2012 Aston Martin Virage

Don’t call it a new Aston Martin; the Virage first emerged in the British luxury sportscar maker’s lineup 20 years ago at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show in England. Back then, it was heralded as the next big thing for Aston, but turned out to be something of a disappointment, outshined by the DB9 and DBS, which went on to represent the bleeding edge of British automobile performance. Now, ahead of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Aston has re-released the Virage in the US, back after a 20 year absence. The Virage is a 2+2 mid engine sport coupe, powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 with 490 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which allows the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 186 mph, according to Aston. And while it isn’t the most stunning Aston ever, it is an undeniably beautiful coupe. Aston may be trying to position it as a third alternative, alongside the DB9 and DBS, and in that, it probably fails – the Virage too closely resembles a facelifted DB9. But if taken as just another variation on the theme – vicious but elegant touring coupes – that Aston has elevated to an artwork, it’s nothing to criticize too heavily. Aston luxury touches are present on the interior – a Walnut fascia trim, and Iridium Silver center console, and Aston technology is visible outside – it’s Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes come standard on the Virage. Other options, and pricing, will be announced at the Geneva Show in March. Check out the rest of the gallery after the jump. via: WCF.