GT12!

[Grant3]

Surely not another new Vantage.... nope Porsche have thrown a hissy fit (with lawyers) about Aston using the GT3 name, so now we have the GT12 instead... apparently! 12 sounds better than 3 anyway

[krisdelta]

Throwing lawyers.. they must have money to burn! I guess it's close enough to the bone to irk the big boys, but isn't this a class of racer too in WEC?

[Jon39]

Was 12 selected because of; One, Two, ----- ?

Perhaps GT III would have been a possibility (for driving along Watling Street).

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 23 March 23:28

[V8LM]

Or DB2/4 mk III?

[SELON]

Jon39 said:

Was 12 selected because of; One, Two, ----- ?

Perhaps GT III would have been a possibility (for driving along Watling Street).

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 23 March 23:28

I thought this as well! Hopefully there is some smarter thinking behind the '12'.

I wondered, for a moment, why Bentley cars were allowed to go be called 'GT3', but recalled that it's a Volkswagen group car as well.

I thought that Astons use of the 'GT3' was because that's the name of a racing class that Aston regularly compete in and it's a reference to that.

Sounds like Volkswagen has legal ownership of 'GT3'.

Edited to add: I am in no way having a jibe at any car in the VW range or any owner, they're great cars on the whole and I just don't think VW need to worry about Astons use of 'GT3'. On the contrary, with the growing world of informal car classifications such as Hypercar, supercar, junior supercar, GT etc, I would have thought it's helpful all round to have a sub class of GT called 'GT3'.

Edited by SELON on Tuesday 24th March 08:16

[tonyhall38]

what a load of bks.....it just needed to be called...v12 vantage version 8....

[Vanquish310]

C'mon... GT 12
What do 1 and 2 make? 3!

[Grant3]

You guys are right about the GT3 race series, and Bentley (part of VW like Porsche) were allowed to use the name, but I believe Porsche argued the link to their long standing road/track car GT3 &GT3 RS 911 branding, even though I think Lotus used the name first! Probably Rob that reported them

I believe 12 is reference to the mighty V12 that nestles under the bonnet although who knows A.M. may yet change their mind

[robgt3]

Grant3 said:

You guys are right about the GT3 race series, and Bentley (part of VW like Porsche) were allowed to use the name, but I believe Porsche argued the link to their long standing road/track car GT3 &GT3 RS 911 branding, even though I think Lotus used the name first! Probably Rob that reported them

I believe 12 is reference to the mighty V12 that nestles under the bonnet although who knows A.M. may yet change their mind

I rather like GT12! Suits the car and its mighty engine.

[jonby]

The whole thing is pretty loony to me

Loony that Porsche (VW Group) have rights to the GT3 moniker on roadcars when all the mnfrs use the designation on their racecars, loony they should even be concerned that Aston are using the name, loony that Aston chose GT12 (I appreciate the V12 reference but it doesn't roll off the tongue IMO - why not GTE, GT, LM - there are plenty of better options) - don't think anyone comes out of this looking particularly good

However if (and it's a biggish if, but looks likelyish) AM intend properly venturing into road legal trackday specialist cars and this GT3/GT12 is just a toe in the water, to follow with more genuinely competitive and more sensibly priced attempts, they need to create a 'sub brand' to cover such cars and GT12 doesn't work as they won't all be V12 engine (I have to assume the '12' in GT12 is a reference to the engine)

So they should have spent a little more time coming up with an alternative for this car - it's not like they need a new name in a hurry for marketing, etc as the cars are sold out and over subscribed.

Effectively an equivalent to Mercedes AMG and/or black series, Porsches GT range, audi's RS range, etc. Having said that, all this assumes Aston really do have a marketing department - the factory's choices over the last few years do nothing to suggest anyone is genuinely employed in that department

[AdamV8V]

jonby said:

Having said that, all this assumes Aston really do have a marketing department - the factory's choices over the last few years do nothing to suggest anyone is genuinely employed in that department

I suggested the same thing back to Dr Palmer in response to his email to owners when he first joined, and even offered my services

His response was polite but effectively said "Don't call us..."

Automotive marketing tends to be relatively unsophisticated, but Aston's really does need looking at. Paying to be in the "Coolest Brands" book every year cuteth not the Colemans...

[SELON]

I think their approach must be to rely on us, ultra cool owners and (in Ferrari-speak) 'brand ambassadors', as their marketing strategy

Dr Palmer has missed his chance there Adam! Anyone who saw you roll up in your wonderful hardly green, sumptuous picnic set and beautiful wife at Burghley is going to be a buyer for sure!

As for me...

[jonby]

AdamV8V said:

jonby said:

Having said that, all this assumes Aston really do have a marketing department - the factory's choices over the last few years do nothing to suggest anyone is genuinely employed in that department

I suggested the same thing back to Dr Palmer in response to his email to owners when he first joined, and even offered my services

His response was polite but effectively said "Don't call us..."

Automotive marketing tends to be relatively unsophisticated, but Aston's really does need looking at. Paying to be in the "Coolest Brands" book every year cuteth not the Colemans...

