Vantage V12SM - Views Please
Discussion
All,
Having lost my shirt on a series of fun cars over the last few years I want to settle into something for a longer time (average tenure <1 year on my 488, 911, etc). Whilst all the others were great in their own way they didn't stick with me.
So I plan to buy a V12S Vantage with the 7-speed manual.
Hopefully to keep long term, seems like a car you will keep on learning. I have test driven one and of course love it.
Views? What will drive me crazy vs a 488 or 911?
Genuine thoughts appreciated.
Thanks!
Having lost my shirt on a series of fun cars over the last few years I want to settle into something for a longer time (average tenure <1 year on my 488, 911, etc). Whilst all the others were great in their own way they didn't stick with me.
So I plan to buy a V12S Vantage with the 7-speed manual.
Hopefully to keep long term, seems like a car you will keep on learning. I have test driven one and of course love it.
Views? What will drive me crazy vs a 488 or 911?
Genuine thoughts appreciated.
Thanks!
Edited by madcal on Friday 29th March 21:00
Take one for a long test drive and see if you can regularly shift 1st to 2nd or 1st to 4th.
Also, try with sports seat and with lightweight (carbon fibre shell) seats. Very different feel.
Also, compare with 6 speed model.
The V12 in any guise is not an engine you need to thrash, so adding a 7th gear is pretty pointless. Really, it was just done to make homologation easier, as the automation was removed from the sportshift box to make it manual.
It's a heavy car that you have to get used to. If you come from a 911 background or a mid-engine Ferrari background then it'll take time to tune-in.
A 45 minute test drive won't be enough...
Also, try with sports seat and with lightweight (carbon fibre shell) seats. Very different feel.
Also, compare with 6 speed model.
The V12 in any guise is not an engine you need to thrash, so adding a 7th gear is pretty pointless. Really, it was just done to make homologation easier, as the automation was removed from the sportshift box to make it manual.
It's a heavy car that you have to get used to. If you come from a 911 background or a mid-engine Ferrari background then it'll take time to tune-in.
A 45 minute test drive won't be enough...
I had one of the first V12V back in 2009 and especially the suspension improved in later cars - other than that I don’t think that there is a huge difference between the 6 and the 7 speed versions. The engine is very torque, unlike a Porsche which requires more revs, so you can limit your gearchanges quite a bit in the Vantage as it will pull from almost standstill in 3rd to 70 mph. If you fit into the carbon backed seats its clearly the better option and is one of the characteristics of the car. I loved mine and regret selling it. I have contemplated getting one of the later ones, but it is a bit like going back to your old girlfriend - so until now i have hesitated.
Having had both a V12 Coupe and now a V12SMR, I can say without question that the S is a better all round package.
It’s just a number of tweaks that make it a nicer drive, adaptive suspension, lighter steering, improved waterfall too imho.
The 7 speed box took me about a day to get used to and now I don’t even think about it.
That’s not to say the 6 speed was bad, it wasn’t and I absolutely loved mine. I wouldn’t have sold it had the perfect Roadster not come available. However, having made the switch I’m glad I did.
So in summary, if you want a V12 and you have the means for a 7 speed, then I would say go for it. However, if you’d rather spend less cash and get 95% the same experience, then the 6 speed is a very very good pick too. I don’t think you would be disappointed with either option, and an early 6 speed you’re unlikely to loose out in at all.
It’s just a number of tweaks that make it a nicer drive, adaptive suspension, lighter steering, improved waterfall too imho.
The 7 speed box took me about a day to get used to and now I don’t even think about it.
That’s not to say the 6 speed was bad, it wasn’t and I absolutely loved mine. I wouldn’t have sold it had the perfect Roadster not come available. However, having made the switch I’m glad I did.
So in summary, if you want a V12 and you have the means for a 7 speed, then I would say go for it. However, if you’d rather spend less cash and get 95% the same experience, then the 6 speed is a very very good pick too. I don’t think you would be disappointed with either option, and an early 6 speed you’re unlikely to loose out in at all.
I'm on my 3rd V12 Vantage - well a 7spd manual V12VS now.... Kermit 
I briefly flirted again with Porsche having had two 911's before - bought a Cayman GT4 and as good as it was it didn't put the same number of smiles per mile on my face that the V12Vantage's did, so I came back to the brand in a matter of months and won't look back in a hurry again.
To me the V12VSM dogleg is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive day to day made in recent years. There are faster cars for sure, but few that are so fun at legal speeds, unlike the GT4 where I had to be pushing or exceeding the speed limit to get a smile. I have mine decatted (a relatively cheap dealer modification) and the noise is off the scale. If you can stretch to the full powerkit and titanium exhaust then go for it for sure, but if not a decat offers the majority of the noise at 5% of the cost.
I love the dogleg gearbox too. Takes a few hours to get used to it, but its superb once you do.
