Vantage Final Edition

[CheckSix]

Word is that there's a new edition for MY2016 with production to be started in January and orders for V8 vantage now closed (including the MY16 GT). The announcement is slated for end of August / September.

This is not going to be the AMG engined Vantage replacement but a send off or 'just another special edition.'

Can anyone confirm or deny this reliably?

I understand if you will have to shoot me afterwards

From someone who has of course just ordered the MY16 GT

Cheers!

[downr]

I think AM have made no secret that the new model will be revealed at Geneva next year (eg see this month's CAR magazine interview with Andy Palmer). And that there would be some form of roll-out limited edition Vantage to tide them over (my money is on it being called 'Ultimate').

So your comments would make perfect sense

[V8V Pete]

I wouldn't worry about it. I'd be very surprised if it has any mechanical difference to your car rather than just a new paint colour and a few stripes (which will ruin the lines anyway). Just be happy that you will be the owner of one of the last normally aspirated Vantages and a very developed car with everything working as well as it can on that platform. Surely no one thinks the new models won't have teething problems.

[Jon39]

I have not seen the magazine article that you refer to downr, but would be surprised if the replacement model Vantage is unveiled next March, at the Geneva show.
The timescale clues were in the AML US safety appeal. DB9 exemption until Sep. 2016, and Vantage exemption until Sep. 2017.

Therefore, it is the DB9 replacement that is expected to be unveiled in March 2016, with production Sep. 2016 (ie. Model Year 2017).

Vantage is expected one year later (ie. Model Year 2018), so that leaves plenty of time for some 'run-out' special editions.

I would be amazed CheckSix, if AML are no longer taking Vantage orders. They need every sale they can obtain.

[woodsypedia]

Jon's comment marries with what I heard from Aston in Mayfair. The first replacement is the DB9 with the Vantage not following until at least 2017.

Chris.

[jonby]

the word is, according to 6speedonline thread, that orders are effectively on temporary hold, before being reopened when details of new model version become available to order

there is an implication, particularly with the v12 version, that there are limited engines available hence the current 'halt'

there is also an implication the way I read the thread, whether deliberate or not, that there are final editions of both V8 & V12 due hence all vantages being on hold now

supposedly at a big price premium, in very limited numbers, possibly with the rumoured V12 manual option and almost certainly with a fair few GT12 enhancements

I genuinely have not a clue about the accuracy of all this - I've just given an abbreviated version of the thread to save people looking through it

I would agree with the posts above - DB11 (DB9 replacement)most likely to be shown at Geneva in march, one assumes for production starting c. 3rd qtr 2016 with vantage replacement to follow the following year with a similar timescale

having said all that, reading between the lines, there is a suggestion that timescales have been altered at the last minute - that would explain such a short run of orders for the MY16 cars as they were announced initially - does this mean vantage replacement is being accelerated ?

[CheckSix]

The thread regarding Vantage MY2016 changes on the 6speedonline forum was what prompted me to question the time frame...

My dealer said he does not know of any new editions so soon. If there is any further V8 Vantage editions it would be good to know as my build slot is mid August with delivery in October... if they are going to announce one just as mine is being built I wouldn't be very pleased!

[SFO]

why is there a shortage of V12 engines?

[CheckSix]

Yes, my understanding previously from a source is that the DB11 (already previewed to some) is due first with the V12 (current block) turbo (new); followed by the DB11 V8 AMG engine. I am quite certain that this will be first as is the consensus on here.

Then the DBX (SUV) will be replacing the Rapide (discontinued)... I believe this will be the 2nd new model.

This should be followed by an updated Vanquish; yes I understand the Vanquish is AML's newest car but it will need an update to keep it above the DB11 (especially in power if not in looks!).

Finally the Vantage will then be replaced with the AMG V8 twin turbo rated 'at-least 510hp' according to this same source.'

This is very exciting for me as I actually like the idea of AMG engines (my favourite of the Germans) with their electronic safety features etc. combined with the graceful and fabulous Astons body (Kind of like a supermodel with a double pHD!)