The only thing I'd say in their defence are that if (it's a big if) they have well thought out strategies, they are probably sent into disarray by constant last minute changes, such as bringing forward and putting back original plans through lack of cash, overruling by other departments and Dr Bez putting his foot in things/making things public before planned - I believe for instance that he announced to the world the JLC transponder watches before a decision had even been made to make them and most of us are aware of far bigger gaffes he made. By way of another example, there is no doubt that the timing of 310 Vanquish public launch/sales was not as originally planned

But I still doubt they genuinely do have well thought out strategies and regardless of whether they do or not, they normally seem pants !

Most recent example ? Effectively the only car on the Geneva stand actually available to buy and drive on the road was a garish Q Vanquish Volante.............

[Jon39]

jonby said:

... they need to create a 'sub brand' to cover such cars and GT12 doesn't work as they won't all be V12 engine (I have to assume the '12' in GT12 is a reference to the engine)

So they should have spent a little more time coming up with an alternative for this car ...

Yes, and if the number is indeed a reference to twelve cylinders, I hope a six pot never joins the model range. The Triumph fraternity will be contacting 'Claims-for-free'.

[robgt3]

Aston Martin would have us believe that their cars are 'honed on the ring!" If that is the case what time has this Vantage GT3 or 12 been clocked at ? A 911 991 GT3 records 7min 25 secs. The forthcoming RS version is down to 7min 20 secs. Apparently a respectable time is deemed to be 8 min 30 secs. The latter being recorded recently by the new Civic Type R. I'm sure the time would be respectable ! :roll eyes:

Regarding Aston's marketing they should maybe build cars that people want to buy not what they want to sell. Having said that the Vulcan has sold out and will generate much needed revenue for the company . I cannot see many appearing on race tracks as they will be completely trounced by the likes of the Mclaren P1 and Porsche 918. Most I'm sure will end up being in collections.

[Phil74891]

When I first saw the Aston GT3, the first thing I said to myself was, I hope they've got that covered with Porsche. It's a shocking schoolboy error. One, irrespective of what GT3 actually is, why would you want to name your new car after someone's else's? Two, having made a decision re point one, why didn't you check if it was copywrited or similar before you launched it?

I'd be very embarrassed if I was Mr Palmer.

Still, GT12 is much better, and the PH interview today had some good points in it. Onwards and upwards.

[Gdc]

robgt3 said:

Aston Martin would have us believe that their cars are 'honed on the ring!" If that is the case what time has this Vantage GT3 or 12 been clocked at ? A 911 991 GT3 records 7min 25 secs. The forthcoming RS version is down to 7min 20 secs. Apparently a respectable time is deemed to be 8 min 30 secs. The latter being recorded recently by the new Civic Type R. I'm sure the time would be respectable ! :roll eyes:

Regarding Aston's marketing they should maybe build cars that people want to buy not what they want to sell. Having said that the Vulcan has sold out and will generate much needed revenue for the company . I cannot see many appearing on race tracks as they will be completely trounced by the likes of the Mclaren P1 and Porsche 918. Most I'm sure will end up being in collections.

I think that is absolutely fair Rob today. I believe AML has about 9 to 12 months to launch a new range of cars that attract both its core buyers and target new buyers, preserves the best of its heritage, exploits new engine and drivetrain technology and is packaged in a compelling modern, elegant style.

Riding around in a friend's brand new Porsche Cayman GTS at the weekend I was struck by how much better it is than the majority of current Aston products in terms of performance, handling, styling, excitement and sheer quality, all for £62k fully loaded. AML's competitors has set a new high bar, have innovated faster, Geneva gave no clues as to future direction and I cant believe that the solution is a 4x4 hybrid.

Mike

[AMDBSNick]

robgt3 said:

Aston Martin would have us believe that their cars are 'honed on the ring!" If that is the case what time has this Vantage GT3 or 12 been clocked at ? A 911 991 GT3 records 7min 25 secs. The forthcoming RS version is down to 7min 20 secs. Apparently a respectable time is deemed to be 8 min 30 secs. The latter being recorded recently by the new Civic Type R. I'm sure the time would be respectable !

[Jockman]

robgt3 said:

Aston Martin would have us believe that their cars are 'honed on the ring!" If that is the case what time has this Vantage GT3 or 12 been clocked at ? A 911 991 GT3 records 7min 25 secs. The forthcoming RS version is down to 7min 20 secs. Apparently a respectable time is deemed to be 8 min 30 secs. The latter being recorded recently by the new Civic Type R. I'm sure the time would be respectable ! :roll eyes:

Regarding Aston's marketing they should maybe build cars that people want to buy not what they want to sell. Having said that the Vulcan has sold out and will generate much needed revenue for the company . I cannot see many appearing on race tracks as they will be completely trounced by the likes of the Mclaren P1 and Porsche 918. Most I'm sure will end up being in collections.

Hell hath no fury......

I've never bought an Aston based on it being honed on anyone's ring tbh !!

Say Hi to the wonderful Molly xx

[robgt3]

Jockman said:

Hell hath no fury......

I've never bought an Aston based on it being honed on anyone's ring tbh !!

Say Hi to the wonderful Molly xx

Hi Jockman, AM's wording I believe! They dropped a clanger calling a beautiful virtual stand alone model i.e. the V12S a GT3. Adorning the car with some very un Aston body panels painted in garish colours is not what Aston is about. Only my opinion of course. I was led to believe that the car was originally to be called a GTE; some numpty changed it.