In 2002, a new variant was launched, named V12 GT or V12 GTA when equipped with an automatic transmission. It was essentially an improved version of the Vantage, its V12 engine producing 435 bhp (324 kW; 441 PS) and 410 lb·ft (560 N·m) of torque for the manual GT, although the automatic GTA retained the 420 bhp (313 kW; 426 PS) and 400 lb·ft (540 N·m) of torque of the standard DB7 Vantage.
Additionally, the GT and GTA chassis had substantially updated suspension from the DB7 Vantage models. Aesthetically, compared to the Vantage it has a mesh front grille, vents in the bonnet (hood), a boot (trunk) spoiler, an aluminium gear lever, optional carbon fibre trim and new wheels. It also has 355 mm (14.0 in) front and 330 mm (13.0 in) rear vented disc brakes made by Brembo. When being tested by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear in 2003, he demonstrated the car’s ability to pull away in fourth gear and continue until it hit the rev limiter: the speedometer indicated 135 mph (217 km/h). Production of the GT and GTA was extremely limited, as only 190 GT’s and 112 GTA’s were produced worldwide and only 17 were shipped to the US market, for a total of 302 cars.
