Bought a V12V and not a fan...

Bought a V12V and not a fan...

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Discussion

spacecowboy7

Original Poster:

23 posts

182 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
I made a post about buying a V12 vantage recently and received some good advise from everyone. I took the plunge last week and bought as 2011 model with 5000 miles, black on black- from the Reading dealership.


Due to my age I wasn't able to test drive the car. Reports have been good so I assumed I would like it. I got taken out in it twice and was excited to drive it myself.

I am really not getting on with it at all. I have driven about 500 miles so far. I am being so gentle with it under 50-60 mph and it is still wheel spinning a lot, feels really uncontrollable and skittish. It feels like their is way too much power for the car to handle. Even accelerating at 5000 rpm in second on a dry straight road the traction control is kicking in.

My driving background is a Clio trophy, 997 C2 and a 430 spider. Felt really comfortable with every car. I know this is a different beast with big V12 in the front but I don't feel comfortable driving it fast at all whereas in the Ferrari i felt completely in control and confident.

I full well understand I am a very inexperienced driver compared to most V12 owners, I am only 23 after all... but what do you all suggest? I was thinking of trying to get some lessons in the car or was genuinely considering swapping it in for a 430 scud. I feel like I need to be so careful in this beast or I will kill myself!


Have any other V12 owners had similar experiences with the car after changing from other super cars? I am really not enjoying the car like I thought I would.

The interior, looks, refinement etc are all perfect- but I bought the car to drive it and in this regard I am disappointed...


Andy

Edited by spacecowboy7 on Friday 9th March 17:12

johng39

3,059 posts

159 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Andy, you have bought a car with summer tyres that are useless in low temperatures (7 degrees and below). Keep the faith or buy winter tyres for next year.....

Also in low temperature conditions stay away from the 'sport' button as this makes it almost impossible to regulate the throttle. I promise that as the temperature improves so will those tyres. They really need to get up to temperature before they offer any grip. All will change smile. In fairness it is a great car that suffers from extreme tyres to offer grip in warm temperatures. Winter tyres offer an option in the winter, but is probably not a wise purchase now.

drcarrera

791 posts

224 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Have you checked the condition of the tyres as well? And the pressures?

Don't assume because you got it from a main dealer that these are as they should be (especially considering which main dealer you got it from wink )

PDC V8V

38 posts

146 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Speak to the Reading dealership about your concerns and see if they'll get you on the AM Performance Driving Course (PDC) which is designed to address your problem. If you've spent that much on a car with them they may even waive the charge (£1100ish) or get you a reduced rate.

I haven't done the PDC myself but it gets good reviews from those who have.

Edited by PDC V8V on Thursday 8th March 16:43

DB9 Ian P

2,749 posts

154 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
I would agree with the above. I have done the full PDC and a 'mini' PDC and the benefits are immense. The instructors are very, very good and will help you overcome your uncertainty about the car. Do the PDC before you think about getting rid.

I would also check the tyres and pressures and the comment regarding operating temperatures are very true. I have driven a V12V a few times and they are very different depending upon the outside temperature.

mikey k

13,011 posts

215 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
If they are orginal tyres they are dead after those miles.
Even if they aren't they REALLY struggle in cold or damp.
I'd also REALLY recommend getting the geometry properly done.
Stick with it, look at the above, maybe change the tyers and the reward will come.
You must be used to the long game in your profession wink

lady topaz

3,855 posts

253 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Hi Andy

Agree with everything said so far.

If you are prepared to listen to the advice of a woman owner then please please get yourself a PDC asap. I won't repeat the benefits as they are well documented on here.

I really think you need to adjust your driving technique until the roads are drier and warmer. This is the end of my second winter using mine as a daily driver. Only one day missed this year. I drive to the conditions, but those who know me know I don't hang about when conditions allow. I find mine very forgiving and predictable, unlike my previous Tuscans where anything could happen and often did wink

With the standard tyres on damp cold roads, the car will behave like a scalded cat if you are too enthusiastic. I haven't gone down the winter tyre route but like I said I tend to be much lighter on the throttle under these circumstances.

I am not alarmist, but I do have a theory re performance cars that if you are not comfortable then maybe it isn't the car for you. I need to feel a) comfortable and b) in control of whatever I am driving in whatever conditions.

Stick with it, do a PDC and if you still are unsure then switch to the Ferrari.

Get through this period and you will enjoy the driving experience of a lifetime.

Good luck

Di

silverspeed

1,505 posts

229 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
I was at my dealer yesterday having just placed a deposit on a V12V and we discussed tyres. They are getting me a price to put the new intermediate tyres on that shoud be better this time of year thn the standard fit. I understand they have only just been approved by the factory. Good luck

The Pits

4,289 posts

239 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Do the PDC as many on here strongly recommended before you bought the car. Seriously, get it booked up. You don't just buy a tiger as a pet and treat it like a dog and hope for the best. You need to learn how to handle this car properly. You'll be a much better driver as a result.

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt before as for all I knew you were a racing driver but it's clear now that you would benefit from driver training as could nearly everyone on ph, there's no shame in making yourself more skillful behind the wheel. The more you learn about driving the more you realise there is to learn.

I agree with not using the sport button either. Throttle is much more progressive without it and that's something you have to be with such a powerful car at this time of year especially. The ferrari you're used to makes much less torque so you've been able to get away with being clumsy on the throttle.

