RE: Aston unveils stunning V8 Vantage
Discussion
Oh... and given PAG's Volvo connections (and you're going to laugh at me here) one would expect the stereo to be first class. The system in my V70 honestly is the best I have heard fitted as standard by a manufacturer, Aston could do worse than to just lift the Premium Upgrade Volvo system. 
richb said:
Oh... and given PAG's Volvo connections (and you're going to laugh at me here) one would expect the stereo to be first class. The system in my V70 honestly is the best I have heard fitted as standard by a manufacturer, Aston could do worse than to just lift the Premium Upgrade Volvo system.
didn't want to dissapoint you
MrHeed said:
With all the will in the world, I just can't see it being a daily driver like a 911.
Why not? Bloke who rents our office space next door has a DB9 and a continental GT as daily drivers. He tends to drive them alternate days but only for variety, no other reason. He also had a vantage before the DB9. I've been in all three and both the Astons were fantastic in and out of town. If you can live with the depreciation and fuel costs I dont see why the V8 should be any different. And lets face it, if you can afford to own cars like that then running costs are probably not an issue.
shadytree said:Oh... they have?
Oh... and given PAG's Volvo connections (and you're going to laugh at me here) one would expect the stereo to be first class. The system in my V70 honestly is the best I have heard fitted as standard by a manufacturer, Aston could do worse than to just lift the Premium Upgrade Volvo system.
jamiet said:
With all the will in the world, I just can't see it being a daily driver like a 911.
Why not? Bloke who rents our office space next door has a DB9 and a continental GT as daily drivers. He tends to drive them alternate days but only for variety, no other reason. He also had a vantage before the DB9. I've been in all three and both the Astons were fantastic in and out of town. If you can live with the depreciation and fuel costs I dont see why the V8 should be any different. And lets face it, if you can afford to own cars like that then running costs are probably not an issue.
I actually can't see the fuel costs being too demonic either. OK, so it's a 4.3-litre V8, but it's based very closely on the 4.2 in the current XK8, and people drive those every day. Plus, this Aston's got a manual option, so it should be even more economical. And it's lighter.
Can't believe I'm talking about fuel economy in an Aston Martin!
It's an absolutely beautiful car (though not in yellow), but I would think it won't be too much competition for the 911. As mentioned previously, the only way it’s a 911 beater is in price (and looks in my opinion). It’s in the 911 Turbo price category, but doesn’t even have the performance of the base 911. AM certainly has it in the looks department, but there are quite a few cars available now that are much quicker for a fraction of the money (Corvette, Elise, WRX, …). Now if they come out with an S version (which I’m sure they will once sales slow) we would be talking some serious fun, but I’m sure at an even higher price point.
>> Edited by lotusjps on Tuesday 1st March 16:48
>> Edited by lotusjps on Tuesday 1st March 16:48
Fortunately people will hanker for the V8 Vantage for more than just it's paper performance credentials, to compare it to a Corvette or Elise is to somewhat miss the point. It's also slower than my Griff but that doesn't stop me doing whatever is necessary to own one. Would I move Heaven and Earth to own a Corvette No... And as I'll be keeping the Griffith I'll get the best of both worlds. 
Rich...
>> Edited by richb on Wednesday 2nd March 10:48
Rich... >> Edited by richb on Wednesday 2nd March 10:48
I've got to say it - I'm a cynical old s.o.b... I normally find fault in most things, be that subjectively or objectively...
But I absolutely love this.
I don't mind if a 997 is a bit quicker - the Aston just looks nigh-on perfect and makes me feel like a kid hankering after the mother of all xmas pressies. I want one... badly.
And if there's ever a greater statement of intent to Porsche than painting it bright yellow, I'd like to see one. Although if there was a red 'S' version in the photo as well, then all the better...
www.pistonheads.com/porsche/default.asp?storyId=8439
But I absolutely love this.
I don't mind if a 997 is a bit quicker - the Aston just looks nigh-on perfect and makes me feel like a kid hankering after the mother of all xmas pressies. I want one... badly.
And if there's ever a greater statement of intent to Porsche than painting it bright yellow, I'd like to see one. Although if there was a red 'S' version in the photo as well, then all the better...
www.pistonheads.com/porsche/default.asp?storyId=8439
It may be a little slower and heavier than a stock 911, but it is simply one of the most beautiful and purposeful shapes ever manufactured by a car maker. It has an interior that puts a 911 to shame, will by all accounts sound fantastic, and it is, after all, an Aston Martin. Porsche has a wonderful sporting record, Aston Martin just has pedigree. There's no contest. The V8 wins comprehensively before it even turns a wheel!
Maybe a kind of gunmetal-ish colour, ejection seats, left and right front wing machine guns...... spartacus said:
spartacus said:How much will it cost?
Last I heard £75,000 basic. Probably nearer 85k to 90k full loaded with all the extras.
We all want it to be a British 911 killer, its certainly in the 911 ballpark price wise, but can't help wondering if even a manufacturer with the pedigree of Aston Martin can compete with 40 odd years of continuous development and evolution?
40 years of development? Oh you havent fallen for that "the current 997 is directly related to the 901 of 1962" trollope, have you?
They both have sloping back sides. And the engine is in the rear. But thats it. Differnte engines, bodies, suspension, gearbox, drivetrain, interior, exterior, etc)
Still, the Aston V8 Vantage has over 90 years of continuous development, as it has its engine in the same place as Coal Scuttle.
Oi, LA - NO!! That's MY colour combo (although I want a mesh grille!) 
PS - I know a mesh grille isn't an option at the moment, but I'm sure they would make me one......for a price
Oh, and here's it is in a decent colour!
www.bertrand-associates.com/V8%20Vantage/image-html/tungsten3.html
>> Edited by Twin Turbo on Wednesday 2nd March 07:58
PS - I know a mesh grille isn't an option at the moment, but I'm sure they would make me one......for a price
Oh, and here's it is in a decent colour!
www.bertrand-associates.com/V8%20Vantage/image-html/tungsten3.html
>> Edited by Twin Turbo on Wednesday 2nd March 07:58
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