New V12V pics and tips
Discussion
I bought a 4.3 V8V last Autumn after having sought some advise from PHers. I had planned to buy a 4.7 maybe this summer and then maybe a 4.7S later on in my life. This all changed when a couple of weeks ago I was invited to test drive a V12V by a dealer and I realised that I could not live without one in my life. I still had no real intention of buying one soon until I happened upon a 3 month old Carbon Black with 30% off listed price. There were 2010's for same price on Autotrader. So its now in my garage 
I really thought the car would be hard work but turns out its the 4.3 that is hard work. I had got used to the difficult low gears, heavy clutch, having to work the engine to get the car to shift and getting slung around in the seats. The V12V is just another car altogether, so quick, so easy to drive, so planted.
So I have some questions;
Sure the tyres are a little slippery in the cold and this worried me a little but if you drive it at normal speeds with Sport off its just not a problem. I can't believe anyone who owns such a car would not have a second car for the rough, cold, super wet or snowy weather. I would not take the 4.3 out if I thought it was a sqaully day so to have the V12V is really no difference. If you are going to use it as a day to day car then having spent over £100k the owner should have no problem spending £3k more on winter wheels & tyres.
I read someone refer to the gear stick as the Terminator's cock and others complain about its appeareance. Frankly when you look in the window it sets the whole center console off and its extravegant size & shape reminds me I am in a hell of a car that was only a dream a few years ago as will always be the case for nearly everyone else on the planet. An alcantara clad wheel in one hand and T3's tool in the other; its the only way to roll.
So the law is you need pics. These are the ones I got from the dealer which I doubt I could better. It's the Carbon Black model.
I cannot recommend this car enough it is simply stunning to drive and I cannot think of a better looking car. Early days but I doubt I will change my mind.
I really thought the car would be hard work but turns out its the 4.3 that is hard work. I had got used to the difficult low gears, heavy clutch, having to work the engine to get the car to shift and getting slung around in the seats. The V12V is just another car altogether, so quick, so easy to drive, so planted.
So I have some questions;
- It sounds too well organised to pull fuse 22 out but is that the way to go? I followed a white V12V in London a few months ago and it sounded so loud it kinda made the guy look a knob.
- Amourguard. I have it on the 4.3 and I wonder if its a must to stick it or similar on a V12V or will it make the car look naff?
- Is there anything else I should do to the car? The paint is suprisingly a little crazed so I think a detail at least is in order.
- Anything else I should be thinking off? I dunno but for example should I be heating my garage?
- I think I read the V12V is set up for 95 ron petrol and thus 98 has no effect. Is this the case?
- I see a lot of mods been done to V8's. Mostly to improve the power. But doesn't the V12 have pretty much as much of what anyone could want in one car? Or are there some must have mods?
- Finally is it worth getting the car's geometry looked at? I cannot believe how fast it goes round bends as is but is the factory set up good enough?
Sure the tyres are a little slippery in the cold and this worried me a little but if you drive it at normal speeds with Sport off its just not a problem. I can't believe anyone who owns such a car would not have a second car for the rough, cold, super wet or snowy weather. I would not take the 4.3 out if I thought it was a sqaully day so to have the V12V is really no difference. If you are going to use it as a day to day car then having spent over £100k the owner should have no problem spending £3k more on winter wheels & tyres.
I read someone refer to the gear stick as the Terminator's cock and others complain about its appeareance. Frankly when you look in the window it sets the whole center console off and its extravegant size & shape reminds me I am in a hell of a car that was only a dream a few years ago as will always be the case for nearly everyone else on the planet. An alcantara clad wheel in one hand and T3's tool in the other; its the only way to roll.
So the law is you need pics. These are the ones I got from the dealer which I doubt I could better. It's the Carbon Black model.
I cannot recommend this car enough it is simply stunning to drive and I cannot think of a better looking car. Early days but I doubt I will change my mind.
Edited by CraigV12V on Wednesday 4th April 23:08
Firstly, god, that's sexy. Secondly, something I know about at least. The car will most likely new to be detailed to make it look it's best, especially due to the colour. The last two v12v's I have detailed have been correction details and have had the film applied afterwards. Don't get the film applied without having it detailed, it will seal in the swirls. The v8vs in black I am detailing tomorrow has film applied, but wasn't detailed first, so removing it and then correcting the paint and then the film will be re-applied at a later date.
