2013 Vantage Spec

[Derek 111S]

I'm a long-time lurker who has been edging ever closer to V8V ownership, and today had a good look around a 2013 V8 Vantage.

I purchased Grant's book a couple of years ago, and have the PDF updates up to the 2012.25 changes, but don't have details of any 2013 spec changes. Does anyone have a list of the 2013 updates which have been applied to the Vantage, and willing to share?

Also, I'm torn between two similarly specified cars, one manual and one ASM II, so would also welcome feedback on the positives and negatives of both, bearing in mind I won't be doing a lot of town driving.

Derek

[drofnavi]

2013 V8V My year gets automatic headlights & wipers that's about it.
V12V also gets piano black centre console all the way down to the arm rest.

[danny wilde]

Automatic headlights & wipers?
Wow, cool! My 2004 Volkswagen Golf had that, too!

[timwhayden]

Yeah, it is kind of sad, but better late than never! I always say, the more you pay for a sports car the less you get in amenities (it still doesn't have dual climate control- most mid priced cars nowadays have it!).

[Speedraser]

Derek,

Regarding manual vs paddles, it's really personal choice. For me, paddles just don't appeal no matter how good they are. That said, I think the ASM II is a very good system, though not as good as the best dual clutch systems. However, the manual is IMO a great manual -- if you like a very mechanical and precise feel rather than the light-effort knife-through-butter feel. I love it.

[mikey k]

danny wilde said:

Automatic headlights & wipers?
Wow, cool! My 2004 Volkswagen Golf had that, too!

I've had these in my dailies for decades and I really haven't missed them in my Astons
I know it's been said before but it bears repeating Astons are not about performance and technology
They are akin to Morgans (many still don't have electric windows ) its the ownership event

OP go and drive a 6MT and ASM2 car. They are very different and the choice is very personal.

[steveatesh]

timwhayden said:

Yeah, it is kind of sad, but better late than never! I always say, the more you pay for a sports car the less you get in amenities (it still doesn't have dual climate control- most mid priced cars nowadays have it!).

How true. Having recently specced a new Boxster I realised how much is an option. The automatic lights and washers was an optin, as was automatic air conditioning, front mats and dipping mirror. Even having the mirrors automatically tilting to see the see the rear wheels on reverse was an option.

AM are well specced compared to Porsche!