Since it launched in 2018, the current-generation Aston Martin Vantage has only been available with an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower. Unlike its predecessor, the current car is not offered with a V12 powerplant.

We were starting to lose hope that Aston Martin would build a V12-powered version of the current Vantage, but just a few days ago our spy photographers spotted Aston Martin testing a mysterious prototype based on the Vantage with a V12 under the hood. And now we can see it in action for the first time.

At around five minutes into the above video, the V12-powered Aston Martin Vantage prototype can be seen racing around the Nurburgring along with other prototypes including the new hybrid Aston Martin DBX. Sadly, the sound is muffled, so we don't get to hear its V12 powertrain roar very clearly.

However, there are some noticeable modifications that suggest this Vantage doesn't have a standard V8 under the hood. The fenders are much wider than the regular Vantage, there are extra air intakes, and the hood has been modified, which suggests the prototype has a much larger engine.

At the back, the V12-powered Vantage is fitted with two center-mounted exhaust tips. There's a strong chance the hardcore Vantage will utilize the same engine as the V12 Speedster, which is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 690 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. It remains to be seen if Aston Martin's V12 will be detuned for the new hardcore Vantage, which will reportedly be called the V12 RS, but it should have more than enough power to take on the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

The new V12-powered Vantage is expected to debut next year as part of the model's mid-cycle facelift. This could be the ultimate sendoff for the combustion-powered Vantage before the next generation arrives with a fully electric powertrain.