Corsa Carnage

[Retman]

Well it wasn't but it could have been. Had a fantastic weekend and thought I would cap it with a quick run around the block in my newly acquired V12V. Now I know the conditions weren't ideal - about 2-3C and (barely) damp, and I had read about the Summer 'bias' of the Corsas but WOW. Straight, well surfaced road, doing about 40-50, accelerated hard(ish) without flooring it by any means, big surge of power and noise at 3500rpm which I was expecting, next thing I'm heading sideways with a hedge as my view through the windscreen Seriously thought I was going to do the full 360, gave it a armful of opposite lock ( a bit too much!) and next thing I'm still looking at a hedge but the one on the opposite side corrected again and back on the straight and narrow. Seriously like I was on ice. First thought, apart from that it was 'quite' exciting was relief was that no one had seen me- they would barely have believed their eyes anyway.

So, questions are:

Is this normal??
Are they like this in the wet even if it is warm?
Has anyone swapped/ thinking of swapping to the newly approved P Zero's and if so what are your thoughts?
Do you know any good dry cleaners?

Feel like I've just had a free lesson. This car is a beast- I love it!

[Retman]

Jockman said:

Should've gone for the DBS, matey.

The V12V has way too much power for its 'ickle torso

No way Jose and don't forget me sat in the drivers seat reduces the power:weight ratio anyway. Though why Cockernee et al need more power I'll never know.

[Retman]

Tony V12V said:

Sounds like normal corsa behaviour Andrew. I find that they need plenty of respect and very smooth power delivery when its cold/damp/greasy. Dont think anyone has yet used the other option but its something I may consider when mine need replacing.

Cheers Tony, looks like it's ballet shoes not steel toe caps next time!

[Retman]

Simon T said:

Curious as to how you got it that sideways, did you have the TC off, when mine starts to sep out of line the TC hauls it back into place.

The Corsas need treating with a bit of TLC, even on cold days they work well but need warming up. The other think to remmber is that with over 500bhp most tyres will not constrain over agresive use of the right pedal. I think we have all gotten used to tyre technology that has kept pace with power increases in 'normal' cars, this tends to reduce the sensitivity of our right foot. Just got to recalibrate the footbrain interface. peter wheeler had it right when asked about traction control, its your right foot.
S

TC on but I think you're correct about recalibration Simon - just jumped out of BMW 530GT auto with Sottozeros to the V12V. My E92 M3 was 'lively' and they were happy days.

[Retman]

F1 NDW said:

Andrew you wimp, I was hoping to have a good look at your beast but you must have comer in that big black van. I dont know what's happening to you Gaydon guy's, even Nick showed up in a black van the other weekend. Man up and get the Astons on the road!

Sorry we missed you Neil, and I just want you to know that we didn't believe Phil when he said you were having the garage widened so you can house both vehicles- Zimmer and Vanquish.

PS to all Don't tell Mhairi about this or she may never ride in the car again. Now there's a thought