V8V 2011- Advice Please on Manual / Paddles

[Cpb1702]

I would like to acquire a V8V 2011 plate. Id welcome your guidance particularly around the gears/paddles.

I cant bear a manual in todays traffic, but want to drive the car daily.

I am worried around the issues on the paddle shift.

Is Manual the only real option? If it is I may never own an Aston!

Id welcome your advice.

[Neil1300r]

if you want a proper slush box, you only options are DB9 / DBS.

[hashluck]

If you want a manual gearbox you can drive easily in all driving conditions then Sportshift II is great in my opinion. 9K miles so far as a daily driver and no issues.

Has to be ASM II 7-speed. Look for a 2011 V8S perhaps.

You really need to test drive one with a competent dealer to show you how to get the best from it.

[Manwhoneverwas]

I would not consider a manual gearbox again due to various reasons.
But having said that, it took me a long, long time to get used to the Sportshift since it is an automated manual gearbox.
And although it is nowhere near perfect, I prefer it to a manual gearbox.

When testing a Sportshift car it does indeed help if the owner/dealer knows how to get the best from it, otherwise it can look terribly poor.

[AndyV8V]

If your concern is traffic, then you should go for a manual,
as the sportshift is not an automatic and has to be driven as a manual.

I find is harder work in traffic than a manual.

[divetheworld]

Cpb1702 said:

I would like to acquire a V8V 2011 plate. Id welcome your guidance particularly around the gears/paddles.

I cant bear a manual in todays traffic, but want to drive the car daily.

I am worried around the issues on the paddle shift.

Is Manual the only real option? If it is I may never own an Aston!

Id welcome your advice.

Drive one, then decide. You have to have a bit of understanding of the way the gearbox works. I had one for quite a while after a manual and liked it a lot. If you are in sync with it, it pays dividends.


Your near this one - http://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~d...

I can vouch its a great one!

[timbals]

divetheworld said:

Drive one, then decide. You have to have a bit of understanding of the way the gearbox works. I had one for quite a while after a manual and liked it a lot. If you are in sync with it, it pays dividends.


Your near this one - http://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~d...

I can vouch its a great one!

That one is not far off a V8VS in price which is a much improved car.

I drive a V8VS in London traffic every day and I have no regrets. It couldn't be described as smooth but I prefer it much more to my previous car, which was probably the best manual city car (Audi A1 Manual). D mode actually works ok in slow traffic.

I haven't driven a Sportshift 1 and I only drove a 2006 Vantage manual on a test drive.

[The Surveyor]

For a novice, what is the difference between Sportshift I and II? Are they both automatic / paddle shifting manual boxes?

[Jon39]

The Surveyor said:

For a novice, what is the difference between Sportshift I and II? Are they both automatic / paddle shifting manual boxes?

Auto gearboxes were my weak subject, but with the help of this forum, I now have a better understanding.

Sportshift 1 (Vantage V8) uses the same gearbox as the manual with single plate clutch, but the gearchanges are automated and controlled by paddles (if the computer agrees).

Sportshift 2 has improved software, and I think was introduced with the Vantage V8S (7 speed is it?).

Sportshift 3 has further improved software and is used on the Vantage V12S.

The traditional torque converter automatic gearboxes are used on the DB9 and Vanquish 2.

[hashluck]

Sportshift 2 is much more than improved software.

It is 7-Speed

Has a much more sensible reverse gear ratio

Does away with 'Creep Mode'

Adds Hill-Hold

A much better 'box and I have no issues in traffic using the paddles

[AndyV8V]

Sorry to hijack the thread.

Sportshift I questions:

- What is the actual purpose of "Comfort" mode other than a smoother gear change apparently, and how / when do you guys use it?
Dealer told me a few months back to engage "Comfort" mode when around town and dis-engage (Sport) when on open roads.

- Stupid question. How can you skip gears? more specific from N to 2nd?
In rolling stop / start heavy traffic, I let the car roll in N. Do you always have to come to a complete stand still before selecting 1st gear again?

Thanks