Goodbye SLS, Hello V8S...
Discussion
After 3 1/2 years on the fleet, the time came to wave goodbye to one of the greatest cars we have operated (IMO). Not only was the SLS great fun, although it divided opinion among our clients, but after 55,000 miles, it still felt like new, the interior looking pristine and the paintwork, bar a few stonechips, still glistened. Having suffered no significant failures, cost just over £2000 in routine maintenance - but significantly more in tyres - the SLS is going to be a tough act to follow.
So, what to do? Do we replace her with another SLS, a California or wait for something new and shiny to come along?
Well, after much deliberation, and having had the kind offer of a day at Millbrook courtesy of Aston Martin, I saw the light and decided a Vantage it must be.
My initial plan was a V12S as it is closer in performance to the SLS, however, as we have a 458 and McLaren at the top end of our price range, the R8 V10 in the middle and the F Type V8S at the bottom, this would mess up the range a little. Luck prevailed, on a drive by of JCT and an hour long coffee with Max, a deal was done and we are now the proud owners of our lovely V8S.
Due to the need for a 1000 mile running in period, I felt it my duty to ensure this was correctly completed before she was let loose. It also gave me the opportunity to have a proper time to really get a feel for her and make some comparison to the F type.
First impressions, the cabin is a really special place to sit - much more so than the F type which in itself is not a bad place to be - lovely materials, well made and so far, creak free. The switches are haphazard but you soon get used to them, plus, who cares when they look this good! The dials are all but illegible at quick glance. There is however no need to look at the rev counter as the sublime noise gives plenty of warning for the change up (along with the glowing red gear indicator) and the speed readout on the dash is better than the speedo anyway.
Power deliver is extremely impressive, throttle inputs are perfectly converted into the transmission of power, and even with low miles and relatively gentle use, the performance is more than adequate. the most impressive thing though is the feeling of security and solidity on the road in what at times have been challenging conditions.
The steering, whilst heavy initially, has a lovely feel and turn in is crisp and very well judged. The chassis always feels as if it is working with you, and the ride, whilst firm, is generally comfortable (the enemy may disagree), and handles bumpy roads with aplomb.
Whilst the overall power is considerably down vs. the F Type, I believe (without any scientific measurement) that due to the V8S's ability to put the power down cleanly, it would easily keep up with and probably be quicker thanthe F type on the twisty bits, but would only lag behind a little on the straights. The main difference between them in this respect is that the F type demands throttle sensitivity otherwise the power simply spins away (which can be fun at times), whereas the V8S is naturally sensitive and it is much easier to drive to the limit.
Clearly, over the years, Aston have honed this car and it feels to me like a far different proposition for the one we ran a few years ago (a non S Roadster). It is frustrating though that some characteristics continue - failed fuel flap release after 2 fill ups, condensation in one rear light and the trim on the other rear light coming loose. After 10 years you would think these type of faults would be cured. The service department at JCT though were very quick to arrange to have it back and sort out the faults along with a recall that has just been issued.
I only have another 250 miles to go to complete the running in, and I am already getting more distressed at the thought of not being able to use the V8S more often, especially as we enter the busy spring period. Certainly the V8S is a great addition to the fleet, and brings something different to the others, and in many ways is complementary to the F Type as they both have very different characters.
Once we have completed a couple of days drives, I will post some customer comparisons along with more pictures!
So, what to do? Do we replace her with another SLS, a California or wait for something new and shiny to come along?
Well, after much deliberation, and having had the kind offer of a day at Millbrook courtesy of Aston Martin, I saw the light and decided a Vantage it must be.
My initial plan was a V12S as it is closer in performance to the SLS, however, as we have a 458 and McLaren at the top end of our price range, the R8 V10 in the middle and the F Type V8S at the bottom, this would mess up the range a little. Luck prevailed, on a drive by of JCT and an hour long coffee with Max, a deal was done and we are now the proud owners of our lovely V8S.
Due to the need for a 1000 mile running in period, I felt it my duty to ensure this was correctly completed before she was let loose. It also gave me the opportunity to have a proper time to really get a feel for her and make some comparison to the F type.
First impressions, the cabin is a really special place to sit - much more so than the F type which in itself is not a bad place to be - lovely materials, well made and so far, creak free. The switches are haphazard but you soon get used to them, plus, who cares when they look this good! The dials are all but illegible at quick glance. There is however no need to look at the rev counter as the sublime noise gives plenty of warning for the change up (along with the glowing red gear indicator) and the speed readout on the dash is better than the speedo anyway.
Power deliver is extremely impressive, throttle inputs are perfectly converted into the transmission of power, and even with low miles and relatively gentle use, the performance is more than adequate. the most impressive thing though is the feeling of security and solidity on the road in what at times have been challenging conditions.
The steering, whilst heavy initially, has a lovely feel and turn in is crisp and very well judged. The chassis always feels as if it is working with you, and the ride, whilst firm, is generally comfortable (the enemy may disagree), and handles bumpy roads with aplomb.
Whilst the overall power is considerably down vs. the F Type, I believe (without any scientific measurement) that due to the V8S's ability to put the power down cleanly, it would easily keep up with and probably be quicker thanthe F type on the twisty bits, but would only lag behind a little on the straights. The main difference between them in this respect is that the F type demands throttle sensitivity otherwise the power simply spins away (which can be fun at times), whereas the V8S is naturally sensitive and it is much easier to drive to the limit.
Clearly, over the years, Aston have honed this car and it feels to me like a far different proposition for the one we ran a few years ago (a non S Roadster). It is frustrating though that some characteristics continue - failed fuel flap release after 2 fill ups, condensation in one rear light and the trim on the other rear light coming loose. After 10 years you would think these type of faults would be cured. The service department at JCT though were very quick to arrange to have it back and sort out the faults along with a recall that has just been issued.
I only have another 250 miles to go to complete the running in, and I am already getting more distressed at the thought of not being able to use the V8S more often, especially as we enter the busy spring period. Certainly the V8S is a great addition to the fleet, and brings something different to the others, and in many ways is complementary to the F Type as they both have very different characters.
Once we have completed a couple of days drives, I will post some customer comparisons along with more pictures!
Agreed, nice review. I too have intermittent issues with my fuel filler cap (2013 V8S)… but that's all and I just hit 3,000 miles on the car. I find the power, upgrades and fit/finish far better than the 07 it replaced. I'm still not used to the power but with time, that will change. Therefore I have my eye on 200 cell cats/headers/titanium exhaust set-up which should unleash about 40 more HP (& about 50-60 pounds).
axarunner said:
Agreed, nice review. I too have intermittent issues with my fuel filler cap (2013 V8S)… but that's all and I just hit 3,000 miles on the car. I find the power, upgrades and fit/finish far better than the 07 it replaced. I'm still not used to the power but with time, that will change. Therefore I have my eye on 200 cell cats/headers/titanium exhaust set-up which should unleash about 40 more HP (& about 50-60 pounds).
Wow. A real titanium exhaust system for an Aston Martin. I'd love to know more. I looked into this a few years back for my V8 and while many folks can build a titanium exhaust it's very hard to weld one properly that won't burst under load.The only decent manufacturer to OEM standards of which I am aware is Akrapovic - 911 GT2 RS, BMW M3 GTS and others...
Please do let me know about these guys.
JohnG1 said:
axarunner said:
Agreed, nice review. I too have intermittent issues with my fuel filler cap (2013 V8S)… but that's all and I just hit 3,000 miles on the car. I find the power, upgrades and fit/finish far better than the 07 it replaced. I'm still not used to the power but with time, that will change. Therefore I have my eye on 200 cell cats/headers/titanium exhaust set-up which should unleash about 40 more HP (& about 50-60 pounds).
Wow. A real titanium exhaust system for an Aston Martin. I'd love to know more. I looked into this a few years back for my V8 and while many folks can build a titanium exhaust it's very hard to weld one properly that won't burst under load.The only decent manufacturer to OEM standards of which I am aware is Akrapovic - 911 GT2 RS, BMW M3 GTS and others...
Please do let me know about these guys.
I had one on my last car that needed rewelding twice
I decide the weight saving didn't merit the cost and agro
Stainless all the way now
JohnG1 said:
The only decent manufacturer to OEM standards of which I am aware is Akrapovic - 911 GT2 RS, BMW M3 GTS and others...
Please do let me know about these guys.
Akrapovic do (imo) the best bike exhausts available. I know of plenty of people running full titanium systems on bikes. If I was going to get a titanium system from anyone, it would be them. Please do let me know about these guys.
I have a full Arrow titanium system on my bike which is very good quality. I know they also do some car exhausts - may be worth an enquiry.
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