What next for the Vantage?

[Grant3]

I know we have looked at this before, but it is now 10 years since the AMV8 concept was unveiled and 8 since V8 Vantage production started. As we all know A.M. are very good at evolving the design so it has certainly moved on a very long way in that time, and only last year it had another very sensible and well thought out "nip and tuck"! Although the exterior design hasn't changed very much, let's be honest it still looks fabulous, but the raft of new product that is coming out chips away at Aston's market bit by bit. As the stunning exterior design hasn't evolved much used cars look very similar to new and that in combination with recessional depreciation is further affecting new sales.

Since last years useful V8 Vantage "tweaks" the new Porsche 991 is now well established (+new Cayman/Boxster), the R8 has had a refresh, Maserati are unveiling a boat load of new models and the all-new F-Type is hitting the streets (etc).

I saw my first F-type in the flesh recently and must confess to finding it far better looking than the images suggested, it looked very... dare I say.. Aston like. The V8S performance is also being claimed at sub-9 secs 0-100mph which is V12 Vantage territory! In addition you have a standard set of adaptive dynamic settings that you can play with and even with all the toys added it's coming in below base V8V money. Now I'm not suggesting I'd rather have this than an Aston,it certainly doesn't ooze the same high class feel, but it is another "British" car moving into the same market sector. Ok it will depreciate like a stone (based on other Jags) once the honeymoon period is over but there will be plenty of people now looking at Vantage vs F-Type.


So what do you all think A.M. need to do next with the design.

I have attempted a Poll thingy above to vote on a few key points, interesting to hear all thoughts, additions and ideas below...

Edited by Grant3 on Wednesday 12th June 21:47

[Grant3]

steveatesh said:

This is a real important point for them isn't it? I'm not sure the 991 variant Porsche is a few tweaks though, from my understanding it is a complete new car with significant improvements but retaining much of the same ecology as the 997, as is Porsches way. I am saying that based on having just researched and bought a New model Boxster which was certainly not tweaks, it was a massive improvement over the outgoing

Steve, just clarifying the words........since last years useful "tweaks" ..... refers to the V8 Vantage's useful tweaks, On re-reading the paragraph that isn't clear, so I understand your interpretation and will edit the orginal. Although the 991 (+ 981) is still an evolution in the fine tradition of 911 it is a big new step forward hence the reference.

[Grant3]

whoami said:

CUV.....
I was talking to someone in AM today.

That was spot on with their assessment of what may come next.

Cheeky Mr Hamilton but no doubt near the mark alla Porsche Cayenne

[Grant3]

They certainly won't drop the Vantage at the moment, they need the volume for the factory, and don't forget the VH shared component concept and economies of scale. Taking Porsche as an example, there is no doubt that the Boxster saved the 911, although it is Porsches least profitable ( and best value!) model, shared components with the 911 (996 series for the first Boxster) ensured chunky margins on the 911 particularly the high end models.

bogie said:

I will take: 5.0 V8 with 500bhp + ...they can make the V12 600bhp + to compensate
electronic suspension so you can have it hard or softer
keyless go is nice...just a fancy fob for your pocket (or a watch) will do
not bothered about 20" wheels and lower profile to ruin the ride further ...nor a more bling hi-fi or interior

Howdy Mark, hope you are good? So in order to get an extra 80 horses would you accept forced induction?

[Grant3]

mikey k said:

bogie said:

I will take:
5.0 V8 with 500bhp + ...they can make the V12 600bhp + to compensate
electronic suspension so you can have it hard or softer
not bothered about 20" wheels and lower profile to ruin the ride further ...nor a more bling hi-fi or interior

[Grant3]

jonby said:

I'm not sure I understand the comments about DB9 interior - it's barely any different to Vantage interior is it ? All the cars will adopt a similar type of layout to vanquish - one assumes it's only when not if. DBS had a unique interior for 12 months or so then all the other cars adopted it - this will surely be the same with the vanquish interior ?

You are right Johnby, I only included the two interior choices to really get a feel ( as with the styling) whether people are happy with another small evolutionary step next or now require a larger more defining change, e.g. New CC100 styling and Vanquish interior from the off or just a refresh incorporating the shared Bi-Xenons and some new interior tweaks. The poll thingy doesn't seem to give you enough slots to include a full wish list to fully canvas opinions on all aspects of the likely evolution.

[Grant3]

whoami said:

Hi Grant

I get the feeling you are being tempted by a new mistress Mr H ..... Although the DBS is a hard one to replace, what's in the firing line??

[Grant3]

whoami said:

The DBS is, indeed, a hard act to follow.
To cut a long story short, I considered a DBS Volante, a 599, an F-type, a 911, and a SLS AMG.
And today I bought a new...
V12 Vantage.
I've no imagination.

The fact that you looked at the F type takes us back to the start of this thread, A.M. Need to move the Vantage forward soon otherwise they are going to loose a slice of their (new car) market, the F type is doing the classic ... much more bang and bling for your buck thing with a higher spec and more performance for your ££..... But it was never going to win against your DBS.

Congratulations on joining the "real men's club" no girly adaptive damping or flappy paddles, just taut feel some handling, direct steering and a large phallic stick that in combination with your right foot can unleash the beast ...the V12V is like a top class minder in a savile row suit.. Sexist tongue in cheek waffle aside do tell all, colour - seats - spec etc

[Grant3]

Neil1300R said:

Loving those wheels!

+1 ..... the extra inner silver area makes them look larger and no worry about brake dust ...She looks lovely

[Grant3]

SHIFTY said:

Not wanting to hijack this thread but...
Whoami said "I really did consider a change as this will be the 5th AM in a row for me."
I have not had 5 AM in a row (yet) but on my second and have the man maths itch to change it's been 3 years with the N420 roadster and loved it to bits. I cannot really see me changing to another AM that is near identical (V8S)to what I am replacing.
I prefer manuals but after a test drive in a F type the road holding, ease of changing gear and instant acceleration outperforms the Aston (IMO). The Aston needs active suspension I could take to BR for a full upgrade but why, Aston should have been keeping up with others, the V12S has active suspension I hope that in the centenary year this filters down to the V8 Vantage.
The F type is overpriced especially when you have to add the mandatory options (seats leather etc), no discounts available as Jaguar can sell all they are making (90 cars a day). Compared to the AM the Jags interior is too fussy, the paintwork full of "orange peel", the roof when opening or closing detailing all of the cables that look like Jaguar have been to Halfods to buy some bicycle cables, the boot unusable.
I am trying to find things so as not to like the F type, time is running out I now have a test drive in a Porsche 911 S (help).

Keep the faith.... your case reflects the point I was making in my original post, a potential new Aston sale that may go elsewhere and the 911 is a superb car, it just lacks some of the feel good factor, character and style of the Aston. Although sometimes it's good to have a complete change and then come back to the fold refreshed.

In the A.M. range have you considered nearly new rather than new, a V12 Vantage would give you a new experience, or maybe try a GT for a change, something like a Virage, which looks like the new DB9 but there a few very well priced 2012 cars. Also the DBS would make a fabulous next step.... but nearly new cars have a bit of price adjusting to do yet. Have you test driven the above?

[Grant3]

SHIFTY said:

Grant
One of the prerequisites is that a replacement has to be a convertible (not poser value more keep the other half sweet).
Any Aston would need the lightweight seats as that was one of the reasons for changing from the first AM to the second so never a lot of the SH market. Not tried the Porsche yet somehow hoping that I do not like but I will have to wait and see.

Ah, I see your quandary... I wouldn't jump just yet, may be worth waiting a while but the Porker is very good... or you could get an early V12 Vantage Coupe and nice used 987 Boxster S and have the best of both worlds

[Grant3]

George29 said:

Best of both worlds as in a man's car and a girl's car?

Funnily enough my good ladies car is a Boxster S and it is one great driver's car, best value car in the Porker range IMO, but sexist stuff aside it does have an image handicap when compared to a 911.. which it doesn't deserve.

Back on topic about the Vantage design 8 years on since production started, I took the V12 Vantage out today for a Sunday morning drive, rear parcel shelf out...., tyre pressures checked (2psi out!!) oil checked, re-fuelled and ready to go.........

One word AWESOME, she was more alert and pointy with the tyre pressures spot on, as you start to accelerate hard on a clear well sighted road the low rev grumble turns into a mid-range guttural howl and as 4200rpm shows on the dial she pauses, as if preparing you, and then warp factor 2 is engaged as the car simply lunges forward clawing at the Tarmac, and the V12 starts to scream its full fat howling crescendo as the rev counter flies for the 7k spoiler.... Then again! On the twisty stuff she is planted, cornering flat and true, the steering meaty and direct, the lightweight seats clamping you in place, for best control. Back on a busy Road she sweeps along in a lower gear, on a wave of torque and the damping is still good enough to be comfortable despite the hardcore cornering ability. This is one special car
Then back on the drive, ticking herself cold, the styling is still beautiful, compact yet also aggressive and powerful, inside she still smells of leather and new car 2 years on, the interior feel good factor is still there, as is the driving experience 2 years on

In essence so much is right about the current range all it needs is a fast forward on the power and tech front to keep pace with the ever improving competition. Add an exterior refresh, Bi-Xenons, ADS, the latest manual and automated transmission, updated in car tech ( get rid of the silly infotainment screen and single OEL display!) and maybe shed a few pounds and we could be good for the next 8 years