The GT8! Carbon fibre bodied £200K 440BHP 7 Speed V8.
Discussion
Quite probably the reviews are always littered with mistakes. They bang on about the price of £165k and the 100kg weight saving but as we now the weight saving isn't achieved at the base £165k price point and its more like £200k+ to get the weight, the nice exhaust and all the other really nice bits that make it so special.
That said, the reviews are clearly glowing which is great to see given how late in the Vantage production cycle we are as they could quite easily have been less glowing I am sure. I particularly like the autocar video review, but like the V12VS Manual a bit disappointed to see that there has been only one single video review and the rest are all written so far.
Watching Sutcliffe enthuse about it so much, and hearing that exhaust note I have to admit to having felt a little bit of regret about not putting down a deposit on one myself!
That said, the reviews are clearly glowing which is great to see given how late in the Vantage production cycle we are as they could quite easily have been less glowing I am sure. I particularly like the autocar video review, but like the V12VS Manual a bit disappointed to see that there has been only one single video review and the rest are all written so far.
Watching Sutcliffe enthuse about it so much, and hearing that exhaust note I have to admit to having felt a little bit of regret about not putting down a deposit on one myself!
FFM said:
I think this article (http://www.completecar.ie/car-reviews/article/Aston_Martin/V8_Vantage/Vantage_GT8/987/6154/2016-Aston-Martin-Vantage-GT8-review.html
) is not accurate regarding the rubber, correct?
"Michelin's focused Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber sized 225/35 ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear." The car we saw at the factory was definitely with 265 at the front and 325 on the rear, like the GT12
That car you saw at the factory was sitting on slave wheels from a GT12.) is not accurate regarding the rubber, correct?
"Michelin's focused Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber sized 225/35 ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear." The car we saw at the factory was definitely with 265 at the front and 325 on the rear, like the GT12
RobDown said:
Which red is that on the car? Looks nice in the autoexpress video
(yes, I still can't get AM to get its act together on paint schemes at this rate cars will be getting delivered before I have a spec submitted!)
I believe is Diavolo Red (translates as Devil Red)(yes, I still can't get AM to get its act together on paint schemes at this rate cars will be getting delivered before I have a spec submitted!)
The same colour presented at Villa D'este when they launched the V12 Zagato
http://www.losgatosluxcars.com/DealerSites/6198/br...
tfb_carphotography said:
Just love this review.....Hits the nail on the head...There are faster and better cars but it just doesn't matter as this is all you need ....... Lucky 150 I say..I spoke to the owner of one of the GT12s at the Ace Cafe gathering yesterday. He gave what I think is some useful tips and comments:
1. Stereo- apparently the B&O system weighs an awful lot (and costs a lot). I doubt whether many will specify it (you wont hear it anyway if the Autoexpress video is anything to go by).
2. Non-electric seats. He has them (I'm specifying too) mainly for the weight saving. Apparently there are three height settings, can be changed in about 10 minutes with a spanner, albeit he leaves his permanently in the lowest setting
3. He said the car is very different, driving-wise, to the standard V12V. Much more like a race car with sharper turn-in. Biggest drawback though is the gearshift (as we know manual not an option with the GT12).
As an aside the thing made a beautiful noise at it started (and pulled away). if the Gt8 is anything close to that I will be very happy indeed
I'm going to submit my final spec tomorrow I hope. I had one final question for the forum - does anyone have experience of the dealer-fit lightweight flywheel/clutch? I know people rave about the Bamford Rose conversion, but I've not heard of anyone getting a main dealer to do it. I'm tending towards keeping the standard fit version and then changing at a later date if I want to. But equally if it transforms the V8V S, maybe I should just get it done day 1. Too many decisions
1. Stereo- apparently the B&O system weighs an awful lot (and costs a lot). I doubt whether many will specify it (you wont hear it anyway if the Autoexpress video is anything to go by).
