The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is immediately acknowledged as something special – it isn't difficult to figure out why. There is no subtlety when one of the world's most gorgeous automotive sculptures is glistening in opalescent "Mako Blue" paint ("The name is taken from the Mako shark, which is the fastest and most agile shark known to man," says the automaker). Drawing even more attention are the strategically placed carbon fiber components and the bolt-on, diamond-turned forged ten-spoke alloys.

Aston Martin says that nothing on the V12 Vantage was altered simply for cosmetic reasons – all modifications were done to enhance the vehicle's driving dynamics. Lessons learned from the company's N24 race car program allowed its engineers to reduce aerodynamic lift on the new model without any penalty in drag. The aggressively sculpted front splitter more effectively channels air to the front brakes and radiator, yet still produces downforce. The carbon fiber louvers cut into the aluminum hood allow heated air in the engine compartment to escape, thereby lowering air pressure and lift brought on by high speeds. Even the new side sills are functional, as they channel air around the car rather than under it. Lastly, a subtle increase in the area of the rear decklid spoiler helps the carbon fiber lower diffuser channel air through the rear-mounted high-capacity oil cooler and increase downforce.