meager 6.5 cubic feet of space, and the Volante convertible about 1 cubic foot less. Buyers can choose from six interior trims. A Bang and Olufsen stereo is optional.
Performance & Handling
The V12 Virage is a higher-performance Aston with enough power to keep road egos in check, and handling sharp enough for virtually any road work. The exhaust note is sonorous. As standard, the 2012 Aston Martin Virage is a sports car that can be driven every day without compromise. The standard automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts between the gears. The Virage is also gifted with the Rapide's suspension, which continually adjusts making for a finer ride quality.
Safety
The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Virage includes carbon-ceramic brakes with an antilock braking system, dual-stage driver airbags, as well as side airbags when fitted with sport seats, all standard. Stability and traction control are also both standard. The Volante convertible comes standard with automatically deployed anti-rollover bars.
EPA Fuel Economy
Virage 6.0-liter V-12: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Outperformed by rivals
- Small cargo area
You Won't Like
- Outperformed by rivals
- Audio controls aren't intuitive
Sum Up
Another sexy powerful Aston.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi R8
- BMW M6
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Porsche 911 Turbo S