2012 Aston Martin Virage

One of Aston Martin's endearing traits has been its ability to make more from less -- especially when it comes to its VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform strategy that uses basically the same chassis bits to produce all its cars from the V8 Vantage up through the four-door Rapide.

With the introduction of the 2012 Aston Martin Virage, the British sports car maker now offers three distinct V-12 models on the same 107.9-inch wheelbase and positions the car as a way for customers to split the difference between the sporty DB9 and the sportier DBS. Or better yet, the new lineup should be described as sporty (DB9), sportier (Virage), sportiest (DBS).

There is much of the Virage besides its name that is shared with the DB9 and DBS, which starts with the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine. This front mid-mounted powerplant produces 490 bhp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the DB9, it's mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with a paddle-shift feature that gives rev-matched downshifts. The DBS differs in that it offers only a six-speed manual. With a similar curb weight and dimensions, the Virage offers comparable performance to that of the DB9 with zero-to-62 mph acceleration of 4.6 sec. and a top speed of 186 mph.

The Virage is offered as a 2+2 coupe, with a rear-seat delete option. The Volante (convertible) variant is only a two-seater. In splitting the difference between DB9 and DBS, Aston offers a number of standard features such as a new Adaptive Damping System that has five stiffness settings in the normal mode and five settings within the stiffer sport mode. The system automatically reacts to road irregularities to provide optimum levels of ride and handling. Also standard on the Virage are carbon ceramic disc brakes.

Sharper Styling