When I was at stratstone in derby, a technician told me that removing the fuse causes the pump to seize up and it's much better to get a switch fitted instead.
Hope this helps.
Francis
Oh, if you need to find I good film guy, let me know.
When I was at stratstone in derby, a technician told me that removing the fuse causes the pump to seize up and it's much better to get a switch fitted instead.
Hope this helps.
Francis
Oh, if you need to find I good film guy, let me know.
wow, congrats, it looks great!
agree about the more easier to drive than the V8 (regarding torque and shifting, but not so in wet conditions) and of couse we all love the great looking T3 shift knob
About fuse 22: the difference in sound with valves open/close in the V12 is even more than in the V8, so you are better off with a switch (eg on the steering column, see other thread where I posted pics).
About RON 95: indeed,, higher will not increase performance, but higher quality fuels with do good for your engine on the long run
agree about the more easier to drive than the V8 (regarding torque and shifting, but not so in wet conditions) and of couse we all love the great looking T3 shift knob
About fuse 22: the difference in sound with valves open/close in the V12 is even more than in the V8, so you are better off with a switch (eg on the steering column, see other thread where I posted pics).
About RON 95: indeed,, higher will not increase performance, but higher quality fuels with do good for your engine on the long run
Edited by AWV12 on Wednesday 4th April 21:23
Lovely looking car
Remove the parcel shelf so it sounds even better inside
I wouldn't bother personally, maybe invest in a car cover if you so wish, but if it's inside I dont think there will be any issues.
CraigV12V said:
So I have some questions;
I would highly recommend you do! Fuse 22 won't make it louder, only louder at low revs when the baffle is normally closed. You can also have a switch fitted to cycle between the two without having to remove it - I think Bamford Rose fit a free one if you have a service.- It sounds too well organised to pull fuse 22 out but is that the way to go? I followed a white V12V in London a few months ago and it sounded so loud it kinda made the guy look a knob.
CraigV12V said:
- Is there anything else I should do to the car? The paint is suprisingly a little crazed so I think a detail at least is in order.
CraigV12V said:
- Anything else I should be thinking off? I dunno but for example should I be heating my garage?
CraigV12V said:
*I think I read the V12V is set up for 95 ron petrol and thus 98 has no effect. Is this the case?
This is true, I still stick 98 RON in though as the detergents and additives aren't exactly going to do any harm Beautiful car Craig.
Yep they do get under your skin.
A few comments on your queries.
Mine lives outside and is driven every day. Cleaned every week and looks stunning.
Armour fend to me is a must. Yes it can be seen from some angles, but a small price to pay against a pebble dashed bonnet,
. Those that say just get a respray, when do you judge when you need it. Anyone that understands quality cars understands the use of protection. Only idiots say it looks like its been scratched.
Used 95 In mine since day one, no prob. On the odd occasion I've put 98 in I have perceived no discernible difference.
Drive it and enjoy it.
Di
Edited to say I love the gear knob but it's bloody freezing in winter.
Yep they do get under your skin.
A few comments on your queries.
Mine lives outside and is driven every day. Cleaned every week and looks stunning.
Armour fend to me is a must. Yes it can be seen from some angles, but a small price to pay against a pebble dashed bonnet,
. Those that say just get a respray, when do you judge when you need it. Anyone that understands quality cars understands the use of protection. Only idiots say it looks like its been scratched.
Used 95 In mine since day one, no prob. On the odd occasion I've put 98 in I have perceived no discernible difference.
Drive it and enjoy it.
Di
Edited to say I love the gear knob but it's bloody freezing in winter.
Edited by lady topaz on Wednesday 4th April 21:31
lady topaz said:
Beautiful car Craig.
Yep they do get under your skin.
A few comments on your queries.
Mine lives outside and is driven every day. Cleaned every week and looks stunning.
Armour fend to me is a must. Yes it can be seen from some angles, but a small price to pay against a pebble dashed bonnet,
. Those that say just get a respray, when do you judge when you need it. Anyone that understands quality cars understands the use of protection. Only idiots say it looks like its been scratched.
Used 95 In mine since day one, no prob. On the odd occasion I've put 98 in I have perceived no discernible difference.
Drive it and enjoy it.
Di
Edited to say I love the gear knob but it's bloody freezing in winter.
