Discussion
NFC 85 Vette said:
There was a fork in the road, and the marque could either continue to build traditional, gentlemanly, subtle cars that would have an increasingly small customer base, or it could embrace a change of ethos, do something different to avoid the criticism of all the cars looking similar and bear the cross of upsetting purists immediately afterward. As an engineer at Gaydon said to me yesterday "wait until they see the DBX". Times are changing, and the marque had to turn up the wick to remain a viable alternative to the products that other manufacturer's are coming up with. Pretty isn't enough anymore, it had to be a bit more savage aesthetically.
The task of replacing the Vantage was the toughest the marque has had, and it would divide opinion either way. Produce a car that's a subtle refresh of the outgoing car with some modern internals and innovation and some would feel it wasn't a big enough step change for a car that's over a decade old (how many other cars have had as long a production run with so few major overhauls?). The original car was just that damn good, it made the task of improving on it that much more difficult.
Conversely, starting from scratch, some would feel it's too big a departure from tradition. It's certainly the most radical looking production Aston to date, and has been received as I thought it might - where it's liked, it's loved, and where it's disliked, it's detested and described as an MX5, GT86 etc.
With the focus very much being on aesthetics and price in the last 24 hours, the actual performance data and handling have been somewhat forgotten about. Even as a 'basic' launch model, it's likely to be the most potent car this side of (I guess) a GT12. As a driver's car, I'm told it will be utterly wonderful. The S is some way off (2021, perhaps), the manual option and roadster slotting in before that.
With the majority of imagery of the new Vantage insisting on being from low angles, looking up its nostrils, it makes the front end look much bigger than it is in the metal. Like the DB11, it doesn't look as good in photos as it does in the metal. Perhaps that's why (as shown in the old Vantage? thread) the original is so loved, you couldn't take a bad photograph of that car.
There's some very very good things happening at Gaydon, it might upset the traditional views of many, but some of it's necessary to allow Aston to keep pace with its rivals. The DBS will be something special (someone who's driven it described it to me as being like to a Group B car, quite crackers), and the new Vanquish will be another level again (in both looks and performance).
I'm looking forward to the Bristol launch evening next week
The task of replacing the Vantage was the toughest the marque has had, and it would divide opinion either way. Produce a car that's a subtle refresh of the outgoing car with some modern internals and innovation and some would feel it wasn't a big enough step change for a car that's over a decade old (how many other cars have had as long a production run with so few major overhauls?). The original car was just that damn good, it made the task of improving on it that much more difficult.
Conversely, starting from scratch, some would feel it's too big a departure from tradition. It's certainly the most radical looking production Aston to date, and has been received as I thought it might - where it's liked, it's loved, and where it's disliked, it's detested and described as an MX5, GT86 etc.
With the focus very much being on aesthetics and price in the last 24 hours, the actual performance data and handling have been somewhat forgotten about. Even as a 'basic' launch model, it's likely to be the most potent car this side of (I guess) a GT12. As a driver's car, I'm told it will be utterly wonderful. The S is some way off (2021, perhaps), the manual option and roadster slotting in before that.
With the majority of imagery of the new Vantage insisting on being from low angles, looking up its nostrils, it makes the front end look much bigger than it is in the metal. Like the DB11, it doesn't look as good in photos as it does in the metal. Perhaps that's why (as shown in the old Vantage? thread) the original is so loved, you couldn't take a bad photograph of that car.
There's some very very good things happening at Gaydon, it might upset the traditional views of many, but some of it's necessary to allow Aston to keep pace with its rivals. The DBS will be something special (someone who's driven it described it to me as being like to a Group B car, quite crackers), and the new Vanquish will be another level again (in both looks and performance).
I'm looking forward to the Bristol launch evening next week
Interesting thread to read
Essentially we're talking about change and our response to it. AM's response, the buying market's response, us gasser's response etc.
Historically, we humans are change-resistant, and not great at making rational decisions. We all know that buying an Aston often requires more emotion than logic, and I'm sure the new Vantage will require more of the same.