However... I prefer a manual for my 'sports' car; thus ordering the MY16 GT as the manual may die with this generation... it would be quite annoying if Aston then announced an 'ultimate' V8 Vantage (along the lines of the GT12) before my car is even in production or delivered!

[PlusOneToo]

CheckSix said:

The thread regarding Vantage MY2016 changes on the 6speedonline forum was what prompted me to question the time frame...

My dealer said he does not know of any new editions so soon. If there is any further V8 Vantage editions it would be good to know as my build slot is mid August with delivery in October... if they are going to announce one just as mine is being built I wouldn't be very pleased!

Is Andy P up to the Job? Seems a complete mess. It all started with James Bond using an Aston Martin that they dont sell, then the confusion of headline grabbing super cars with limited runs and limited appeal. He is all over recent magazines in his racing suit which is ok to show off what can be done but now he is bringing confusion down to his core market.
We had a new MD brought in and was compared with a small boat with a huge powerful engine, He would roar off taking everyone with him in a fanfare of spray and noise and no idea where he was going or how he was going to get there, setting off was the important thing in his mind! When we pointed out that, yes he did indeed set off first and fastest unfortunately the market went in the other direction and we ended up way behind.
He didn't last long
I have to sympathise with CheckSix and, based on these rumours and knowledge vacuum, would be nervous about any new DB9 or Vantage orders which is not what AM would want Im sure. Evidently dealers dont seem to be in the loop either which would give comfort to those ordering new. If there was a published timeline for new models instead of all this firing-from-the-hip which poor management see as being spontaneous and innovative, things would be better.

[jonby]

PlusOneToo said:

CheckSix said:

The thread regarding Vantage MY2016 changes on the 6speedonline forum was what prompted me to question the time frame...

My dealer said he does not know of any new editions so soon. If there is any further V8 Vantage editions it would be good to know as my build slot is mid August with delivery in October... if they are going to announce one just as mine is being built I wouldn't be very pleased!

Is Andy P up to the Job? Seems a complete mess. It all started with James Bond using an Aston Martin that they dont sell, then the confusion of headline grabbing super cars with limited runs and limited appeal. He is all over recent magazines in his racing suit which is ok to show off what can be done but now he is bringing confusion down to his core market.
We had a new MD brought in and was compared with a small boat with a huge powerful engine, He would roar off taking everyone with him in a fanfare of spray and noise and no idea where he was going or how he was going to get there, setting off was the important thing in his mind! When we pointed out that, yes he did indeed set off first and fastest unfortunately the market went in the other direction and we ended up way behind.
He didn't last long
I have to sympathise with CheckSix and, based on these rumours and knowledge vacuum, would be nervous about any new DB9 or Vantage orders which is not what AM would want Im sure. Evidently dealers dont seem to be in the loop either which would give comfort to those ordering new. If there was a published timeline for new models instead of all this firing-from-the-hip which poor management see as being spontaneous and innovative, things would be better.

It's a longtime problem that we don't have a clue what the general overall model run patterns are. I am fairly sure that most dealers are completely unaware right now too, although in a slight change to the norm, they did know about DB9GT and the 'special edition' version that's not yet been launched, for a period of time before it was public knowledge. In the instance of GT12, one of the two dealers I have a relationship was told too late by the factory to get any orders at all in

[Jon39]

CheckSix said:

This is very exciting for me as I actually like the idea of AMG engines (my favourite of the Germans) with their electronic safety features etc. combined with the graceful and fabulous Astons body (Kind of like a supermodel with a double pHD!)

However... I prefer a manual for my 'sports' car; thus ordering the MY16 GT as the manual may die with this generation... it would be quite annoying if Aston then announced an 'ultimate' V8 Vantage (along the lines of the GT12) before my car is even in production or delivered!

I can appreciate that this is all very difficult for you.

