V12 Vantage auto / manual debate.
Discussion
Buster73 said:
I'm looking from experiences from owners over the pros and cons of the auto / manual version .
Road testing a V12 V auto tomorrow and I'm wondering if I should be trying a manual as well ?
Any advice would be welcome .
YES, you should definitely test drive the manual version. I test drove both and chose the manual in the end. Obviously it depends on how much you value driving a manual and having that extra level of interaction.Road testing a V12 V auto tomorrow and I'm wondering if I should be trying a manual as well ?
Any advice would be welcome .
In terms of performance and feel I thought that they were actually pretty similar. So you wouldn't be losing out much...however with the latest car you would have the upgraded sat nav, glass buttons, (even) better exhaust note, adaptive damping and of course more power!
The other point to bear is that prices for the manual have increased quite a bit over the last couple of months. When I bought my manual it was around £15k cheaper than the V12VS but now things are much closer...and then you have to consider how much more of a car you're getting with the V12VS for the same money.
Edited by Nijius Maximus on Friday 8th April 17:35
Not sure what you're actually asking here. As of this very minute you could only get a V12 Manual or a V12S SS. You can't get a V12 Auto, only a V12S Sportshift.
If you're asking what's the difference between a V12 and a V12S, then the answer is quite a bit, they're effectively completely different cars.
Personally I'd be testing out everything that your budget allows and seeing what you think.
Happy hunting
If you're asking what's the difference between a V12 and a V12S, then the answer is quite a bit, they're effectively completely different cars.
Personally I'd be testing out everything that your budget allows and seeing what you think.
Happy hunting
They are very different animals and neither is particularly better than the other. It's which one gives you the desired driving experience. I've has sportshift, touchtronic and manuals.
The sportshift will let you change gear like a hero, very quick and satisfying. Especially at open throttle and high revs. at low revs and pootling round, its a bit 'meh'. Not a problem, just 'meh'. Car park and garage manoeuvring requires large amounts of mechanical sympathy.
The manual requires skill. With even a modicum of talent, you will find it a very enjoyable experience. That experience isn't removed when travelling at normal traffic speeds. Its a tool that works well. With the torque available in the V12, you can still make progress with less than stellar footwork.
If neither of those works for you, the DBS (and DB9) has touchtronic which is a true slushbox. Rarely a complaint have I heard from anyone and in my experience, it does the job with aplomb at all speeds and throttle positions. No lag, wind up or other sad box traits. But it never satisfies on downshift like double clutching/LFB or sportshift blips.
I have, and would have any of them again. the pro's and cons of each weigh them up equally.
The sportshift will let you change gear like a hero, very quick and satisfying. Especially at open throttle and high revs. at low revs and pootling round, its a bit 'meh'. Not a problem, just 'meh'. Car park and garage manoeuvring requires large amounts of mechanical sympathy.
The manual requires skill. With even a modicum of talent, you will find it a very enjoyable experience. That experience isn't removed when travelling at normal traffic speeds. Its a tool that works well. With the torque available in the V12, you can still make progress with less than stellar footwork.
If neither of those works for you, the DBS (and DB9) has touchtronic which is a true slushbox. Rarely a complaint have I heard from anyone and in my experience, it does the job with aplomb at all speeds and throttle positions. No lag, wind up or other sad box traits. But it never satisfies on downshift like double clutching/LFB or sportshift blips.
I have, and would have any of them again. the pro's and cons of each weigh them up equally.
So then , firstly my apologies I wasn't aware that what I thought was an auto was in fact not a true automatic.
I had an extended test drive with one of the Aston Martin drivers who showed me the ins and outs of the paddle shift box , coming from. 911 I was amazed with the performance of the car , the overall package for me is enough to make my mind up that that's the next car for me rather than a true three pedal manual .
Subject to all things being equal I'm going to order one , I wonder if any of you knowledgable types on here could point me in the right direction on the following.
What extras are considered essential to the car.
What sort of deals have been acheived on a new V12V with no px.
Thanks for the previous replies , it's much appreciated .
I had an extended test drive with one of the Aston Martin drivers who showed me the ins and outs of the paddle shift box , coming from. 911 I was amazed with the performance of the car , the overall package for me is enough to make my mind up that that's the next car for me rather than a true three pedal manual .
Subject to all things being equal I'm going to order one , I wonder if any of you knowledgable types on here could point me in the right direction on the following.
What extras are considered essential to the car.
What sort of deals have been acheived on a new V12V with no px.
Thanks for the previous replies , it's much appreciated .
divetheworld said:
Don't know what discounts are available to Joe-public.
1. Forged 10 spoke alloys (if you don't like them, I'll swap with you!!
)
2. Highline Console
3. Front parking sensors
4. Premium audio
5. Auto dim mirror
6. Carbon Fibre Bonnet Louvres
7. Tracker
That lot will get you close to just right.
The V12V is no longer available new, but assume the OP has just missed off the S?1. Forged 10 spoke alloys (if you don't like them, I'll swap with you!!
)2. Highline Console
3. Front parking sensors
4. Premium audio
5. Auto dim mirror
6. Carbon Fibre Bonnet Louvres
7. Tracker
That lot will get you close to just right.
CF bonnet vents are std until the new model year starts in June, and an optional extra after that - nobody has managed to find out the cost as yet, but keep your eyes glue to the forum as I expect to find out early next week.
700W Premium Audio will be standard on new V12VS from June production, but is still an optional extra at the moment. The std 160W system is poor, 700W Premium is awesome and 100W B&O is similar in terms of audio quality but looks the business too, as typical with B&O brand attributes.
On top of the above you will probably want to add Contemporary Leather (or maybe part Alcantara), quite likely a Contemporary Paint, and black noctis grills as the std titanium ones don't really work. Again from June prodcution, but have a look at the Contemporary Pack and the Assortment Pack too as both offer good value and most of the parts in each you will likely be ordering anyway. Plus lots of CF options both inside and out too to think about! Again from June onwards, the factory are offering a Sport Plus Pack, which offers lots of interesting goodies - have a look at the V12V 7Speed Manual thread.
The hardest bit is picking a colour! Aside from the fact there are over 40 colours available as std which they should have on a display, there are probably over 100 more if you do some googling and ask your dealer to dig them out of the bottom drawer or ask the factory for a sample. Silvers and Blacks are all very safe bets and most people favour these, but the V12VS is one of the few Astons that can pull off almost any colour, including really bright ones if specced correctly.
Discounts depend on lots of things, but most of all if the car is stock or a factory order. Stock cars always carry a bigger discount than ordering bespoke from the factory, but either way you will be able to get something off I'm sure. Just ask him then drop one of us a PM, as its not considered the done thing to openly talk about such things you know. You are forgiven for not knowing as a previous P-car owner!
Edited by AdamV12V on Sunday 10th April 18:19
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