Oh and as said above get one with the lightweight CF bucket seats. They really transform the feel and enhance the experience.
Buy one and don't look back!
I briefly flirted again with Porsche having had two 911's before - bought a Cayman GT4 and as good as it was it didn't put the same number of smiles per mile on my face that the V12Vantage's did, so I came back to the brand in a matter of months and won't look back in a hurry again.
To me the V12VSM dogleg is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive day to day made in recent years. There are faster cars for sure, but few that are so fun at legal speeds, unlike the GT4 where I had to be pushing or exceeding the speed limit to get a smile. I have mine decatted (a relatively cheap dealer modification) and the noise is off the scale. If you can stretch to the full powerkit and titanium exhaust then go for it for sure, but if not a decat offers the majority of the noise at 5% of the cost.
I love the dogleg gearbox too. Takes a few hours to get used to it, but its superb once you do.
Oh and as said above get one with the lightweight CF bucket seats. They really transform the feel and enhance the experience.
Buy one and don't look back!
Many thanks.
The one I am looking at has the 7-speed and the buckets.
I think if I buy it I will try living with the paltry 565bhp before spending the money on the extra 35 ;-)
However the titanium exhaust does sound monster.
Is anyone going with AM to Le Mans this year? I am and having sold the 488 I need something to go in, hence the V12 purchase.
I feel the same as you above; The 911 was awesome as was the 488 but in both on the road you had to be doing silly speeds to enjoy them; which I did on occasion up North in Scotland but in normal SE England driving I didn't really use them.
The V12 seems to have so much more character.
Hopefully it should be pretty low on depreciation too; this one has only 2k miles on it, is a year old and I would do maybe 5k a year.
The one I am looking at has the 7-speed and the buckets.
I think if I buy it I will try living with the paltry 565bhp before spending the money on the extra 35 ;-)
However the titanium exhaust does sound monster.
Is anyone going with AM to Le Mans this year? I am and having sold the 488 I need something to go in, hence the V12 purchase.
I feel the same as you above; The 911 was awesome as was the 488 but in both on the road you had to be doing silly speeds to enjoy them; which I did on occasion up North in Scotland but in normal SE England driving I didn't really use them.
The V12 seems to have so much more character.
Hopefully it should be pretty low on depreciation too; this one has only 2k miles on it, is a year old and I would do maybe 5k a year.
I love it when I am asked about the V12S Dogleg ! Simply because it is the most exciting car I own. My test drive in 2017 was 8 km only, and limited to the passenger seat ! This was enough for me to be bowled over !
Don't even think twice, go grab yourself a Vantage V12S dogleg and you will be smitten ! No need to worry about the gearbox, its magnificent with nice short throws and close ratios !
Last week I took my Cayman Gt4 in for the gearbox recall, and collected my Aston from it's service and de-cat fitment.
The two cars can'y even be mentioned in the same sentence !
The Porsche's are far mare capable on tracks, but as for a road car, the Aston wins hands down.
No other car I have driven has given me so much occasion, personality, fun,and involvement on a public road.
It's a raw little hooligan when you want it to be, yet 100 % perfect for a nice relaxed long trip !
I have a feeling this is the truly last such example from the automotive front !
And just to put you in the picture, I also drive a 911 R, Touring and 997.2 Gt3,
For pure road driving fun, involvement and excitement, nothing can touch my Vantage.
This is just my experience. It's the car that keeps me awake at night in anticipation of using it the next day
!
Don't even think twice, go grab yourself a Vantage V12S dogleg and you will be smitten ! No need to worry about the gearbox, its magnificent with nice short throws and close ratios !
Last week I took my Cayman Gt4 in for the gearbox recall, and collected my Aston from it's service and de-cat fitment.
The two cars can'y even be mentioned in the same sentence !
The Porsche's are far mare capable on tracks, but as for a road car, the Aston wins hands down.
No other car I have driven has given me so much occasion, personality, fun,and involvement on a public road.
It's a raw little hooligan when you want it to be, yet 100 % perfect for a nice relaxed long trip !
I have a feeling this is the truly last such example from the automotive front !
And just to put you in the picture, I also drive a 911 R, Touring and 997.2 Gt3,
For pure road driving fun, involvement and excitement, nothing can touch my Vantage.
This is just my experience. It's the car that keeps me awake at night in anticipation of using it the next day
! I have a 2018 V12VS dogleg manual with AMR power kit incl Ti exhaust, AMR bodykit, AMR wheels, carbon buckets and just about every other carbon option inside and out.
Having had a string of digital cars (McLaren, Porsche etc) its totally different, a proper analogue car that's full of character and fun to drive slowly as well as rapidly. A definite keeper.
Having had a string of digital cars (McLaren, Porsche etc) its totally different, a proper analogue car that's full of character and fun to drive slowly as well as rapidly. A definite keeper.
