V12 vantage 'S' gearbox and driveability....
Discussion
No comparison to latest Ferrari boxes (Speciale and F12 gearchanges are fantastic).V12Vs box is better than older Aston paddle shift boxes but that is not saying much !
If you check other threads on here you will see a lot of comment on how bad the V12Vs is in Auto mode.
Leaving that to one side I found you could drive V12Vs on paddles pretty smoothly but becomes jerkier if you start to press on.
Aston boxes must be heavier on clutch given the nature of the two systems.
If you check other threads on here you will see a lot of comment on how bad the V12Vs is in Auto mode.
Leaving that to one side I found you could drive V12Vs on paddles pretty smoothly but becomes jerkier if you start to press on.
Aston boxes must be heavier on clutch given the nature of the two systems.
Never drive a 458 but you only have to read the press to know they do not compare. I drove a V12VS the other day and have to say it was a huge improvement over previous SS Astons I have driven. The 'auto' mode is much improved although I would never use it and I quite liked using the paddles. Wouldn't change my manual for it though.
Best advice is go and drive one and make your own mind up - just don't expect Ferrari changes.
Best advice is go and drive one and make your own mind up - just don't expect Ferrari changes.
bjd7326 said:
Thanks guys. I will have to try one and see what it's like. My guess is that the DBS will be too slow but good in traffic and the v12vs will be too clunky .....
Please ask the sales specialist to give a decent 20 minute demo before you drive. He/she can show how to make seamless gear changes. He/she also needs to show you "full throttle upshift" and "optimal downshift" both in SPORT mode. Also ask him/her to show you how to pre-empt each gearshift in D mode with your right foot. You will love the V12VS!! Now available roofless too, can't wait to try it!bjd7326 said:
Thanks guys. I will have to try one and see what it's like. My guess is that the DBS will be too slow but good in traffic and the v12vs will be too clunky .....
Take the DBS Manual (or the V12V with Manual), they are easy too drive in (slow) traffic and fast (and much more involvement). I'm pretty sure the Vanquish box is a traditional torque converter auto box - whereas the V12S is an automated manual. I've driven both and though the newer V12S box is a massive improvement over the SS in the V8, it is not in the same league as Ferrari's double clutch in the 458 or F12. The software in the Speciale makes it quicker again!
Graham
Graham
bjd7326 said:
I'm going to see if I can have a go in the vanquish ....
I drove a V12VS and a Vanquish back to back on the same roads last weekSurprisingly the Vanquish was easier to use on the paddles (both in and out of Sport mode) it was also a lot smoother in traffic. Didn't get to do 9/10ths so ASM3 in the V12VS may well be better at that point
There has been a software update on the V12VS gearbox and it has made it noticeably better 
although not in a dual clutch way!
It gets loads of bad press, and I won't lie I would prefer a manual, however after covering 4,500 miles I have grown to enjoy the gearbox for what it is. If you enjoy the challenge of heel and toe then you'll enjoy the challenge of this gearbox get it right and you are enjoying yourself a whole lot more than if you just pointed the car and squirted the throttle.
Quite frankly the V12V-S is the best car I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for the Porsche 911 GT3 I had on order which has probably the best gearbox in the world contained within it, so I think that says everything!
Wonderful car, absolutely wonderful.
although not in a dual clutch way!It gets loads of bad press, and I won't lie I would prefer a manual, however after covering 4,500 miles I have grown to enjoy the gearbox for what it is. If you enjoy the challenge of heel and toe then you'll enjoy the challenge of this gearbox get it right and you are enjoying yourself a whole lot more than if you just pointed the car and squirted the throttle.
Quite frankly the V12V-S is the best car I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for the Porsche 911 GT3 I had on order which has probably the best gearbox in the world contained within it, so I think that says everything!
Wonderful car, absolutely wonderful.
I find it intriguing that people moan about the gearbox, it is after all an automated manual that you have to interact with to get the best from it.
Rifle shot gear changes from a DSG type box might be quick but remove all interaction with the driver, great for setting a lap time but for a fast road car they just seem to sanitise the driving experience
To me the sport shift is a great option to have sat between the manual and full autos offered by AM, it is a shame that legislation seems to be killing off the manual in performance cars though.
Rifle shot gear changes from a DSG type box might be quick but remove all interaction with the driver, great for setting a lap time but for a fast road car they just seem to sanitise the driving experience
To me the sport shift is a great option to have sat between the manual and full autos offered by AM, it is a shame that legislation seems to be killing off the manual in performance cars though.
AndyBrew said:
There has been a software update on the V12VS gearbox and it has made it noticeably better although not in a dual clutch way!
It gets loads of bad press, and I won't lie I would prefer a manual, however after covering 4,500 miles I have grown to enjoy the gearbox for what it is. If you enjoy the challenge of heel and toe then you'll enjoy the challenge of this gearbox get it right and you are enjoying yourself a whole lot more than if you just pointed the car and squirted the throttle.
Quite frankly the V12V-S is the best car I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for the Porsche 911 GT3 I had on order which has probably the best gearbox in the world contained within it, so I think that says everything!
Wonderful car, absolutely wonderful.
PM sent. Yes you would. although not in a dual clutch way!It gets loads of bad press, and I won't lie I would prefer a manual, however after covering 4,500 miles I have grown to enjoy the gearbox for what it is. If you enjoy the challenge of heel and toe then you'll enjoy the challenge of this gearbox get it right and you are enjoying yourself a whole lot more than if you just pointed the car and squirted the throttle.
Quite frankly the V12V-S is the best car I have ever owned and wouldn't swap it for the Porsche 911 GT3 I had on order which has probably the best gearbox in the world contained within it, so I think that says everything!
Wonderful car, absolutely wonderful.
I simply love my V12 Vantage S - while some no doubt would prefer a manual box the ASM3 is a great improvement over its predecessors. You can drive it quite satisfactorily in Auto, with or without Sport mode. Personally I prefer paddle changes in Sport mode but with ASM3 you now have a choice. The car is quick and the paddle shift adds to the experience for me. Most of my racing has been in prewar cars with a "crash gearbox" so perhaps I have lower expectations. Having driven a GT3 car around Goodwood my personal preference is for ASM3. Finally if you treat yourself to a V12 Vantage S go and enjoy a Performance Driving Course (PDC) allow the instructors to really push you and gain the experience on how wonderful the car is. I think the capability of these cars is a very well kept secret, for me ASM3 compliments the car. This is all personal choice, but do have an extended test drive and make sure whoever takes you our can demonstrate the capabilities of the gearbox as Roughrider has described. A truly great motor car.
Great review by a good reviewer.
Seen a few of his videos and always entertaining and honest.
Liked his comments about lap times that could only be achieved by racing drivers and certain types of owners. Too true...
And ...is he George? Never met George but this guy expresses similar views about rims
Glad you all enjoy your V12VS'. Great cars in so many ways.
Seen a few of his videos and always entertaining and honest.
Liked his comments about lap times that could only be achieved by racing drivers and certain types of owners. Too true...
And ...is he George? Never met George but this guy expresses similar views about rims
Glad you all enjoy your V12VS'. Great cars in so many ways.
KarlFranz said:
Great review. Met Matt on a couple of occasions, and he really gets the brand. Its nice to have a knowledgeable journalist as an ambassador. He hit the nail on the head with the Aston Martin owner profile! 
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