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The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced cars in the world in its day. Built at Newport Pagnell, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish was the Aston Martin's flagship model and second V12 model in the line-up along with Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. In conjunction with the electronic drive-by-wire throttle system which is fitted to the second generation 460 horsepower 6.0 litre V12 Aston Martin engine, finger tip controlled Formula 1 style paddles enable almost imperceptible gear changes to be completed in under 250 milliseconds - less than the blink of an eye. Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically with the added facility of a special programme tailored to winter driving conditions. The main body structure utilises carbon fibre, extruded aluminium and composite materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both front and rear. It provides high standards of efficiency, structural integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection. International award winning designer Ian Callum's elegant, classic body design which reflects the pedigree, heritage and tradition of Aston Martin is both bold and dynamic with finely detailed features for the interior and the exterior. With the capacity to continue to turn heads the design of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is already established as a modern classic. Perfectly proportioned from every aspect, Ian Callum's design confirms the promise of outstanding "Supercar" performance and the impeccable pedigree of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish as the new flagship of Aston Martin. Every carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality which is invested in its construction. All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit. The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is available as either a two or two plus two seat coupe with each and every model hand-built, finished and equipped to the exact and individual requirements of its customer. The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish benefits from a comprehensive and exhaustive test programme with 50 prototypes covering more than 1.6 million kilometres (1.0 million miles). Components and systems were subjected to a series of exhaustive trials on test rigs in Ford Research and Development Centres in Britain, mainland Europe and the United States. In order to assess the integrity and durability of the bonded body structure an environmental wind tunnel was employed to subject a Aston Martin Vanquish body to extremes of temperature ranging from minus 40°C to plus 81°C. At the concept stage the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish was previewed at a series of international motor shows in North America and Europe during the first half of 1998. Such was the response to Project Vantage that immediately following its public unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in January 1998 the decision was taken to proceed with production.