2012 Aston Martin Virage Overview

The Aston Martin Virage comes in a choice of two models: the 2+2 Coupe, or the Volante convertible. Both are built on the same bonded 'VH' aluminum chassis that underpins the DB9 and the DBS sports cars, with more aggressive, dramatic sheetmetal compared to the DB9.

Both models include a 490-horsepower version of Aston's hand-assembled V12 engine. The engine makes 420 pound-feet of torque, and sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission. Acceleration to 60 mph is 4.6 seconds, according to Aston Martin, with a 186-mph top speed.

Coupe models have a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, while due to some extra measures Volante convertibles don't sacrifice body stiffness or much performance. The Volante includes a stiffened chassis as well as a solidly mounted rear subframe. Huge, showy 20-inch wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes (16.6-inch rotors with 6-piston front calipers in front, 14-inch rotors and 4-piston calipers in back) set not only an exotic look, but a performance standard. An adaptive damping provides a choice of ten different firmness settings, while a Sport button makes shifts and throttle response sharper.

The Virage comes as a 2+2, although the rear seats are extremely small and there's an option to delete those seats completely. Trunk space is modest, at 6.5 cubic feet. But front-seat appointments and instrument-panel trims are lavish. The "Bridge of Weir" leather is hand-stitched; trim pieces are made of aluminum; and polished-glass buttons complete the instrument-panel look. On the outside, Aston points to the aluminum metal grille, as well as the finely detailed side strake with LED running lamps.

Standard equipment includes a Garmin navigation system and 6.5-inch display--with selections made via a small 4-way joystick--and 700-watt premium sound with Dolby Pro Logc II and full iPod integration. Heated seats, cruise control and a Bluetooth hands-free interface are also included. At the top of the options range is a 1,000-watt, 13-speaker Band & Olufsen BeoSound Virage system specially configured for the car.

There are many ways to customize and option the Virage so that no two cars will look quite the same. Select options include personalized sill plates, several painted or diamond-finish alloy wheel designs, special Mahogany, Bamboo or Tamo Ash wood trim, among others, or a Titanium-finish hood.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Model Changes

Aston Martin has brought back a model name from its past (the 1980s and '90s) for the Virage, a new model that's built on some of the same underpinnings as the DB9, but with higher performance--yet it's not quite as hard-edged as the brand's top-performance DBS. The Virage comes either as a coupe, or as a "Volante" convertible and is powered by a 490-hp version of Aston Martin's V12 engine.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Value

The Virage fits into the Aston Martin lineup between the DB9 grand-touring coupe and the top-performance DBS and competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Porsche GT2 RS--or at a lower price, the Maserati GranTurismo. As more of a high-powered grand-touring coupe, the Virage doesn't compete with exotic, track-focused sports cars, but it appeals to those who want one of the edgier offerings short of that. Yet with adaptive damping and a softer normal mode for the automatic transmission, the Virage is easy to drive and comfortable in normal traffic conditions. Modern tech conveniences like high-end audio, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity aren't ignored, either.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Strengths

Strong, charismatic V12; better comfort than a full-fledged racer; well-detailed interior; no lack of tech features; customization options