The new-for-2012 Virage is built on Aston Martin’s “VH” architecture. The lightweight bonded aluminum and composite platform debuted way back in 2004 (under the skin of the DB9), but it’s still an impressively stiff platform. As such, the British automaker makes good use of it. In addition to the new Virage, it is also used as the backbone of the Vantage, DBS and Rapide (the low volume One-77 is constructed with a full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis).
Sharing the same wheelbase and silhouette, the new Virage looks like a monozygotic twin to the DB9 and DBS. However, closer examination reveals that the Virage wears its own unique skin of aluminum, magnesium and composite body panels. Sculpted with aggressive simplicity in mind – clean surfaces with wide flares to emphasize the width of the platform – the front fascia features a five-vane grille (inspired by the One-77) and the rear wraps around with a body-color rear lower diffuser. As is the case with all late-model Aston Martins, the Virage features LED illumination for the daytime running lamps, turn signals and rear lamps, while the headlights are bi-xenon projector beams.
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