How happy are you with the Sport shift in the V12S Vantage ?

[Champs]

Hello all !

I have a wonderful Dogleg V12S which I am absolutely crazy about !
Crazy to the point where I want another V12S !
I just can't get enough of my car. Even just looking at it !
The Vantage to me is just soo beautiful, and in V12 S guise ( for me ), is just soo difficult to resist.
Right now, with a really nice spec, there is a Sport Shift 2017 V12S available to me. I have yet to test drive it.

Am I crazy in wanting another V12S ?
How do you all enjoy the Speed shift gearbox. I am a little skeptical from reading and hearing reviews. But how is it in real life ?
If you could choose over, would you choose Sport shift again ?
I really appreciate your first hand experience.

Thanks, B

[quench]

The subject of SSIII has been covered extensively in many different posts on this forum and on other forums such as 6speedonline. A search will show you all of this.

I love my V12VS SS, too. But I cannot imagine getting a second one, even with a different transmission. Even if I had the funds to reasonably consider such a move, I wouldn't do it. There are too many other cars out there that I'd want to experience.

[IanV12VSRs]

I am probably in the minority here but I agree entirely but there again I would - because I have both although the roadster versions.



They are so different to drive and if you went for it whilst the cars look the same they both have very different characters. I have just come back from a tour in Spain and really enjoyed the SS3 box up on the mountain passes if you did it you would never regret it.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

I'd worry that you'd like one trans so much more than the other you would end up always driving the same car. If they were at least different models, then I'd be less concerned since the total experience would be different.

I've got all three types; manual, SS and TT in three very different cars and I enjoy all three driving experiences. But if they were all the same car model, I'd end up always driving the SS as the best compromise of involvement and ease of use.

[IanV12VSRs]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

I'd worry that you'd like one trans so much more than the other you would end up always driving the same car. If they were at least different models, then I'd be less concerned since the total experience would be different.

I've got all three types; manual, SS and TT in three very different cars and I enjoy all three driving experiences. But if they were all the same car model, I'd end up always driving the SS as the best compromise of involvement and ease of use.

I would agree with that to a certain extent but the dogleg 7 speed is very addictive because it is a challenge to drive well. The SS3 is also great to drive so for me whichever I chose is a great decision. What a fantastically lucky position to be in.

[Champs]

IanV12VSRs said:

I am probably in the minority here but I agree entirely but there again I would - because I have both although the roadster versions.



They are so different to drive and if you went for it whilst the cars look the same they both have very different characters. I have just come back from a tour in Spain and really enjoyed the SS3 box up on the mountain passes if you did it you would never regret it.

Hi Ian,
Big thanks for your first hand response ! Both your babies are absolutely stunning ! I wouldn't mind a roadster, however, trying to find any V12S here is like trying to fish in the desert, never mind a Roadster !
I have never come across a V12S Roadster for sale here ( South Africa ). There are only about 3 all belonging to guys like you and me
I did drive a Sport Shift V12S at Millbrook and really enjoyed it.
It seemed to me like the power was more accessible or should I say usable / exploitable than with the manual. Whether this is because one always has two hands on the wheel, I am not sure ? Needles to say, even though I am a die hard manual, I really enjoyed my experience at Millbrook with the paddles !

Like you, I do not require much convincing to grab another Vantage !
I have a habit of doubling up
Next to my Vantage are two Caymans, two MGA's, a R and soon to be Touring

I really like your advice that I would never regret it !
I have not met you, but already like you alot
Thanks for taking the time to respond !
greetings, B

[Champs]

quench said:

The subject of SSIII has been covered extensively in many different posts on this forum and on other forums such as 6speedonline. A search will show you all of this.

I love my V12VS SS, too. But I cannot imagine getting a second one, even with a different transmission. Even if I had the funds to reasonably consider such a move, I wouldn't do it. There are too many other cars out there that I'd want to experience.

Hi Quench,
Thank you too for your sound advice !
There are many cars I too would like to experience ! My one fear is tying up funds into two of the same, and then missing out on something totally different, yet also exciting ! So, one needs to consider and plan thoughtfully !
Thanks for the reminder !

[northernmedia]

You should join in with mine a Ian's little disagreement we're having with a few manual aficionados on Facebook.

I'm loving it.

[Champs]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

I'd worry that you'd like one trans so much more than the other you would end up always driving the same car. If they were at least different models, then I'd be less concerned since the total experience would be different.

I've got all three types; manual, SS and TT in three very different cars and I enjoy all three driving experiences. But if they were all the same car model, I'd end up always driving the SS as the best compromise of involvement and ease of use.

Thank you too DB9VolanteDriver !
I do think that the SS totally changes the character of the car.
Ideally, I would love a Roadster !
Below is a pic of the Beaut I am interested in. What do you all think of the colour combo ?

[hornbaek]

Its great that there are so many fans of the both the manual and the SS gearbox. However, whilst the 7 speed gearbox combined with the V12 engine makes the V12 Vantage unique (as there are no other cars out there offering a manual box with a 12 cylinder engine ) I would think that the SS gearbox is not up there with the best. So being in the lucky position as the poster, in my humble opinion, I would spend the money on something different than the SS V12 Vantage, as I think you would become bored having two of the same cars. ( As an example, I have two Porsche GT3 RS‘s - one being the 4.0 manual and the other being a 991 GT3 RS with PDK. For pure driving enjoyment I would always take the 4.0.