2. Non-electric seats. He has them (I'm specifying too) mainly for the weight saving. Apparently there are three height settings, can be changed in about 10 minutes with a spanner, albeit he leaves his permanently in the lowest setting
3. He said the car is very different, driving-wise, to the standard V12V. Much more like a race car with sharper turn-in. Biggest drawback though is the gearshift (as we know manual not an option with the GT12).
As an aside the thing made a beautiful noise at it started (and pulled away). if the Gt8 is anything close to that I will be very happy indeed
I'm going to submit my final spec tomorrow I hope. I had one final question for the forum - does anyone have experience of the dealer-fit lightweight flywheel/clutch? I know people rave about the Bamford Rose conversion, but I've not heard of anyone getting a main dealer to do it. I'm tending towards keeping the standard fit version and then changing at a later date if I want to. But equally if it transforms the V8V S, maybe I should just get it done day 1. Too many decisions
Rob
I also specified the non-electric seats although wasnt aware you could change the height settings as such so thats a bonus although once Ive set it thats it.
I did discuss the clutch and flywheel conversion with the salesman but decided to see how I got on with the standard set up and then make a decision.Fwiw he had driven a car with the conversion and he reckoned it was too " light " for his taste.
I also specified the non-electric seats although wasnt aware you could change the height settings as such so thats a bonus although once Ive set it thats it.
I did discuss the clutch and flywheel conversion with the salesman but decided to see how I got on with the standard set up and then make a decision.Fwiw he had driven a car with the conversion and he reckoned it was too " light " for his taste.
There was a brief flurry of activity over the weekend, Andy Palmer even got involved. I got hugely excited that after almost three months I might be able to get the spec agreed so that I could move on..
...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Edited by RobDown on Wednesday 22 June 10:56
RobDown said:
There was a brief flurry of activity over the weekend, Andy Palmer even got involved. I got hugely excited that after almost three months I meet be able to get the spec agreed so that I could move on..
...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Rob, I'd be tempted to contact Gaydon direct to express your concerns. There is no way as a limited edition new car purchaser you should be treated like that. Actually, nobody should be treated like that. It's almost like they don't want your custom, which I'm sure would be of interest to HQ. Good luck....and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Bincenzo said:
RobDown said:
There was a brief flurry of activity over the weekend, Andy Palmer even got involved. I got hugely excited that after almost three months I meet be able to get the spec agreed so that I could move on..
...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Rob, I'd be tempted to contact Gaydon direct to express your concerns. There is no way as a limited edition new car purchaser you should be treated like that. Actually, nobody should be treated like that. It's almost like they don't want your custom, which I'm sure would be of interest to HQ. Good luck....and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
That's what I did late last week. To be fair to Andy Palmer he responded straight away (even though at Le mans) and said he would get it sorted. I got a call an hour later from dealer saying "we'll sort it". Great i thought. So I sent an email with final spec thoughts.
And then nada, nothing. Not even a "we've got your email, give us 24 hours to respond" (I asked the cost of the cf roof). Just called the dealership, sales guy off today. No-one else available
To be honest maybe it's just me. Maybe I shouldn't expect a dealer selling a £200k car to acknowledge and respond to emails from customers.
Never again, if I can't see the car there and then and drive it away in a few days, I won't buy one
And then nada, nothing. Not even a "we've got your email, give us 24 hours to respond" (I asked the cost of the cf roof). Just called the dealership, sales guy off today. No-one else available
To be honest maybe it's just me. Maybe I shouldn't expect a dealer selling a £200k car to acknowledge and respond to emails from customers.
Never again, if I can't see the car there and then and drive it away in a few days, I won't buy one
Edited by RobDown on Wednesday 22 June 15:22
RobDown said:
There was a brief flurry of activity over the weekend, Andy Palmer even got involved. I got hugely excited that after almost three months I might be able to get the spec agreed so that I could move on..
...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Rob,...and then reality kicked in on Monday and once again my email trying to agree spec with the dealer has been ignored, not even an acknowledgement that they've got the email (surely the basics of customer service?).
