The GT8! Carbon fibre bodied £200K 440BHP 7 Speed V8.

[RobDown]

AdamV12V said:

cayman-black said:

Also the stereo is the outgoing 160W std system, so premium (£1495) or B&O (£5495 + £495 black grilles) are optional, despite Premium now being std on V12VS.

I'm thinking long and hard on this. I didn't listen to my sound system in the DB9. The Rapide has B&O, but I only know that because the dealer demonstrated how the speakers popped up out of the dash, I've not actually listened to it yet, but as the Rapide is going to be used for Europe trips its nice to know its got a decent system

If I get a GT8, lets be honest, the stereo is never, ever going to be used is it? Its just not the car for doing long distance trips and I suspect with the exhaust noise the finer details from a premium audio system are going to be lost anyway. So that seems to rule out paying £5-6k for the B&O. But is it even worth paying £1500 for the premium system?

[AdamV12V]

RobDown said:

AdamV12V said:

Also the stereo is the outgoing 160W std system, so premium (£1495) or B&O (£5495 + £495 black grilles) are optional, despite Premium now being std on V12VS.

I'm thinking long and hard on this. I didn't listen to my sound system in the DB9. The Rapide has B&O, but I only know that because the dealer demonstrated how the speakers popped up out of the dash, I've not actually listened to it yet, but as the Rapide is going to be used for Europe trips its nice to know its got a decent system

If I get a GT8, lets be honest, the stereo is never, ever going to be used is it? Its just not the car for doing long distance trips and I suspect with the exhaust noise the finer details from a premium audio system are going to be lost anyway. So that seems to rule out paying £5-6k for the B&O. But is it even worth paying £1500 for the premium system?

Each to their own, but I would have got Premium in a GT8 myself as it would have been a daily drive for me. Lets face it, its not really a track car, despite all the pedigree stuff, but that's its strength to me - not so hardcore, despite the looks so its very usable every day.

[Jon39]

There was originally a considerable amount of discussion on this GT8 topic, but after we saw the official announcement photographs, very little has been said.

Usually following new model announcements, topics become very active.

Any reasons for the lack of interest?

[AdamV12V]

Jon39 said:

There was originally a considerable amount of discussion on this GT8 topic, but after we saw the official announcement photographs, very little has been said.

Usually following new model announcements, topics become very active.

Any reasons for the lack of interest?

Indeed that is a bit odd, especially given we seem to have several of the buyers right here on PH. I think I am more excited and I'm not even buying one!

[Inspirine]

RobDown said:

I'm thinking long and hard on this. I didn't listen to my sound system in the DB9. The Rapide has B&O, but I only know that because the dealer demonstrated how the speakers popped up out of the dash, I've not actually listened to it yet, but as the Rapide is going to be used for Europe trips its nice to know its got a decent system

If I get a GT8, lets be honest, the stereo is never, ever going to be used is it? Its just not the car for doing long distance trips and I suspect with the exhaust noise the finer details from a premium audio system are going to be lost anyway. So that seems to rule out paying £5-6k for the B&O. But is it even worth paying £1500 for the premium system?

Audio options is a shame on such a car. I wish I could even delete audio altogether and save a bit of weight.

[AdamV12V]

Inspirine said:

Audio options is a shame on such a car. I wish I could even delete audio altogether and save a bit of weight.

LOL - I think you guys are mistaking this car for a Porsche GT3RS. Its just a damn pretty street car, with a f-off rear wing, aero and race decals, really don't see it being much more capable on a track than a std V8VS. Not that any vantage is bad on a track, far from it - but saving a few kg on audio delete is a misplaced idea in one of these cars IMHO.

Still as most will live out their lives in storage not being driven it probably doesn't matter delete, std or b&o to be honest

[FFM]

RobDown said:

I'm thinking long and hard on this. I didn't listen to my sound system in the DB9. The Rapide has B&O, but I only know that because the dealer demonstrated how the speakers popped up out of the dash, I've not actually listened to it yet, but as the Rapide is going to be used for Europe trips its nice to know its got a decent system

If I get a GT8, lets be honest, the stereo is never, ever going to be used is it? Its just not the car for doing long distance trips and I suspect with the exhaust noise the finer details from a premium audio system are going to be lost anyway. So that seems to rule out paying £5-6k for the B&O. But is it even worth paying £1500 for the premium system?

That is a good point and other perspective owners I am in touch with, including myself, share this same view. Say if you ever going to sell the car in the future, having or not having a B&O/Premium sound will make 0 difference to the value, on this particular car.

So the choice is purely personal: listen to the exhaust note or better music? I would probably add the subwoofer to the standard audio just because the weight difference is minimal and is a no-cost option

[FFM]

Jon39 said:

There was originally a considerable amount of discussion on this GT8 topic, but after we saw the official announcement photographs, very little has been said.

Usually following new model announcements, topics become very active.

Any reasons for the lack of interest?

I am very excited, but I am still waiting for the full option pricing list, to start with! There is no rush in specc'ing the car. Btw, I have already told AM I will come again to the factory in mid-May to finalise the spec. And, in the meantime, I am sure I will have more question for you guys to help making some decisions!

[Inspirine]

FFM said:

I am very excited, but I am still waiting for the full option pricing list, to start with! There is no rush in specc'ing the car. Btw, I have already told AM I will come again to the factory in mid-May to finalise the spec. And, in the meantime, I am sure I will have more question for you guys to help making some decisions!

They told me no way to come after 29th April.

Anyone has got more info on option pricing list? Even the 7 accent colors available? What is the price for that?

[RobDown]

I think the lack of excitement on the forum may be in part (a bit like with the gt12) because they simply aren't available (a bit like no one talks about Vulcans)

I'm also tempering my enthusiasm because I'm still not 100% decided; gt8 or v12vs? I really want both but no amount of man maths stretches that far. So if the gt8 doesn't wow me on Monday....