Personally I'm still in love with my 11, from the in-the-flesh look of her, to the insane Sports+ mode, to the wonderful V12 note, to the usable back seats which are a blessing in something that is, to this day, photographed in every car park by passers-by.
Would I look at the new Vantage if I were buying a two-seater? Absolutely. I think in a single colour it's incredible in real life.
Does it hold its ground against the others in the price bracket? Absolutely. But again this requires emotion to justify rather than reason.
...and ultimately, the emotional response to change is what will tip some over the edge and into the car.
Essentially we're talking about change and our response to it. AM's response, the buying market's response, us gasser's response etc.
Historically, we humans are change-resistant, and not great at making rational decisions. We all know that buying an Aston often requires more emotion than logic, and I'm sure the new Vantage will require more of the same.
Personally I'm still in love with my 11, from the in-the-flesh look of her, to the insane Sports+ mode, to the wonderful V12 note, to the usable back seats which are a blessing in something that is, to this day, photographed in every car park by passers-by.
Would I look at the new Vantage if I were buying a two-seater? Absolutely. I think in a single colour it's incredible in real life.
Does it hold its ground against the others in the price bracket? Absolutely. But again this requires emotion to justify rather than reason.
...and ultimately, the emotional response to change is what will tip some over the edge and into the car.
dbs2000 said:
I don't think AM will be worrying too much, as others have said, seeing it at the factory 2 weeks ago with a group of current owners (not random internet folk who are yet to see and sit in it) <clip>..
Indeed, why should Aston worry how the general public receives their newest car when there's very important people like you to buy it! 
AMDBSVNick said:
RichB said:
Indeed, why should Aston worry how the general public receives their newest car when there's very important people like you to buy it!
I didn't see where Dave said he was very important?
Upperworks said:
RichB said:
Maybe I was being harsh - it came over as "I saw it 2 weeks before the unimportant people on the internet whose opinion doesn't matter" sorry if I offended.
2 weeks ago? What a peasant. Important people like moi saw it 6 weeks ago. 
Agree with others that provoking a reaction is a good thing by and large
Also think that NFC 85 Vette posted a most excellent summary
I'd add that the bottom line is, regardless of when people viewed it or what they think of the looks (of course at the moment, nobody is talking about how it drives because they don't know but on paper, this should be as fast round a track as a V12VS), lots and lots of people are ordering it. That's the most important reaction to gauge by far.
After seeing it and having a passenger ride in it, I would certainly buy one. Just need a Roadster version ...and to save up some more over the next couple of years
I think the feedback on other social media channels was overwhelmingly positive. Hopefully the new Vantage will attract a wider range of customer to the brand and it will be a big success...
I think the feedback on other social media channels was overwhelmingly positive. Hopefully the new Vantage will attract a wider range of customer to the brand and it will be a big success...
One thing to add about the front grille that seems to be attracting so much comment is that as well as front on photos not being taken from the height one normally looks at the car from, they also don't show how sharply the bottom of the grille angles back - it does make the opening look smaller in the flesh
It's often the case that the best and most timeless designs look controversial at release and yet improve with time. I remember the DB9 taking over from the DB7 and people didn't like the way the best bits of the old car weren't carried over to the new one. It was thought to be a bit angular compared to the DB7, and maybe not as elegant. In retrospect it's a design classic, and makes the DB7 look fusty. Conversely, the XK8 was universally loved when it first came out but subsequently has always looked a bit so-so, as you quickly got used to it and familiarity bred a bit of contempt. The same might be said of the F Type. The DB11 seems to have grown on most folk since everyone has seen them in the metal and in different colours, so I won't be at all surprised if we aren't looking at a design classic in new Vantage; it just takes a while for us to adapt to what was once called 'The Shock of the New'.
damianke said:
It's often the case that the best and most timeless designs look controversial at release and yet improve with time. I remember the DB9 taking over from the DB7 and people didn't like the way the best bits of the old car weren't carried over to the new one. It was thought to be a bit angular compared to the DB7, and maybe not as elegant. In retrospect it's a design classic, and makes the DB7 look fusty. Conversely, the XK8 was universally loved when it first came out but subsequently has always looked a bit so-so, as you quickly got used to it and familiarity bred a bit of contempt. The same might be said of the F Type. The DB11 seems to have grown on most folk since everyone has seen them in the metal and in different colours, so I won't be at all surprised if we aren't looking at a design classic in new Vantage; it just takes a while for us to adapt to what was once called 'The Shock of the New'.