It's like dealing with an organisation from the 1970s. If I ever hint I might buy another new Aston Martin, someone shoot me please
Apologies for the rant, but just hugely frustrated that this is still going on after all this time.
Edited by RobDown on Wednesday 22 June 10:56
Feel sorry for that, but my small advice is to deal, mostly, and directly with the factory. Use the dealer the least amount you can and only when advised by AM. What I do, is to send emails to both the factory and the dealer and, both, I am used to receive answers in a matter of an hour, if not few minutes.
In the case of the GT8, technically you deal with AM Special Ops, not with the Dealer (even if you paid the deposit and are required to send the spec to the latter, rather than the former). But I see your point: as a client you would expect a more supportive dealer, which is not happening.
If you are not happy, you can switch dealer, I am sure if you write to AP he has the power to do so.
RobDown said:
That's what I did late last week. To be fair to Andy Palmer he responded straight away (even though at Le mans) and said he would get it sorted. I got a call an hour later from dealer saying "we'll sort it". Great to thought. So I sent an email with final spec thoughts.
And then nada, nothing. Not even a "we've got your email, give us 24 hours to respond" (I asked the cost of the cf roof). Just called the dealership, sales guy off today. No-one else available
To be honest maybe it's just me. Maybe I shouldn't expect a dealer selling a £200k car to acknowledge and respond to emails from customers.
Never again, if I can't see the car there and then and drive it away in a few days, I won't buy one
Dreadful, just dreadful. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end but it really must sour the experience And then nada, nothing. Not even a "we've got your email, give us 24 hours to respond" (I asked the cost of the cf roof). Just called the dealership, sales guy off today. No-one else available
To be honest maybe it's just me. Maybe I shouldn't expect a dealer selling a £200k car to acknowledge and respond to emails from customers.
Never again, if I can't see the car there and then and drive it away in a few days, I won't buy one
Since we are quite a few perspective and current GT8/12 owners contributing (or just watching) this forum, I thought it would be good to create a focused group with the aim to:
- Link current GT12's and perspective GT8's owners on PH with those outside/not aware of this forum
- Share contact to facilitate the organisation meet-ups/events/track-days
- Build up a AM GT car register, at some point
- Collect and revert any type of feedbacks (or, more importantly, "owner-group" 's requests) directly to both Aston Martin and the Special Projects division
I believe this could be a way to enhance our experience with the cars with a similar spirit of AMOC, although with a slightly more focused approach.
What do you think guys? Any other ideas?
I created an email account so we can start from there and iterate...I called it: AstonMartinGT.owners@gmail.com
- Link current GT12's and perspective GT8's owners on PH with those outside/not aware of this forum
- Share contact to facilitate the organisation meet-ups/events/track-days
- Build up a AM GT car register, at some point
- Collect and revert any type of feedbacks (or, more importantly, "owner-group" 's requests) directly to both Aston Martin and the Special Projects division
I believe this could be a way to enhance our experience with the cars with a similar spirit of AMOC, although with a slightly more focused approach.
What do you think guys? Any other ideas?
I created an email account so we can start from there and iterate...I called it: AstonMartinGT.owners@gmail.com
Good idea FFM, I'm up for it - subject to the proviso of actually ending up with a car
I did try contacting Gaydon direct about 3 weeks ago and was told (eventually) not to send queries direct, to do everything via the dealer so that things would be "kept in order". That's fair enough, understand their perspective there. But my dealer appears to be on a zero hours contract (oh and before anyone suggests it, the dealer principal "left" two weeks ago).
I did try contacting Gaydon direct about 3 weeks ago and was told (eventually) not to send queries direct, to do everything via the dealer so that things would be "kept in order". That's fair enough, understand their perspective there. But my dealer appears to be on a zero hours contract (oh and before anyone suggests it, the dealer principal "left" two weeks ago).
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff