Vanquish 2 Drive (and comparison)

[johng39]

Well, I was lucky enough to drive a V8VR (thanks Adam......fool) A new Vanquish in a beautiful Volcano Red and a cream interior. Then I had to drive my old V12V BR Special...... a bad day it was not.

So having been very critical of the front splitter, the whole car has grown on me, it is a very beautiful car and I was a passenger for the first few miles. It is a lovely place to be, very quiet, smooth and a stunning interior.

So after being told about the sport button and how it changes down in auto mode, I was urged to take the wheel. I was also pointed to the 3 mode adaptive damping, which I immediately put into track mode. I asked about Launch Control but was told we would not be doing this.......damn .

So quickly out of the parking area I left it in D Sport for all of 10 seconds and then pulled on a flappy paddle to use in manual..ish mode. It is a very smooth car to drive and I have to say that numbers that should not be mentioned on a forum were all to quickly showing. The car is smooth, quiet and with no drama. This will eat up continents in a single day and the road noise is minimal due to fairly thick windows. It has a nice bark from the exhaust when pressed, but overall it is a no fuss high speed GT car.

I really did like the interior and the new controls with haptic feedback. Overall a very nice place to be.

So after all of that praise, what is wrong with it.. Well it has the wrong gearbox for me, it is very clever and it changes down when braking, holds gears when overtaking and anticipates that you may wish to continue the overtake and all those things. However as a GT car, maybe it has the right gearbox? just not what I would choose.

The pace is excellent and so it should be from 565BHP and 620Nm Torque, but it just breezes up there and it is not engaging enough for me. I have to say that it looks fantastic on the outside and the inside, it is very comfortable and a nice place to be, would I buy one at £190K... No.

So then I drove my V12V and I realised that this is where I want to be. It is engaging, fun and now it has been made even more special I would not want to be anywhere else. Comparing the acceleration and torque, mine feels like it has more, yet it does not. The Vanquish is mighty quick, but benign whereas the V12V makes me feel alive.

If I were travelling motorways and around Europe for a run down to the South of France, then the Vanquish is the car. For blasting around country lanes and over to SPA (did I mention I went to SPA??) err I can't wait to try out my new upgrades .

[johng39]

Tony V12V said:

Sub 3min car now then John?

oh yes

[johng39]

George H said:

Interesting comparison. I knew it would involve a moan about the gearbox though

Why wouldn't they let you test the launch control? I hope it's not a system like Nissans on the GTR that voids the warranty if used

Doubtful as it is auto and probably just loads the torque converter before letting fly.

I have never bought an auto and probably won't for many years. i am a fan of automated manual, just not auto. Now put an ASM2 in a V12V

[johng39]

AMDBSNick said:

My turn in the morning Best I put the Chablis down

You will enjoy it, it is very smooth and quick a definite move in the right direction (for a GT cruiser). Will you swap your DBS plus £110K??? I am thinking NO.

[johng39]

hartley said:

Steve Cropley conclusion in Autocar - nice car - way overpriced .
I.ll have a look in a year's time!

I agree with him, it is a great car but a number of people I spoke to yesterday said the same. Although I did meet someone who I know has purchased one and is awaiting January delivery. He is obviously wealthy ..... Just kidding Stuart, lovely car & look forward to meeting up again. Oh and thanks for the mats & car cover.

[johng39]

:J: said:

So the sporty V12V has a different feeling the the GT Vanquish?

Next you will be telling us chalk and cheese are two different things!!

Edited by :J: on Wednesday 17th October 12:34

Yep, I thought that may surprise some people

I felt that it was interesting to give an opinion of a fantastic GT car with 565BHP and the current car I have. I tried some cheese once, it tasted like chalk

[johng39]

ds2000 said:

I enjoyed your write up anyway

I'd like one of each

Thanks and so would I, if I had the money......

SPA - V12V

South of France or Paris - Vanquish

[johng39]

FloPlast said:

Hi All
Like John I test drove the car yesterday for about an hour, all within a 20 mile radius of Head Office, some slow roads (behind traffic) and some fast. Having had both the V12 Vantage and a DBS prior to this I was excited to see what was difference was going to be.

I agree with John in most instances.However, being a mere mortal and not a professional racing driver I am most proberly easier pleased:-)

1. The new next gen2 brakes were really good, stopping really quick and felt stronger then the V12 Vantage.
2. The gearbox is very slick and quick enough for me for the UK/Eurpean roads. I was honestly shocked how quick we were going when I looked at the speedo, as the car is so much smoother then a DBS. Mid range grunt is very good.
3.The adaptive damping was very impressive, I had the car in track mode/Sports mode and it really held fast corners extreamly well - More then I would ever need!!
4.Both the driving/damping mode is on the steering wheel which makes good sense (keeping both hands on the wheel).
5.Like the fact you can revert back to auto from paddle shift by holding the paddle in for 2 or 3 secs.
6.The 1-77 steering wheel takes some getting used too but adds to the drama of it all

I am really excited now to get my car which is being build mid Dec, with delivery first two weeks of Jan. And I by the way I had the yellow one:-)

Hi Stewart, yep I agree with the brakes, they were excellent and yes the speed without drama is almost worrying. As I say I thought it was a fantastic GT car, smooth as silk and stunning. I just know that I am not an auto box kind of guy.

I look forward to seeing it when you get it, I am sure that you are now more excited than ever

[johng39]

FloPlast said:

I think after what the instructor told me you can give some advance driving tips:-)

Not me, I was rubbish