Indeed plus, this is really more akin to a 2 generational change than a single generational update, given how long since last vantage and how much the new car moves onalso, if there hadn't been such a big change, people would have moaned about that (as in the typical comments about new generation 911s)
RichB said:
ndeed, why should Aston worry how the general public receives their newest car when there's very important people like you to buy it!
I think you completely misread my post. I stated that the current owners that have seen it and sat in it, loved it. People spouting off on news groups having only seen a select few photos aren't getting the whole feel for the car when it's in front of you. Nowhere did I say "important" people but I would like to think existing owners are seen as somewhat important? Repeat business et all? We've had established forum members and owners see the launch car photos and say "I don't like it", they have then watched HC youtube video with the red car and come back 10 minutes later with a completely different opinion. My point stands, the more people who will see this car, the more people will really like it, therefore I doubt AM are worrying too much
Edited by dbs2000 on Wednesday 22 November 12:43
dbs2000 said:
I think you completely misread my post. I stated that the current owners that have seen it and sat in it, loved it. People spouting off on news groups having only seen a select few photos aren't getting the whole feel for the car when it's in front of you. Nowhere did I say "important" people but I would like to think existing owners are seen as somewhat important? Repeat business et all?
We've had established forum members and owners see the launch car photos and say "I don't like it", they have then watched HC youtube video with the red car and come back 10 minutes later with a completely different opinion. My point stands, the more people who will see this car, the more people will really like it.
I thought his comment was made tongue in cheek so to speak .We've had established forum members and owners see the launch car photos and say "I don't like it", they have then watched HC youtube video with the red car and come back 10 minutes later with a completely different opinion. My point stands, the more people who will see this car, the more people will really like it.
Edited by dbs2000 on Wednesday 22 November 12:26
Jon39 said:
If you consider the new car 'not as classy/beautiful as the last vantage' , do you know you could have a V12 Vantage and also a V8 Vantage for the same money ?
I LOVED the rear diffuser, the rear lights and in general the way the car is so compact. Inside is the best Aston of the lot (just based on sitting not driving I might add) in that it's like a fighter jet...everything falls easily to hand and you're very cocooned in the car.
It wasn't at all what I expected but it blew me away in a different way to the old ones.
Sounds silly but I could see me getting this one and then adding an old vantage at some point, I think in terms of both looks and driving style they'll be completely different cars in all but name.
Looks are less than 50% of final ownership satisfaction. How it feels to drive and how it flatters you as a mediocre driver (speaking for my self here) and how annoyingly bad the niggles matter too.
I’m still reflecting on the looks and will wait to look it over properly, but I’m much more worried about the rest - especially I’m concerned that it will sound like an AMG and make silly farty noises when it changes gear for you. I know I’m starting to sound grumpy just like my dad did when chrome bumpers disappeared, but it catches up with us all eventually.
I’m still reflecting on the looks and will wait to look it over properly, but I’m much more worried about the rest - especially I’m concerned that it will sound like an AMG and make silly farty noises when it changes gear for you. I know I’m starting to sound grumpy just like my dad did when chrome bumpers disappeared, but it catches up with us all eventually.
Spyman said:
Oh dear, after all the waiting aston have served up car that will sell, but its not going to worry the competition. It will need to be seen in the flesh for a proper opinion, but judging from the reveal pics and videos its not exactly gone down very well.I would imagine a bit of head scratching at aston hq this morning. I think also that £135k ish with spec is really pushing it in to mclaren territory as well, and as someone who got a new 540c recently and had a surprising exerience including generous trade-ins an new car discounts, the hard sell may be approaching for Aston. Its subjective i know, but its just not as special a design as i was hoping for.
My thoughts indeed, funnily enough after I saw the price I was straight onto Autotrader to see 540C/570S prices and I see you can get a high spec 570S for the same price and a high spec Vantage, now that is serious competition just there...
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