As it happens the V12 Vantage being front engined with near perfect weight distribution is better balanced than the Ferrari you're used to. If it goes wrong in a Scuderia you're in for a big shunt. The idea that you're better off in one of those is false. It may feel more 'planted' to you but that's merely a combination of lower torque and better traction from the engine being closer to the driven wheels. The car is much harder to master than the more inherently benign front-mid configuration and ultimately more twitchy. Especially in racier Scuderia form.

If none of this makes any sense then I can only stress again, do the PDC! There are lots of other great options for driver training but the PDC lets you do it in a V12 Vantage and you're understanding and respect for the car will go through the roof!

Edited by The Pits on Thursday 8th March 17:43

johng39

3,059 posts

159 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
lady topaz said:
I drive to the conditions, but those who know me know I don't hang about when conditions allow.
Especially when being chased by another V12V wink

lady topaz

3,855 posts

253 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
johng39 said:
Especially when being chased by another V12V wink
I have absolutely no idea what you mean whistlewink

ZakTroy

76 posts

146 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
They didn't let you test drive a V12 V?? My local dealer let me take the V8 V out on my own as a test drive after walking in off the street with no appointment or anything!

spacecowboy7

Original Poster:

23 posts

182 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for the advise.

I took the sport mode off and made a HUGE difference. Much more controllable.

I appreciate all the advise re driving course. I recognise I could do with that. I'm not driving it like a bat out of hell though smile, I have had driving lessons and track day experience before and no problems with other cars so although I think my driving is part of the issue I am hoping it is something to do with the car as well.

Will check the tyres and book the Aston driving course before making any final judgements on the car. I did enjoy it much more thr last 50 miles without the Sport button.

Adam2S

4,987 posts

176 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
As others have posted above I think your worries are entirely down the the Corsa tyres that are fitted to the V12V. They are terrible in temps <9C which in the UK is a lot of the time, and certainly still the case at this time of year. They are however phoenominal when its nice and warm and totally transform the car from being a handful to drive to being a complete beast! Trust me you will be amazed at the difference on a hot summers day - the tyres are so sticky they reassuringly chirp when corning hard n fast. Having said all that I am very critical of AM's choice for these tyres as they do limit performance for most of the time in the UK climate.

Either swap out the tyres for the intemediaries or take it easy until spring/summer and then see what the car is really capable of before you make any rash decisions. To miss out on owning & driving one of the worlds best cars when its tyres are in their zone would be a great shame.

Grant3

3,635 posts

254 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Sports button is best left for dry summer days smile! The tyres are frankly crap in cold conditions, but great when warmed up on a warm day. A.M. are just in the process of approving 19-inch P-Zero's (similar to those fitted to the DBS), these IMO will be the tyre to go for in the UK when it is cold and wet much of the year. They will be a NCO on new cars, but you "may" be able to persuade your dealer to swap the Corsas. While some fit winter tyres, these require a new set of allows at a cost of around £2.5-3k (and they don't look good on the chunky V12V to me) plus you have store your summer set.
I know it will be warmer soon, so fine, but I would ask your dealer about the new approved tyres while the ink is still fresh! Of course I'm sure all will be fine with the Corsa's once you get used to the car.
G

Mr Noble

6,535 posts

232 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Have to agree. If you've already had some track experience and know the basics of corner entry/exit and what throttle/brakes do at various points through a corner, then I'm sure it's just the tyres sapping your confidence.


I've been racing for 6 years (Lotus Cup/Clio Cup/Britcar) and when I drove a V12V on Corsa's just after Christmas - I shat my pants big time! It's a proper monster and very "basic" in the way it puts down the power. None of the 430 style nanny aids that make you feel like Mike Schumacher!!


I'd get some of these P Zero "Inters" on it pronto. See if the dealer will subsidise a set for you.



Alternatively- PM me a price and flog the car to me smile Now I'm ready to get one - there ain't any about!! rolleyes


The Pits

4,289 posts

239 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Personally the sport button is a novelty I could live without. Even in the summer. But that's just me, most here seem to think it's the best thing since sliced bread. I have no interest in using it at all at this time of year.

The emphasis of the PDC is on showing you what the car is capable of, not so much teaching you how to drive.

Mako V12V

3,135 posts

213 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
The Sport button is THE best thing since sliced bread......you just need to use it at the right time/conditions!

To me, the V12V is like a grand tourer but with the sport button pressed is more like my GT3 I had!!

Best of both worlds biggrin

krisdelta

4,566 posts

200 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
Late entry by me, but echoing others, the Aston PDC and some car control / performance driving classes with someone like Cadence or the like (there are plenty out there) will do wonders.

I've never stopped learning new things since the moment I passed my test. You own one of the best and most exciting cars on the road today, so all this will help you maximise your enjoyment.

I got into the Aston from an M3 and it took me a while to bond with the car and enjoy maximising it's potential - it's tricky to judge the extremities for a while.

Kudos to you for having a V12V at 23.

Kris

Rex Racer

340 posts

153 months

Thursday 8th March 2012
quotequote all
The Pits said:
Personally the sport button is a novelty I could live without. Even in the summer. But that's just me, most here seem to think it's the best thing since sliced bread. I have no interest in using it at all at this time of year.
I agree. I have remote control over the exhaust valves and leave them open 90% of the time. So, all the sport button does for me is increase the throttle response. Unless you always drive with the sport button on, switching it on can mess up your throttle modulation because the response you get won't match what you expect. If I want more throttle, I just press harder on the accelerator pedal.