Actually you are the reason I test drove a V12V. Nothing personal or too sexist but having read your contributions over the last year it was clear that unless you are a body builder, the V12V could not be too hard to drive. My TVR for instance was a hard car to drive for my ex: the clutch put holes in her shoes and the steering was simply too heavy. Even a dealership put me off saying it was a handful and I should think about a 4.7. Whimp!Yep they do get under your skin.
A few comments on your queries.
Mine lives outside and is driven every day. Cleaned every week and looks stunning.
Armour fend to me is a must. Yes it can be seen from some angles, but a small price to pay against a pebble dashed bonnet,
. Those that say just get a respray, when do you judge when you need it. Anyone that understands quality cars understands the use of protection. Only idiots say it looks like its been scratched.
Used 95 In mine since day one, no prob. On the odd occasion I've put 98 in I have perceived no discernible difference.
Drive it and enjoy it.
Di
Edited to say I love the gear knob but it's bloody freezing in winter.
So like Michael Jackson I keep one glove in the car for the cold T3 knob.
I am going to get the amour fend as you suggest.
Goodness that's a fantastic looking V12. 30% off? Good work to you Sir
Thank you for the detailed write-up. To be honest, having the 4.3 I thought "this is all I'll ever need" - then heard Di's car trundling around the Brooklands meet in January. Currently pricing up my kidneys for sale to the black market
Enjoy!
Kris
Thank you for the detailed write-up. To be honest, having the 4.3 I thought "this is all I'll ever need" - then heard Di's car trundling around the Brooklands meet in January. Currently pricing up my kidneys for sale to the black market
Enjoy!
Kris
Bloody common these Carbon Black V12V's....but awesome motors 
Can I have the details of a good film man too please (I am in York)....I have had the car detailed but unless I take the car to Peterborough for the day I am struggling to get the car protected and I keep driving it...hard...so it's only a matter of time before the paint chips start.
Get that sport button pressed and enjoy. I still enjoy sitting in the garage and just starting the engine.
Can I have the details of a good film man too please (I am in York)....I have had the car detailed but unless I take the car to Peterborough for the day I am struggling to get the car protected and I keep driving it...hard...so it's only a matter of time before the paint chips start.
Get that sport button pressed and enjoy. I still enjoy sitting in the garage and just starting the engine
.Craig, the front of mine is covered in film up to the bonnet vents. I also protected behind the wheel arches at the rear and additional bits in front of the rear arches.
I use vpower but 95 would be ok. as George said its suppose to have additional qualities!
I personally wouldn't bother with removing 22 or with the switch. Just take the parcel shelf out. It folds perfectly onto the boot floor.
Also remove the sound proofing trim from under the Bonnet as it rubs against the strut.
Cheers - Phil
I use vpower but 95 would be ok. as George said its suppose to have additional qualities!
I personally wouldn't bother with removing 22 or with the switch. Just take the parcel shelf out. It folds perfectly onto the boot floor.
Also remove the sound proofing trim from under the Bonnet as it rubs against the strut.
Cheers - Phil
Great looking car - love the carbon side strakes.
Definitely have paint protection to front bumper and front of bonnet. I had sills and rear arches done plus top of bumper to rear hatch just in case I caught it.
I had an exhaust switch and it works really well . I assume it is the same as pulling fuse 22.
Any pics of the interior?
Totally agree that it is much easier to drive than the V8. For a start I don't get that horrible clutch smell when I reverse it out of the garage!
Enjoy the car and be careful in this cold snap!
Definitely have paint protection to front bumper and front of bonnet. I had sills and rear arches done plus top of bumper to rear hatch just in case I caught it.
I had an exhaust switch and it works really well . I assume it is the same as pulling fuse 22.
Any pics of the interior?
Totally agree that it is much easier to drive than the V8. For a start I don't get that horrible clutch smell when I reverse it out of the garage!
Enjoy the car and be careful in this cold snap!
It's all been said above, stunning car and welcome to V12V ownership. I had a 4.3 before and would have happily lived with it until I drove the V12V and then I sold my soul to the devil (well spent my kids inheritence anyway).
I notice you are in Wealth Management, well so is that car you have just bought. It will severely manage your wealth. You will smile while it is doing it though 
I notice you are in Wealth Management, well so is that car you have just bought. It will severely manage your wealth
. You will smile while it is doing it though Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff