2023/24 Vantage updates
Discussion
'Aston Martin's front-engined sports cars – the Aston Martin Vantage, Aston Martin DB11 and Aston Martin DBS – will be so heavily updated in 2023 that company chairman Lawrence Stroll said they will be more like "all-new cars".
Chief among the upgrades for each will be revamps for the suspension system, engines and gearboxes, and crucially, completely overhauled interiors.
"Finally, Aston Martin gets touchscreens," said Stroll, confirming that the cars will do away with the ageing Mercedes-Benz-derived trackpad system they have used since launch. Under the terms of an earlier agreement with Mercedes, Aston Martin could only deploy technology in its own cars that had been used in Mercedes models for three years.
"How can you have an Aston Martin that sells for £150,000 with three-year-old technology? It is a silly thing the previous management agreed to," said Stroll.'
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How about us guessing how far AML might go with this ?
Could they even ship in the latest M-B dashboards ?
That would dramatically change the interior appearance.
I don't see them getting the hyper screen, Merc cannot even produce enough of them with the chip shortage and some reviews of it have not been exactly "kind".
The new MBUX seems mixed in reviews, personally, the more buttons AM keep, the better. I don't get the drive to nail a touchscreen for every feature to the dash a positive move forward in ANY respect, something VW seem to have suddenly learnt to their cost (and touch sensitive buttons on steering wheels don't work either).
Also the same has been said on numerous reports that touchscreens are more dangerous.
The new MBUX seems mixed in reviews, personally, the more buttons AM keep, the better. I don't get the drive to nail a touchscreen for every feature to the dash a positive move forward in ANY respect, something VW seem to have suddenly learnt to their cost (and touch sensitive buttons on steering wheels don't work either).
Also the same has been said on numerous reports that touchscreens are more dangerous.
DB9VolanteDriver said:
All AM need do for interior inspiration is to look at their own 1-77. A truly bespoke interior with just the right number of buttons.
That’s probably the last time MR really hit the sweet spot.Introducing newer MB infotainment technology across the range, whilst a step in the right direction, will not be enough to stir up a sales frenzy. I don’t think there is much wrong with any of the current engines, suspension set ups, or gearboxes, apart from perhaps their origins and future longevity. Why not leave those areas alone for now and try to tweak the exterior styling a bit? It is rather expensive to do that and I guess that’s why there have been no mules spotted. Does LS really think this will solve the problems? Somehow I doubt it will, so I’m not expecting anything groundbreaking, and I’m somewhat sceptical of the timeframe too. Hopefully I’ll be wrong on all counts. We shall see.
Best Regards
Minglar
Nice thoughts but in my estimation not going to happen. The MSRP on my 2020 Vantage coupe was 186k.the improvements that you would like to may would price it out of the entry level sports cars it was intended to be. How can you amortize tech,inside and outside changes in
a low production car?
a low production car?
I like that Bugatti one. Simple. No point competing with all the Fisher Price dashes that the mass markets are awash with. If I want a massive screen, I'll buy a TV.
Don't even care about touch screens.
I recall several years ago that Andy P suggested the new infotainment would simply be your docked phone. Perfect. But doubt it'll happen.
Don't even care about touch screens.
I recall several years ago that Andy P suggested the new infotainment would simply be your docked phone. Perfect. But doubt it'll happen.
Beckson said:
would think it would just be the dbx interior.
There haven't been any test mules caught out and about right>? so that's probably not a good sign for a refresh happening soon
There was a db11 mule seen earlier in the year. There haven't been any test mules caught out and about right>? so that's probably not a good sign for a refresh happening soon
Regarding engines, people need to get over it, put simply. I would prefer AM to do the bits they do best. If anything having the AMG engine is a positive form e as opposed to a negative.
I have never liked the industry move to touchscreens either.
Hold your phone and we prosecute you.
Do that a few times and go to jail.
Certainly, stare at your dashboard touchscreen, browse through a few menus, but if it is not too much trouble, please try to look back at the road ahead at least occasionally !
It is dangerous madness, but the law makers continue to ignore this issue.
Lawrence Stroll has announced touch screens are coming. I suppose if they get them from anywhere, surely the technical agreement makes it most likely to be Mercedes-Benz.
Mind you, LS did say, "We don't need any cash", shortly before dipping into shareholders wallets yet again.
It will be interesting to see what happens. This forum does give AML a free opportunity, to gauge their customers opinion, if they can be bothered to look.
To AML - Our interior vote so far, appears to be One-77 and Bugatti Chiron.
Hard to fault the interior of my MY18 Vantage. AMi III is great. The only thing I’d like is wireless CarPlay, other than that near perfect for me. Voice controls for CarPlay, a very nice turny knob instead of touch screen for a screen you can’t reach anyway and lots of well placed buttons and knobs.
The DBX I had as a loaner confused the crap out me. And I develop apps for a living. Also, it didn’t feel as “special” inside with what felt like a lot of plastic and controls vomited everywhere.
The new touch screen interfaces in most new cars are insane. So incredibly dangerous. I don’t understand how they can be legal when using a phone or tablet in a car here is a $500 fine. Maybe as they brake for you and do all manner of things to turn you into a less engaged driver.
The DBX I had as a loaner confused the crap out me. And I develop apps for a living. Also, it didn’t feel as “special” inside with what felt like a lot of plastic and controls vomited everywhere.
The new touch screen interfaces in most new cars are insane. So incredibly dangerous. I don’t understand how they can be legal when using a phone or tablet in a car here is a $500 fine. Maybe as they brake for you and do all manner of things to turn you into a less engaged driver.
while perhaps a bit unfair regarding quality of materials, which was an improvement, Clarkson and Harry Metcalfe were both bang on the money on the interior styling of the ‘new’ cars.
Harry - “Aston Martin interiors used to be things of wonder”
Clarkson - “the central section looks like a lady part”
While the styling and V8 engine choice is a matter of debate, there’s little doubt that previous interior design chief chinless Miles missed an opportunity with the interiors, with the nasty plastic screen for me being the most hateful bit of my DB11
Makes me wonder what Sarah might have done had she still been involved…
For me, the spiritual successor to the original majestic DB9/Vantage interior was this
Bentley really nailed that interior. Absolutely fantastic.
Harry - “Aston Martin interiors used to be things of wonder”
Clarkson - “the central section looks like a lady part”
While the styling and V8 engine choice is a matter of debate, there’s little doubt that previous interior design chief chinless Miles missed an opportunity with the interiors, with the nasty plastic screen for me being the most hateful bit of my DB11
Makes me wonder what Sarah might have done had she still been involved…
For me, the spiritual successor to the original majestic DB9/Vantage interior was this
Bentley really nailed that interior. Absolutely fantastic.
I agree that when it comes to a truly special interior and the feeling it can generate then bentley have to be the goal.
Yes some of their footballer spec cars can be truly ......ermmm.......horrific, the quality still shones through and when you see a nice serene spec its fabulous.
I love my gen 2 vanquish but still can't believe they couldn't fit a glove box, only when you don't have one do you realise how useful they are!
Yes some of their footballer spec cars can be truly ......ermmm.......horrific, the quality still shones through and when you see a nice serene spec its fabulous.
I love my gen 2 vanquish but still can't believe they couldn't fit a glove box, only when you don't have one do you realise how useful they are!
[quote=Davil
The new touch screen interfaces in most new cars are insane. So incredibly dangerous. I don’t understand how they can be legal when using a phone or tablet in a car here is a $500 fine. Maybe as they brake for you and do all manner of things to turn you into a less engaged driver.
[/quote]
I agree....supposed to be illegal to hold a phone/tablet whilst driving, but ok to use it because its fixed ? so lets put an even bigger screen with more functions in there for you to play with. I note BMW have even announced they are supporting games console function in the dash you can play when stationary.
What happened to focusing on driving the car ? ...Its almost as if we are wanting the car to drive itself so we can amuse ourselves with games, movies etc, which is fine of course, but the technology for the car to drive itself is a way off yet. In the meanwhile lets fit the car with more distractions anyway..
The new touch screen interfaces in most new cars are insane. So incredibly dangerous. I don’t understand how they can be legal when using a phone or tablet in a car here is a $500 fine. Maybe as they brake for you and do all manner of things to turn you into a less engaged driver.
[/quote]
I agree....supposed to be illegal to hold a phone/tablet whilst driving, but ok to use it because its fixed ? so lets put an even bigger screen with more functions in there for you to play with. I note BMW have even announced they are supporting games console function in the dash you can play when stationary.
