RE: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Manual

[WCZ]

405dogvan said:

There's something VERY special about Vantages - Harris compared the (rather pricier) GT12 to a 991 GT3RS (Gen1) and 650S and whilst you can tell the Aston's tech (esp. gearbox) is going out-of-date/it's not really competing with the 2 hyperwotsits, it's clearly the car which would be chosen by the person who wasn't looking for a penis extension/ego massage and actually just wanted the best device for turning fuel into noise and sideways fun.

and this is 100K cheaper and slightly less shouty to look at (I rather like it, tho I still think that bonnet louvring is WAY too Halfords - I assume it's necessary tho?>)

and that noise - how is it legal to make a car which makes that noise - the other 2 sound like superbikes at best, that Aston's a car ladies and gentlemen...

https://youtu.be/58j0Mmj41m0?t=386

Edited by 405dogvan on Wednesday 18th May 02:31

this isn't even that different than the gt12 is it? the GT12 is 6% lighter and has 3% more power, or something like that

[anonymous-user]

Glorious.

[Malachimon]

This car desperately needs a styling update, as gorgeous as the first few years were (as in the clean AMV8 when it was new), this car has been left behind by the newer models such as the Vanquish and DB11

[Impasse]

Malachimon said:

This car desperately needs a styling update, as gorgeous as the first few years were (as in the clean AMV8 when it was new), this car has been left behind by the newer models such as the Vanquish and DB11

The DB11 isn't even the showrooms yet, but it's probably a fair assumption to suggest that AM have an updated body and styling shape in the pipeline for the Vantage size of car. In the meantime these runout editions are exciting enough to maintain interest and given the lack of any new bodyshell or chassis manufacturing requirements they will be a nice little earner for Gaydon too.

[anonymous-user]

Malachimon said:

This car desperately needs a styling update, as gorgeous as the first few years were (as in the clean AMV8 when it was new), this car has been left behind by the newer models such as the Vanquish and DB11

I think it's aged amazingly well. The proportions were so right. I bet if you took an early vantage, 99.9% of people wouldn't know if it was 1 year old or 10.

[p1stonhead]

fblm said:

Malachimon said:

This car desperately needs a styling update, as gorgeous as the first few years were (as in the clean AMV8 when it was new), this car has been left behind by the newer models such as the Vanquish and DB11

I think it's aged amazingly well. The proportions were so right. I bet if you took an early vantage, 99.9% of people wouldn't know if it was 1 year old or 10.

I agree. Still think its one of the best looking cars out there. Always double take when one goes past me.

[soad]

drmark said:

What's with the MG Rover orange bits?

Nothing worse than a grey AM imho.

[twinturban]

Thanks for the detailed explanation Dan. I know you have driven manuals recently, my point was that the article sounds like the gearbox was a disappointment and also that you hadn't. I was hoping neither would be the case!

I must say though the previous 6 speed box was lovely in the original V12 Vantage, I was fortunate to own one for a few years. It remains the nicest cable operated gearchange I have used. I like to think this is something that Aston do very well, along with progressive, feelsome CC brakes that seemed to confound their rivals for many years. So hopefully

I've still never heard anyone describe how the new S engine compares to the 510bhp version. Does the car feel any faster than the early V12 Vantage? Does it feel more powerful at higher revs or is it an incremental increase across the rev range? It sounds identical on video, does it sound any different in reality?

I miss my V12V but was never tempted by a paddle shift 'S', this though ought to be something very special.

[Zod]

soad said:

drmark said:

What's with the MG Rover orange bits?

Nothing worse than a grey AM imho.

There's no such thing; they're all silver.

[petop]

Zod said:

soad said:

drmark said:

What's with the MG Rover orange bits?

Nothing worse than a grey AM imho.

There's no such thing; they're all silver.

Stop it!! We've already had the "Astons should only be silver/grey" battle thread!!

[matt5791]

Absolutely fantastic to see a performance car with a NORMAL manual gearbox. And a dogleg arrangement by the looks of things - superb.

[DPSFleet]

Terrific car and THAT noise. Presumably it's possible to actually buy one too! A real car.....(unlike that well known German make).

[Malachimon]

fblm said:

I think it's aged amazingly well. The proportions were so right. I bet if you took an early vantage, 99.9% of people wouldn't know if it was 1 year old or 10.

I agree it's aged well but it still needs an update to keep it fresh and in the limelight, it will take some time for it to look "old"

[sideways man]

Another ex-sunbeam lotus owner here,complete with the ZF dog leg 'box. Once completely comfortable with it,which I admit took a few months due to minimal use,decided the shift pattern was a brilliant idea.
Thank you Aston Martin for giving us a fast bruiser with manual transmission.
Having driven a DB9 v12 on a track day, an Aston is most definitely on my lottery garage list.

[mattf93]

Dan Trent said:

To expand on my previous and quite wordy posts here are a couple of pictures that hopefully flesh out the points I was making!

And as far as the Halfords colour scheme goes it is optional with the Sport-Plus pack. And the other combos sound nicer, comprising Speedway White/orange, Allora Green/yellow, Jet Black/silver or Skyfall Silver/white.

Cheers,

Dan

Edited by Dan Trent on Wednesday 18th May 11:28

Can you 'Q' one of these v12vs Manuals? As If I was putting my hard earned cash into one- none of those really are what Id want... The lipstick and side skirts in a different colour is just odd, skirts would be cool in carbon (if mega expensive)

[tubs]

That is the last PROPER sounding V12. Ferrari's & Lamborghini's are just so obviously synthesised/manufactured to almost natural...and to be honest just sound to fake.

[aeropilot]

JPF40 said:

XJ40 said:

Yes I don't understand the orange/yellow painted bits. I can only think that it's supposed to be akin to motorsport livery, is that really what's required on such a classy, upmarket road car? I'd tick the delete box for those...

Ordered mine with the sports pack in Alloro Green and deleted the yellow, same goes for the interior!

Classy..... effectively Aston Racing Green, which really is the only colour to have an Aston in IMHO

[AreOut]

why not just transferring 6 speed manual from another aston model if they couldn't come with something better?! This transmission is not really going together with a big V12...

[Andyt25]

I so want this car it hurts.....I've been in the original one but never driven one...That big engine in that small car just makes it such an occasion.....Big thrills and smiles.....and such a great looking car......Still think its the best looking shape on the road and looks great from any angle.....After all these years it never fails to turn my head....How they will replace it for something even more beautiful will be a challenge.

[Pennyroyal Tea]

Dan Trent said:

Skyfall Silver

Jesus. Really?