I can be stingy, and bought a 'new' condition used car, so was already aware of the subsequent changes, which happened not to be to my taste.

Dr. Palmer has spoken vaguely about future manual gearboxes, but it appears that you must be thinking the next Vantage with the Mercedes engine will be auto only, and therefore do not wish to wait.

Manufacturers of course are reluctant to say too much, for fear of hitting end of model sales. You have shown though, that if manual is being dropped, there could be extra sales if customers are forewarned.

One option might be to wait for the new model and if disappointed, then find a Pre-Owned previous model.
It would not take me long to decide between the appearance of a V8V 'classic', and a DB10. -

[steveatesh]

PlusOneToo said:

Is Andy P up to the Job? Seems a complete mess. It all started with James Bond using an Aston Martin that they dont sell, then the confusion of headline grabbing super cars with limited runs and limited appeal. He is all over recent magazines in his racing suit which is ok to show off what can be done but now he is bringing confusion down to his core market.
We had a new MD brought in and was compared with a small boat with a huge powerful engine, He would roar off taking everyone with him in a fanfare of spray and noise and no idea where he was going or how he was going to get there, setting off was the important thing in his mind! When we pointed out that, yes he did indeed set off first and fastest unfortunately the market went in the other direction and we ended up way behind.
He didn't last long
I have to sympathise with CheckSix and, based on these rumours and knowledge vacuum, would be nervous about any new DB9 or Vantage orders which is not what AM would want Im sure. Evidently dealers dont seem to be in the loop either which would give comfort to those ordering new. If there was a published timeline for new models instead of all this firing-from-the-hip which poor management see as being spontaneous and innovative, things would be better.

Personally Ian not surprised there is no published timeline as there would be a significant tail off in sales . This is similar to other markets though, not just cars, eg Adobe and their software. No surprise in what's happening in my opinion.

[Jon39]

steveatesh said:

Personally Ian not surprised there is no published timeline as there would be a significant tail off in sales.

... No surprise in what's happening in my opinion.

You are quite right, but these days secrets are more difficult to keep. Buyers of expensive cars are likely to be savvy, and with present day communication, will probably know about cars being tested at Nurburgring.

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 27th July 18:55

[PlusOneToo]

steveatesh said:

Personally Ian not surprised there is no published timeline as there would be a significant tail off in sales . This is similar to other markets though, not just cars, eg Adobe and their software. No surprise in what's happening in my opinion.

But what there is now is a mess. Rumour and mis information fuelled by speculation from the boss. From what has been said on this forum instead of a normal tailing off with special editions and "bargains" of the outgoing models, it would appear that future orders for the existing models would be banned before anyone knows if the successor is worth having. Is that normal?

[Jon39]

PlusOneToo said:

... it would appear that future orders for the existing models would be banned before anyone knows if the successor is worth having. Is that normal?

When you say successor Stuart, presumably you are not referring to the completely new Vantage.

Jonby mentioned it was just a temporary order hold, so if Vantage revisions are about to be announced, then customers would surely appreciate not being sold the 'old' version.

As we are nearing the traditional September (Model Year 2016) time of the year, perhaps that is the change time. Having said that, haven't the 2016 models already been announced, ie. with the Vanquish centre console.

I am now totally confused and had better stop.
Yes Stuart, you are quite right, 'it is a mess'. -

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 27th July 21:11

[Derek 111S]

Jon39 said:

As we are nearing the traditional September (Model Year 2016) time of the year, perhaps that is the change time. Having said that, haven't the 2016 models already been announced, ie. with the Vanquish centre console.

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 27th July 21:11

The 2016 MY Vantages are already out there. I sat in one at AM Edinburgh two weeks ago. Very nice it was too.

[jonby]

Jon39 said:

PlusOneToo said:

... it would appear that future orders for the existing models would be banned before anyone knows if the successor is worth having. Is that normal?

When you say successor Stuart, presumably you are not referring to the completely new Vantage.

