RE: Aston to link with AMG?

[gl20]

cidered77 said:

agree -but how do you do that while remaining an independant, but volume luxury car maker? takes billions to develop a platform the motoring press and public won't just shoot down in flames - buyers want aston to be all independant and remain british, but much more they want a quality motor that can hold its head up with ze germans.

either another car maker buys a stake and they get to share development costs, or long term aston fades away and dies, i reckon.

Yes, that's what I was thinking really. Someone to buy in that can help with more than just the engine (in fact, the engine can wait for now). When I first scanned the article I was hoping this was more about a Mercedes tie-in ie if they were looking to do another SLR / SLS would/should they consider platform sharing with AM? I guess they (Merc) don't really need a partner but AM needs to find someone to work with on this and quickly. The longer they leave it, the more that fickle buyers will move onto the next big thing, the less profit AM have for investing in their own product and so on..

[Zod]

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

[Ninjaboy]

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

[yeti]

Limpet said:

gl20 said:

How about a new platform or anything else that allows AM to come up with a car that looks like more than a refresh of everything that has come before in the past 10 years?

If all the Astons designed in the last decade were lined up, I would honestly struggle to differentiate them. As a result, there is a certain "meh" factor from my side when the latest "new" Aston appears.

Pretty certain you could could say the same for Porsche and Lamborghini as well...

[Zod]

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

You really think that the Phantom is a dull, rebodied 7 Series? The Ghost is indeed a rebodied 7 Series, but a very nice one. Have you ever been near one?

How you make your leap to Paganis becoming rebodied CL classes is beyond me. For a start, Mercedes doesn't own Pagani.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 18:11

[Zod]

Limpet said:

If all the Astons designed in the last decade were lined up, I would honestly struggle to differentiate them. As a result, there is a certain "meh" factor from my side when the latest "new" Aston appears.

This from the man who posted this:

limpet said:

Still in shock at how much better the MG Maestro looks now than when it was current. That one looks fabulous.

[Ninjaboy]

Zod said:

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

You really think that the Phantom is a dull, rebodied 7 Series? The Ghost is indeed a rebodied 7 Series, but a very nice one. Have you ever been near one?

How you make your leap to Paganis becoming rebodied CL classes is beyond me. For a start, Mercedes doesn't own Pagani.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 18:11

wow wow wind your neck in sunshine, yes it is a dull rebodied 7 series in my opinion to the cars that went before it. You opinion is diffrent but does'nt make it right.

And as for my pagani comment i mean't that pangani is a small company making unique products. Wouldn't it be a shame if they were bought out and the uniqueness lost in a frenzy of platform sharing. I never once said they were rebodied CL's

Pistonhead is as bad as fking youtube now

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:21

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:48

[Ninjaboy]

Zod said:

Limpet said:

If all the Astons designed in the last decade were lined up, I would honestly struggle to differentiate them. As a result, there is a certain "meh" factor from my side when the latest "new" Aston appears.

This from the man who posted this:

limpet said:

Still in shock at how much better the MG Maestro looks now than when it was current. That one looks fabulous.

Thats it everyone! Zod's opinion is right one everyone else agree or your stupid.

[Zod]

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

You really think that the Phantom is a dull, rebodied 7 Series? The Ghost is indeed a rebodied 7 Series, but a very nice one. Have you ever been near one?

How you make your leap to Paganis becoming rebodied CL classes is beyond me. For a start, Mercedes doesn't own Pagani.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 18:11

wow wow wind your neck in sunshine, yes it is a dull rebodied 7 series in my opinion to the cars that went before it. You opinion is diffrent but doens't make it right.

And as for my pagani compent i meant that pangani is a small company making unique products wouldn't it be a shame if they were bought out and the uniqueness lost in frenzy of platform sharing. I never once said they were rebodied CL's

Pistonhead is as bad as fking youtube now

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:21

[HighwayStar]

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

You really think that the Phantom is a dull, rebodied 7 Series? The Ghost is indeed a rebodied 7 Series, but a very nice one. Have you ever been near one?

How you make your leap to Paganis becoming rebodied CL classes is beyond me. For a start, Mercedes doesn't own Pagani.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 18:11

wow wow wind your neck in sunshine, yes it is a dull rebodied 7 series in my opinion to the cars that went before it. You opinion is diffrent but does'nt make it right.

And as for my pagani comment i mean't that pangani is a small company making unique products. Wouldn't it be a shame if they were bought out and the uniqueness lost in a frenzy of platform sharing. I never once said they were rebodied CL's

Pistonhead is as bad as fking youtube now

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:21

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:48

You are soooo wide of the mark... The Phantom is built on a unique platform, the Ghost is built on a heavily modified 7 series platform. They are the facts. You think they are dull, your opinion... and that's the bit you got right, that you are entitled to your own opinion. If you get the facts wrong we're entitled to correct you sir

[Ninjaboy]

HighwayStar said:

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

Ninjaboy said:

Zod said:

smilo996 said:

If this is true then yet another maker of characterful and beautiful cars will fall vicitm to German car makers. To then ensure the cars made lack character and become just that little bit less special.
What amazes me is that there are no investment (W)bankers in the UK jumping up and down saying...we'd like a piece of that. Although a fan of globalisation, the UK simply turns up its nose at anything that involves making goods now. Imagine what would happen in Germany.......
And the Germans will simply never stop. If it goes through then Aston will just become another brand with no soul.