[whoami]

RobDown said:

I think the lack of excitement on the forum may be in part (a bit like with the gt12) because they simply aren't available (a bit like no one talks about Vulcans)

I'm also tempering my enthusiasm because I'm still not 100% decided; gt8 or v12vs? I really want both but no amount of man maths stretches that far. So if the gt8 doesn't wow me on Monday....

Is the deposit refundable?

[AdamV12V]

Ask for the GT12 price list, that's what I did. Its a pretty sure bet that 99% of the prices will be the same, or near as damn it the same.

If you want to ask me for any of the specific options on that car then feel free to do so. I will of course not be able to replicate the list in full on a forum.

[V8 Vantage GT]

Inspirine said:

Audio options is a shame on such a car. I wish I could even delete audio altogether and save a bit of weight.

The shame is that the standard 160W stereo is terrible. The cheapest mass produced cars these days have better stereos. I know, mine GT has the standard 160W and it really does suck.

[cayman-black]

RobDown said:

I think the lack of excitement on the forum may be in part (a bit like with the gt12) because they simply aren't available (a bit like no one talks about Vulcans)

I'm also tempering my enthusiasm because I'm still not 100% decided; gt8 or v12vs? I really want both but no amount of man maths stretches that far. So if the gt8 doesn't wow me on Monday....

I thought they where all sold or do you have a deposit on one Rob ?

[Jon39]

Flugplatz said:

Jon39 said:

Has the colour scheme and wheel type been chosen yet?

Yes, and changed at least 3 times a day for the last 8 days!!

Its been Morning Frost with Kermit green halo scheme.
Its been Sea Storm with Speedway white halo scheme.
Its been Red with silver halo scheme.
Its been Red with no halo scheme
Its been Morning frost with Flugplatz halo scheme.
Its been Black with a Pink, yellow or acid green halo scheme.
Its currently a GULF inspired blue and a lot of orange.

I expect that you know, there has been more than one shade of Gulf blue.
The photograph of the GTE that I posted earlier, is the light blue version, which I prefer.

Of course, the Gulf colours will not be seen on AMR cars this season. Green is back.

[Flugplatz]

Jon39 said:

I expect that you know, there has been more than one shade of Gulf blue.
The photograph of the GTE that I posted earlier, is the light blue version, which I prefer.

Of course, the Gulf colours will not be seen on AMR cars this season. Green is back.

It's ok because today its back to launch colours as seen in all press releases and viewed at Gaydon!!!!
He is changing his mind so much every day that I no longer even reply to his messages with my opinion

Oh, and its a manual now!!! ha ha

[Jon39]

Flugplatz said:

It's ok because today its back to launch colours as seen in all press releases and viewed at Gaydon!!!!
He is changing his mind so much every day that I no longer even reply to his messages with my opinion

Oh, and its a manual now!!! ha ha

This reminds me of an old joke.
"I used to be uncertain, but now I am not so sure."

Do you think the final decision might be;
Colour - Meteorite Silver.
Delete - Rear Wing.
Delete - External Aero Pack.
Interior - Full Luxury Leather, with Contrast Stitching, Extra Deep Pile Carpeting and Smokers Pack.
Option - Standard V8V Exhaust System (with switches to hear the audio).
Option - Interior Quiet Pack.
Option - B & O Audio.

[FFM]

Looking forward to the EVO test drive..the car they likely test drive will be a true manual!

http://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/v8-vantage/17628...

Comment (from EVO)

'How will it drive? I’m fascinated that the dampers are passive, so it’s likely that it will have a more hardcore ride/handling setup than the GT12. Also, the inherent advantages of the V8 should mean a more even weight distribution – it should have a better balance than the GT12. I’m expecting more front-end response and better traction. I’m told it has cast-iron brakes, not carbon-ceramic (which aren’t even an option). Interesting. I hope they stand up to track abuse. Overall, it can and should be the best Vantage yet.' – Richard Meaden

[RobDown]

cayman-black said:

RobDown said:

I think the lack of excitement on the forum may be in part (a bit like with the gt12) because they simply aren't available (a bit like no one talks about Vulcans)

I'm also tempering my enthusiasm because I'm still not 100% decided; gt8 or v12vs? I really want both but no amount of man maths stretches that far. So if the gt8 doesn't wow me on Monday....

I thought they where all sold or do you have a deposit on one Rob ?

I've effectively got a deposit on both a GT8 and a V12VSR (manual); the agreement I have is that if I don't like the look of the GT8 tomorrow then the deposit rolls into the V12VSR. It's a tough one, I suspect they will both be fantastic cars. But obviously very different.

I have to confess I've been very, very lucky; a friend and I bought a DB5 before they got ridiculous (and well out of the reach of AM enthusiasts like me). Because my friend needed to sell, that car has recently gone; it was incomparably beautiful, a privilege to be part of its history, rubbish to drive but I miss it (sob). But the consolation is that my 50% share is enough to buy both the nearly new Rapide S I have and either the GT8 or V12VS. It's a long way from my first 800cc Renault 5, so I feel kind of blessed

The Rapide is great for longer trips, so the second car can be a weekend, fairweather car. I have to say I'm leaning towards the GT8, in part because I think if I don't buy one now I will never be able to. And if I keep playing the lottery, maybe I can buy a manual V12VSR before they go out of production in a year's time

Edited by RobDown on Sunday 17th April 16:46

Edited by RobDown on Sunday 17th April 16:47

[Mansfield]

Here's another video from Carfection (old X-Car) if youve not already seen it:

http://youtu.be/lWp-9nzL4Go