V12 GT3 update
Discussion
jonby said:
There is plenty in there to agree with but for once I will be succinct - the biggest positive impact on sales would be to stop oversupplying cars. Even with the identical product to that which is being sold today, a restriction on supply would massively boost profitability in the medium term - fear of depreciation is the biggest killer of Aston sales in the UK
AM sold, I think 862 cars in the UK in 2014. Hardly over supply ..Truth is, especially on Vantage, product is aging, and prices are too high. Folks buy used cars that look, to non anoraks, the same, and cost about half.
roughrider said:
The aero spoiler looks fabulous, the interior outstanding and the CF ski slope is to die for. Never been a great fan of alcantara but it looks beautiful. The colour combination is stunning. I could go on ... and on. It was a very special day for us at the factory yesterday and this was just the icing on the cake
It just confirmed to me why I love Astons so much.SFO said:
AM sold, I think 862 cars in the UK in 2014. Hardly over supply ..
Truth is, especially on Vantage, product is aging, and prices are too high. Folks buy used cars that look, to non anoraks, the same, and cost about half.
It's a long term strategy that AM have never had the money or inclination to carry outTruth is, especially on Vantage, product is aging, and prices are too high. Folks buy used cars that look, to non anoraks, the same, and cost about half.
Too many cars are dealer/factory spec. That means they are offered with discount. As a result, the barely used cars have lower prices because by definition, a barely used car has to priced at less than the true price a new car can be bought for. In turn, the older used cars have even lower prices
When someone looks to trade in after a year or two, the depreciation hit is huge, so they either don't sell, or do sell but buy another brand (rather than replacing with another Aston) because they lost too much money to risk buying another Aston.
The hit is much worse if you spec your own Aston, because you get less discount, but when you come to sell, it's just another used Aston, so you have the depreciation that you would have had buying a dealer spec car AND the extra depreciation as you will have paid closer to list price
But if depreciation is much less because there is no discounting, which can only happen if they limit supply for a while, then people can happily trade in for a new Aston every year or two (like Porsche, Ferrari & Lambo owners do), which actually results in more sales for Aston over the medium to long term
I have a mate who has a stable of cars, mostly Italian & Porsche. He bought an early (brand new) 12C. He lost a fortune when he sold it a yr or so later (although it was no more than Aston levels of depreciation). He quite literally will never buy another McLaren, so 'hurt' was he by the hit. When he was considering the latest round of hypercars, he bought a 918 - he wouldn't even look at a P1. I don't think Aston get how big a problem the depreciation is in attracting buyers, but it will take years to sort out
I've already spotted a huge problem with this car: I can't afford one.
Well, not unless I make the wife and 4 kids homeless. And sell a kidney.
Edited: meant to post that on the Vulcan thread. I blame that on Aston Martin for releasing two super/hyper cars in one go. Wonder if the GT3 will be on view for the Sunday Service...
Well, not unless I make the wife and 4 kids homeless. And sell a kidney.
Edited: meant to post that on the Vulcan thread. I blame that on Aston Martin for releasing two super/hyper cars in one go. Wonder if the GT3 will be on view for the Sunday Service...
Edited by SELON on Friday 20th February 18:31
;)roughrider said:
DAVIDOXE said:
Wow look at the engine in that !!!
Is that the stereo??If you would like a dabble in mine , you are more than welcome !
robgt3 said:
....... Regarding the appearance of the engine, it has like so many other cars been concealed. I remember taking my Aston into a local garage and a mechanic remarking on the obvious cheaply sourced electrical components that were so glaringly obvious. To be honest I was a bit embarassed.
Why be embarrassed ? At least the Aston engine is visible and not as you say like many cars hidden under uninteresting plain black plastic. I know what I would rather have and it wouldn't embarrass ME....... I wonder what 'cheaply sourced electrical components' he was referring ?Aston Martin, like pretty well ALL motor manufacturers do not 'make' electrical components - cheaply sourced or not. Most vehicle electrical components are made by a handful of suppliers, Bosch to name just one, and not vehicle specific so an Aston Martin throttle switch will look the same as a Porsche switch. As will a fan, temperature, h02s sensor, oil pressure switch or 12v relay.
I was taught a long time ago that a throttle stepper motor for instance on a Mini made by Magneti Marelli was the same Magneti Marelli component fitted to a Maserati.
L0TT0 said:
... a throttle stepper motor for instance on a Mini made by Magneti Marelli was the same Magneti Marelli component fitted to a Maserati.
and the power steering reservoir on a new Aston Martin, was identical on a 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier.
I'm so sorry, that should have been the other way around. -
I am certainly not embarrassed to show people under the bonnet of my Aston Martin. The engine bay is magnificence. The routing of pipes and wires in straight lines, is just one example of the extreme care taken.
Enjoy it while you can. My Mercedes has ... er well, plastic covers over everything, and a plastic three pointed star that pretends to be chrome.
Jon39 said:
L0TT0 said:
... a throttle stepper motor for instance on a Mini made by Magneti Marelli was the same Magneti Marelli component fitted to a Maserati.
and the power steering reservoir on a new Aston Martin, was identical on a 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier.
J12MOC said:
Well I think it's great! Well done Aston. The next step should be to make an 'RS' version - fully stripped out, cage, below 1500kg. That really would be a track day car! ....I'll start saving now.
Now this is the sort of post that really gets me! I was suggesting this was the way to go months ago! To produce a car that had the potential to be track orientated which would help the run out situation that the factory would have to endure. Produce an aspirational model that owners could tweak to their personal requirements Edited by robgt3 on Friday 20th February 21:45
robgt3 said:
Hi. Paul, I wonder in your exalted position if you have been given the opportunity to track a 991 GT3 or at the very least drive one on the road ? If so I would be interested to hear your thoughts. Regarding the appearance of the engine, it has like so many other cars been concealed. I remember taking my Aston into a local garage and a mechanic remarking on the obvious cheaply sourced electrical components that were so glaringly obvious. To be honest I was a bit embarassed.
If you would like a dabble in mine , you are more than welcome !
Hi Rob. Thanks for the invitation, you're very kind. My colleagues that have driven the 991GT3 say its very impressive. Trouble is, [everyone has their own opinion!], i've always felt that you should steer a car with the steering wheel, & whenever i've driven a Porsche 911 [whatever derivative], i end up steering it with my right foot. Have you taken it on circuit yet?If you would like a dabble in mine , you are more than welcome !
I think the main supplier of electrical components for most cars, is Valeo? I'm sure there will be some of their parts in your Porsche?
Edited by roughrider on Saturday 21st February 18:25
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