Aston Vs Jag - are we slipping back?

[yeti]

Murph7355 said:

As much as the VH platform was lauded 10yrs ago, things move on and I strongly suspect it is now more a hindrance than a help. They're in the same position with every area of the cars - are they class leading in engines, gearbox, suspension, electronics? Even if they don't need to be right at the front, can we really say they are even close to class leading in anything other than looks (increasingly debatable) or "ambience".

I think the VH platform was way ahead of its time back then (Lotus' technology) and i think it is stil on the money now. It's incredibly stiff, very light and not to exepnsive to produce. I cannot see Aston having a carbon monocoque for a very long time, if ever and personally would like to see them stick with aluminium.

Are they class leading in anything else... sadly not. But they occupy a rarified space all of their own... a top flight presitge Spots GT car manufacturer with no parent company. Quite amazing. Any rival you choose to compare to cannot boast the same; however, this indeopendence they have is also going to be their undoing. When Ford bought Aston, it was going tobe a travesty... instead they turned the company into a genuine competitor.

Withouh TATA, Jaguar would have ceased to exist. Much like Ferrari/Maserati without Fiat and Lamborghini without VW.

Unfortunately, all the big playes have a halo brand, leaving Aston in the cold, probably wher Herr Dr Bez thinks they will dominate the world from. He seems to be fiddling while Gaydon buns.

Toyota was mooted earlier, was that just plucking a maker out of the air or has it been discussed? They make advanced V8s for Lexus, the LFA's V10, big engined hybrids, can supercharge their V6s... But why would they be interested in Aston Martin? It'd be great if they were, they are a proper car maker.

Sure AMG would be ace. But Merc are interested in Merc, not small quirky sub brands (McLaren aside!).

[yeti]

George H said:

I thought last time Aston tried something new and radical it nearly made them bust? (Lagonda?)

Last time Aston tried something different... the DB7 was the result! Which was their best selling until the DB9... which was their best selling car until the Vantage...

Now what though? Can't imagine they'll sell another 12000 'new' DB9s or 'old' Vantages.

[yeti]

ferdi p said:

Ferrari have gone from strength to strength, biggest ever proffits this year & a modern, brilliant line up of cars too...

When they most needed money for development, when they began to lag behind their rivals... they got money, against the EU rules and regs, from FIAT via the Italian government. That's why Ferrari are where they are, plus some engineering excellence and a huge marketing machine. When I was in Angola last, every person there was wearing Ferrari branded clothing, caps and shoes. Sure, it's all fake, but it is one of the world's most recognised brands. It doesn't need to make that pathetic 'cool' list that Apple tops; from my travels around the world, Ferrari is the most widely recognised brand.

No-one will bail Aston out or stop them from failing. Even the marketers probably can't dig them out. Let's just hope there's something waiting in the wings. The 310quish, for me at least, with an all-carbon body and VCT on the engine was a very pleasant surprise.

A Vanquish S version with 600bhp would be formidible, perhaps that will get the 8spd ZF box... Or maybe even a manual (fat chance). But at least that would be competitive. It seems to be slated on the interior quality currently - people need top see it in the flesh, it makes the current cars seem very dated

[yeti]

George H said:

Lots of car companies have been selling the same model for just as long as Aston have. Look at Lamborghini with the Gallardo - it had a mid life facelift (similar to the recent one for the DB9) and it's still on sale. Not to mention the Maserati Quattroporte. It's hardly as if Aston are unique in this, I think people are worried over nothing. For the moment anyway.

Fair point - but VW will pay for the Gallardos replacement and FIAT for Maseratis. Who will stump up for the Vantage replacement?

Mind you, considering Aston have bugger all money, the 310quish isn't a bad stab at a new car. A Vantage with the new 'One-77 inspired' looks, carbon body, 10% more power and a new interior would be a good seller.

[yeti]

lady topaz said:

There are many superior cars, but none I want more than AM.

I agree. But you need 6000 people a year, every year to think exactly the same. That's becoming increasingly difficult.

[yeti]

mikey k said:

I still can't think what I would replace mine with!

At 50 grand for my second hand DB9 - nothing.

At 200 grand for a 310quish... ohh, suddenly there are lot of choices

1yr old 458 Spider probably