What happened to focusing on driving the car ? ...Its almost as if we are wanting the car to drive itself so we can amuse ourselves with games, movies etc, which is fine of course, but the technology for the car to drive itself is a way off yet. In the meanwhile lets fit the car with more distractions anyway..
Surprised me when I bought my Vanquish that there was no glove box or as the other half stated no where to stow her hat.
Just looking at the AMG SL 55 review on PH regarding the touchscreen dashboard if this is the way AM will be going they have lost a customer.
In any car that is a Roadster/Volante voice controls are meaningless sold the Vanquish Volante this year and using a Z4 at the moment voice controls acceptable with roof up, roof down useless.
The Z4 has many buttons and long may they survive on any car that is why I am waiting for the updated Vantage if it's a touchscreen then I probably will be purchasing a used Vantage (luckily a low mileage 2017 V12SR).
Just looking at the AMG SL 55 review on PH regarding the touchscreen dashboard if this is the way AM will be going they have lost a customer.
In any car that is a Roadster/Volante voice controls are meaningless sold the Vanquish Volante this year and using a Z4 at the moment voice controls acceptable with roof up, roof down useless.
The Z4 has many buttons and long may they survive on any car that is why I am waiting for the updated Vantage if it's a touchscreen then I probably will be purchasing a used Vantage (luckily a low mileage 2017 V12SR).
LS has spoken about his dislike of having to use a previous generation Mercedes infotainment system in Aston Martins.
If he has been able to negotiate the latest MB electronics for the updated models, then let's see what the latest looks like.
In 2020 a new S class was introduced.
The interior is as below, with a large centre portrait screen. Perhaps rather dominant and so not to everyones taste.
An almost identical interior, was introduced for the 2021 C class and also the 2022 SL sports model.
MB seem to have now had a redesign, for the imminent 2024 model E class.
The new model has not yet been unveiled, but this week Mercedes has revealed the interior.
The large portrait screen has gone, replaced by a less obtrusive landscape screen, incorporated into the dashboard.
Even the air outlets have been concealed, resulting in a very neat overall dashboard appearance.
Would this type of layout look good in an Aston Martin?
As we have seen already, when AML use Mercedes electronics, inevitably the result is partly an MB look to the interior.
I think we have lost the buttons rather than touchscreen debate. The consolation is that we can speak, in place of fumbling with the touchscreen.
I understand there will be an option to have a third screen in front of the passenger, if they would perhaps prefer to watch a film rather than having genial conversation. -
Edited by Jon39 on Friday 24th February 22:21
Gosh Jon, you do like to poke the bear and open up big cans of worms don’t you!
IF, and I genuinely mean if the recent article I posted has any truth about the MB AM relationship becoming rather strained, and if the glacial rate of model revision at AM continues, I think redesigning any interior with MB components would be extremely risky for AM.
Now you have raised the subject of buttons v Screens…. I am no eco-warrier, but I do find it fascinating how those who are have a very loud voice about what seem (to me at least) to be the lesser contributors to the destruction of the planet, yet no-one shouts about the rare elements being dug out of the ground to make all these blasted screens, when surely buttons and knobs would be far more environmentally friendly? And to my eyes at least result in far better aesthetics in cabin design?
The Bugatti picture above ^^^ is pure elegance, and where do AM get their steering wheels and airbags from? Why does it look like a beer swilling pub landlords belly? All the others pictured above (even the MB one) has a smaller airbag area which helps with the overall look.
IF, and I genuinely mean if the recent article I posted has any truth about the MB AM relationship becoming rather strained, and if the glacial rate of model revision at AM continues, I think redesigning any interior with MB components would be extremely risky for AM.
Now you have raised the subject of buttons v Screens…. I am no eco-warrier, but I do find it fascinating how those who are have a very loud voice about what seem (to me at least) to be the lesser contributors to the destruction of the planet, yet no-one shouts about the rare elements being dug out of the ground to make all these blasted screens, when surely buttons and knobs would be far more environmentally friendly? And to my eyes at least result in far better aesthetics in cabin design?
The Bugatti picture above ^^^ is pure elegance, and where do AM get their steering wheels and airbags from? Why does it look like a beer swilling pub landlords belly? All the others pictured above (even the MB one) has a smaller airbag area which helps with the overall look.
Edited by oilit on Saturday 25th February 06:43
Edited by oilit on Saturday 25th February 06:46
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