Jonby mentioned it was just a temporary order hold, so if Vantage revisions are about to be announced, then customers would surely appreciate not being sold the 'old' version.

As we are nearing the traditional September (Model Year 2016) time of the year, perhaps that is the change time. Having said that, haven't the 2016 models already been announced, ie. with the Vanquish centre console.

I am now totally confused and had better stop.
Yes Stuart, you are quite right, 'it is a mess'. -

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 27th July 21:11

It is indeed all very odd - it is of course possible that this is all, intentionally or otherwise, mistaken information. Possibly mixed up with information received from 'high up' that was correct at the time but then changed before it was implemented. It is also possible that what is happening in the U.S. is different to what is happening in the UK

But the (US based) poster who claims to be very well informed and 100% accurate, has suggested that essentially, what was launched (and ordered against) as the MY16 changes/updates (which is even available to view on the AML main website) has now been changed, hence the suspension of orders.

My dealer (UK based) has not been informed that Vantage orders are temporarily suspended so perhaps this is an American thing ?

There is a very speculative possibility that fits the facts, assuming the facts are accurate. If the plan was broadly speaking a timescale of Geneva 2016 to show DB9 replacement for production towards the end of that year with Vantage following a similar pattern in 2017, which I think most of us have worked on as being the case for a while now, that would mean around 20 months until we see the Vantage replacement in finished form and over 2 yrs until it goes into production

I just wonder if the plans for Vantage have been brought forward, so if they had a plan of 6+ months of what were announced as MY16 improvements followed by another 6-12 mths of Vantage final edition production, they are now rolling that all into one to accommodate Vantage coming to market sooner than expected ?

As has been said, once we see Vantage replacement, orders will dry up on existing one, other than at best, orders for a genuine upgrade on current offerings in Vantage range. So maybe that replacement is going to be shown sooner

One thing that is known is DB10 cues are to be seen in Vantage replacement, but not DB9 replacement (despite the naming of the Spectre car fitting in with the opposite) - I just wonder if they are making better progress than expected on new Vantage and want to capitalise on the new Bond movie, which IIRC is launched in Octoberish this year ? Right I'm getting ridiculously speculative now, enough !

[CheckSix]

Indeed Jonby, an earlier post has already hinted and I can confirm (from my source) that there will be a DB9.2 [Edit: edition that may not be named] (separate from the DB9.2 GT)... perhaps this will be translated to the Vantage as per the Centenary editions.

As myself and many others on this forum were aware of the MY2016 changes for quite some time before the announcement at Goodwood (I had placed my order a few months ago) I was hoping for more 'preview information' on this new reiteration of the Vantage...

I am buying my first Aston with my heart (rather than head)... I don't want my first experience to be with such trepidation and uncertainty

Edited by CheckSix on Tuesday 28th July 14:59

[jonby]

CheckSix said:

Indeed Jonby, an earlier post has already hinted and I can confirm (from my source) that there will be a DB9.2 xxxx edition (separate from the DB9.2 GT)... perhaps this will be translated to the Vantage as per the Centenary editions.

As myself and many others on this forum were aware of the MY2016 changes for quite some time before the announcement at Goodwood (I had placed my order a few months ago) I was hoping for more 'preview information' on this new reiteration of the Vantage...

I am buying my first Aston with my heart (rather than head)... I don't want my first experience to be with such trepidation and uncertainty

xxxx edition DB9GT has been known about for quite a while however I don't think anyone has been bold enough to put it on a forum - you may wish to consider removing the post - up to you

On vantage, one of the difficulties is terminology - very easy to mix up MY16 vantage with what I call 'new vantage' i.e. the complete replacement, with AMG engine and totally (by aston standards) new styling.

I was more thinking that the new new vantage, with it's inevitable DB10 cues, may be brought forward to take advantage of the bond film. A Bond edition of current vantage has also crossed my mind, but if they were to bring that out, suspect it would simply be in addition to rather than instead of any other changes

Edited by jonby on Tuesday 28th July 21:57