Edited by GT3ZZZ on Saturday 30th March 14:45
I really recommend trying a Sport Shift V12VS before committing. I only have experience of a V8 in manual and SS form, but the ergonomics is identical.
The manual gave me really bad shoulder pain due to its positioning of the ‘stick high-up and so far back.
I feared getting a SS, but it proved to be the best move ever. They are fantastic. Forget all the negatives said about that ‘box — although I never tried an earlier one (they evolved hugely since 2009 apparently). The speedier change really suits the overall package. It’s also amazingly involving!
I did test-drive a manual V12VS and simply felt the box wasn’t quick enough for the amazing way you rev through each gear.
All this is personal opinion, of course. Could be due to me being a slow, witless, weird shape or some such
But without any argument, find one with lightweight seats. No side airbag (simply don’t prang it!) but more comfy. Took me 6 months to find a relative sweet spot on standard seats. Only start to get back twinges after 4+ hours in the seat now.
Regardless which variant you get, drive the damn thing each week! You won’t want to flip it (in either sense!).
The manual gave me really bad shoulder pain due to its positioning of the ‘stick high-up and so far back.
I feared getting a SS, but it proved to be the best move ever. They are fantastic. Forget all the negatives said about that ‘box — although I never tried an earlier one (they evolved hugely since 2009 apparently). The speedier change really suits the overall package. It’s also amazingly involving!
I did test-drive a manual V12VS and simply felt the box wasn’t quick enough for the amazing way you rev through each gear.
All this is personal opinion, of course. Could be due to me being a slow, witless, weird shape or some such
But without any argument, find one with lightweight seats. No side airbag (simply don’t prang it!) but more comfy. Took me 6 months to find a relative sweet spot on standard seats. Only start to get back twinges after 4+ hours in the seat now.
Regardless which variant you get, drive the damn thing each week! You won’t want to flip it (in either sense!).
GT3ZZZ said:
I have a 2018 V12VS dogleg manual with AMR power kit incl Ti exhaust, AMR bodykit, AMR wheels, carbon buckets and just about every other carbon option inside and out.
Having had a string of digital cars (McLaren, Porsche etc) its totally different, a proper analogue car that's full of character and fun to drive slowly as well as rapidly. A definite keeper.
I do like the look of the AMR wheels and would for sure order a set. The £14k on the AMR power upgrade and TI Exhaust would also go on the list.Having had a string of digital cars (McLaren, Porsche etc) its totally different, a proper analogue car that's full of character and fun to drive slowly as well as rapidly. A definite keeper.
Edited by GT3ZZZ on Saturday 30th March 14:45
Will decide by Monday; the car is 2 hours away and I have no time to get to drive/see it for a couple of weeks so I would be buying blind (albeit from a trusted source).
I think my definition of flipping and others are not aligned; tragically my flipping normally comes with a financial loss on my side ;-o
Usually I get bored and start flipping through the Piston heads for sale pages after 6/9 months.
Am hoping that the V12 will cure me of this!
madcal said:
I do like the look of the AMR wheels and would for sure order a set. The £14k on the AMR power upgrade and TI Exhaust would also go on the list.
Will decide by Monday; the car is 2 hours away and I have no time to get to drive/see it for a couple of weeks so I would be buying blind (albeit from a trusted source).
I think my definition of flipping and others are not aligned; tragically my flipping normally comes with a financial loss on my side ;-o
Usually I get bored and start flipping through the Piston heads for sale pages after 6/9 months.
Am hoping that the V12 will cure me of this!
I'd encourage you to go for it! I'm aiming to take mine to the PH SS at Abarth in the morning if you want a look/listen Will decide by Monday; the car is 2 hours away and I have no time to get to drive/see it for a couple of weeks so I would be buying blind (albeit from a trusted source).
I think my definition of flipping and others are not aligned; tragically my flipping normally comes with a financial loss on my side ;-o
Usually I get bored and start flipping through the Piston heads for sale pages after 6/9 months.
Am hoping that the V12 will cure me of this!
What is (IMO) the best looking V12VSM has just popped up on the V8/V12 owners FB page. It's a deep deep maroon colour, kind of hard to describe. It's got B&O, lightweight seats, the power upgrade pack and a ton of Q stuff.
Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
Greg66 said:
What is (IMO) the best looking V12VSM has just popped up on the V8/V12 owners FB page. It's a deep deep maroon colour, kind of hard to describe. It's got B&O, lightweight seats, the power upgrade pack and a ton of Q stuff.
Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
For sale? Not a user of FB.....Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
Greg66 said:
What is (IMO) the best looking V12VSM has just popped up on the V8/V12 owners FB page. It's a deep deep maroon colour, kind of hard to describe. It's got B&O, lightweight seats, the power upgrade pack and a ton of Q stuff.
Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
Is that the satin purple one?Not cheap though. There are some pictures of it here, but I can't find them right now.
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