[Champs]

hornbaek said:

Its great that there are so many fans of the both the manual and the SS gearbox. However, whilst the 7 speed gearbox combined with the V12 engine makes the V12 Vantage unique (as there are no other cars out there offering a manual box with a 12 cylinder engine ) I would think that the SS gearbox is not up there with the best. So being in the lucky position as the poster, in my humble opinion, I would spend the money on something different than the SS V12 Vantage, as I think you would become bored having two of the same cars. ( As an example, I have two Porsche GT3 RS‘s - one being the 4.0 manual and the other being a 991 GT3 RS with PDK. For pure driving enjoyment I would always take the 4.0.

Hi Hornbaek,

Thanks for the heads up !
Now if there was a 997.2 GT3 4.0 for sale, I wouldn't even be looking at a second V12S ! ( With no disrespect to the Vantage )
I am fortunate to have a R and a Dogleg Vantage, and the Aston just gets me more excited. It is a more involving and special experience for me. I like that every single prompt from the driver requires calculated thought. And for every action of the right foot, or even toe, there is immediate reaction from the rear axle
I would love to see a pic of your two Beauts !
Have a great day !

[anonymous-user]

Champs said:

How do you all enjoy the Speed shift gearbox. I am a little skeptical from reading and hearing reviews. But how is it in real life ?
If you could choose over, would you choose Sport shift again ?
I really appreciate your first hand experience.

Thanks, B

How is it in real life? Leave it in D and it feels unlike an automatic. More like a manual with an invisible co-driver operating the clutch and gearshifts, and not telling you when he will be doing so.

Use the paddles and it is very much like driving a manual but without a clutch and with paddles instead of a stick (except for the downshifts, which if you are lazy you can let the car so, and without the risk of forgetting to drop the clutch when you come to a halt) - at least in my view having last driven a manual many years ago.

I'm a fan. It is sufficiently taxing to be engaging and rewarding, but not so much so that it becomes a chore to drive in traffic. But that's me: I can well imagine that others might find that it is neither as engaging as a manual nor as convenient as an auto. I think you really have to try it out yourself. The trouble is that in a short drive you can sense its potential but really it takes a bit of time to get under the skin of it, so to speak.

[ripley500]

I can't comment on the SS cars as I've never had one but if I was spending that sort of money on another car I think it's better to buy something different as I think you'd get more use of two totally different cars/experiences - for sure go for a convertible option & coupe

[IanV12VSRs]

northernmedia said:

You should join in with mine a Ian's little disagreement we're having with a few manual aficionados on Facebook.

I'm loving it.

It was fun whilst it lasted but seems to have gone quiet now

[IanV12VSRs]

Champs said:

Hi Ian,
Big thanks for your first hand response ! Both your babies are absolutely stunning ! I wouldn't mind a roadster, however, trying to find any V12S here is like trying to fish in the desert, never mind a Roadster !
I have never come across a V12S Roadster for sale here ( South Africa ). There are only about 3 all belonging to guys like you and me
I did drive a Sport Shift V12S at Millbrook and really enjoyed it.
It seemed to me like the power was more accessible or should I say usable / exploitable than with the manual. Whether this is because one always has two hands on the wheel, I am not sure ? Needles to say, even though I am a die hard manual, I really enjoyed my experience at Millbrook with the paddles !

Like you, I do not require much convincing to grab another Vantage !
I have a habit of doubling up
Next to my Vantage are two Caymans, two MGA's, a R and soon to be Touring

I really like your advice that I would never regret it !
I have not met you, but already like you alot
Thanks for taking the time to respond !
greetings, B

[Big Ry]

If you really wanted the same, then why not go for a GT8 instead ? At least that way you're buying something very different to what you already have, but the same in may other respects.

SA are RHD, so buy in the UK and ship it if needs be......or fly to the UK and drive it home......now there's an idea

[Champs]

Wouldn't mind it was so easy Big Ry !

I have wanted, in the past, to grab wheels in U.K. and bring back home, but the duties and Vat payable are exorbitant !
The car ends up doubling in price ! .......... you read that right, x 2 !
And then of course, we all know how these governments so nicely use their duties and tax monies to line their own pockets

I think we have 2 x GT8's here, and 1 x GT12.
Ideally, I would love a Roadster manual.

I like the idea of driving back home !
My initial plan was to buy this car, ship it over to Aston Martin Works, fit a manual 7 speed, together with performance pack.
Then come over, tour U.K. and do the NC 500 in Scotland, and possible do a European tour too, before shipping back home.
I contacted Works last week, and they said NO Way to doing a manual conversion.
I then contacted Bramford Rose, and they gave me a price.
For me to do this plan, I would need to get a really good deal on the car !
I just am utterly in love with the 5.9 L V12, and shapely body with jaw dropping looks !
I don't see anything else with the performance and special factor for similar money ?

[hornbaek]

I can recommend the Coastal 500. Did it this summer:




and here we go on the the manual / pdk selection:

Edited by hornbaek on Monday 24th September 22:51

[Big Ry]

@ hornbaek

I'm starting to go off of you