Yes, because BMW made such a hash of Rolls-Royce.

Oh, they didn't.

Not exactly quoting in context are you, Rolls Royce of todays are very dull rebodied 7 series they are comercially successful but boring. Not what you what from a small company that prided itself on unique cars. Could you imagine pagani becoming a rebodied CL class? thats the same thing.

You really think that the Phantom is a dull, rebodied 7 Series? The Ghost is indeed a rebodied 7 Series, but a very nice one. Have you ever been near one?

How you make your leap to Paganis becoming rebodied CL classes is beyond me. For a start, Mercedes doesn't own Pagani.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 18:11

wow wow wind your neck in sunshine, yes it is a dull rebodied 7 series in my opinion to the cars that went before it. You opinion is diffrent but does'nt make it right.

And as for my pagani comment i mean't that pangani is a small company making unique products. Wouldn't it be a shame if they were bought out and the uniqueness lost in a frenzy of platform sharing. I never once said they were rebodied CL's

Pistonhead is as bad as fking youtube now

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:21

Edited by Ninjaboy on Monday 26th November 18:48

You are soooo wide of the mark... The Phantom is built on a unique platform, the Ghost is built on a heavily modified 7 series platform. They are the facts. You think they are dull, your opinion... and that's the bit you got right, that you are entitled to your own opinion. If you get the facts wrong we're entitled to correct you sir

I'm aware the smaller royce is based on the 7 series and the larger royce is bespoke. I'm more than willing to be corrected but heavily modified or not it's still based on a 7 series. I will stand by what i said the older rolls royces were flawed but unique.

Opinions are personal and everyone is entitled to one but being a fkwit and belittling other peoples opinions bugs me.

[radical78]

steyr also make tractors

[IDrinkPetrol]

radical78 said:

steyr also make tractors

Can't think of a hot Steyr other than the Steyr-Allard though? Have I missed something awesome?

[HighwayStar]

Ninjaboy said:

I'm aware the smaller royce is based on the 7 series and the larger royce is bespoke. I'm more than willing to be corrected but heavily modified or not it's still based on a 7 series. I will stand by what i said the older rolls royces were flawed but unique.

Opinions are personal and everyone is entitled to one but being a fkwit and belittling other peoples opinions bugs me.

Not worth getting sensitive on here. You post it up and others either agree or shoot it/you down and maul you while their about it. You still got your opinion.
To be honest pre or post BMW, fine cars though they undoubtedly I've not found Rolls or rivals Bentley's and other big luxo barges the least bit desirable though... I can see why their customers would want such vehicles but not a way I would ever go, if I could. I can acknowledge what's on offer though and it's very good IMO.

[Zod]

Ninjaboy said:

I'm aware the smaller royce is based on the 7 series and the larger royce is bespoke. I'm more than willing to be corrected but heavily modified or not it's still based on a 7 series. I will stand by what i said the older rolls royces were flawed but unique.

Opinions are personal and everyone is entitled to one but being a fkwit and belittling other peoples opinions bugs me.

People posting wrong statements and getting upset at being corrected don't really bug me. It's more amusing than annoying.

Edit: this one appears to have been a sensitive little flower.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 20:02

[HighwayStar]

Zod said:

Ninjaboy said:

I'm aware the smaller royce is based on the 7 series and the larger royce is bespoke. I'm more than willing to be corrected but heavily modified or not it's still based on a 7 series. I will stand by what i said the older rolls royces were flawed but unique.

Opinions are personal and everyone is entitled to one but being a fkwit and belittling other peoples opinions bugs me.

People posting wrong statements and getting upset at being corrected don't really bug me. It's more amusing than annoying.

Edit: this one appears to have been a sensitive little flower.

Edited by Zod on Monday 26th November 20:02

How funny was that... He said his piece... Should've just quit logging on as people had said rather than making a song and dance about it... He's obviously expecting in the main, sensible, polite debate... That's what friends are for.

[peterssono]

Well the rumour makes for a nice profit on the corporate bond, as close as I've gotten to owning an AM...

[peterssono]

For those interested, it's Investindustrial that would be bidding for 40% of AM from the financially stretched Kuwait based DAR. Investindustrial is the private equity fund that used to own Ducati (now sold to Audi). Considering how they ran Ducati, they would probably make a good owner for AM.

[Strawman]

Stu_00 said:

I am missing the point - I think this is great, one word PAGANI

Good point and Mclaren F1. Also

.

[sospan]

Is there a real need for a full takeover?
For years car makers have done deals to use engines from other manufacturers to power their cars. Look what's happening in F1 too.
Peugot engines/Renault/ Ford etc have ended up in many cars over the years.
Morgan just buy in engines - Ford Sigma/Duratec/Mustang/BMW in their current range of 4 wheelers, having moved with changes in supply as engines become obsolete.
It would save huge costs to develope in- house and allow engine developers to sell to recoup costs.
This would leave scope to maintain a traditional British approach but utilise expertise from elsewhere.