RE: Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S manual: PH Heroes

[Mike335i]

twoblacklines said:

Because cross continental normally involves cities and traffic jams / roadworks?

Probably, but no do much so as to prevent a manual box from being fine. Plenty of potential alpine passes to have some fun though. Don't get me wrong, I see the benefit of the auto box to some, I just don't see the nessesity of one.

[MarkM3Evoplus]

F1GTRUeno said:

So what involves the original paddle gearbox being 'properly set up'? Software changes I'd imagine but hardware changes too perhaps? Different programming?

I adore the Vanquish, as said it was perhaps the only good thing about Die Another Day (well, Halle Berry and Rosamund Pike help) and it's a glorious looking and sounding thing.

Latest software plus magnetic sensors are a plus, along with careful setting up by an engineer who know how to tweak it all (believe the Aston Martin instructions need little tricks added to the setup process to give good changes, as they struggled!!).

I use Bamford Rose. Mine is going in next month, as noticed the low revs down change from 3rd to 2nd is a bit clunky.

Cheers,

[hondansx]

Would love to try a 'properly' set up one versus my memory my old Vanquish S. Frankly, I can't see how it can be improved THAT much and believe more like owners are applying the usual rose-tinted glasses. Would also love to know what experience owners have of modern paddle shift gearboxes. If the Vanquish is the most recent car you've driven, then you won't have much to compare it to.

Not trying to cause offence, but the whole 'learning to master' it is just BS - it's just trying to work round the issues of the car so it doesn't upset the experience. It's the automotive equivalent of banging a fat chick - all is well as long as you keep the lights out!

[MarkM3Evoplus]

Late reply, but I've driven 2015 Audi TT DSG, BMW Z4 (ZF 8 speed auto with paddles & Nissan R35GTR and yes the Aston is the slowest change of the lot,.....but I love the rev match coming down the gears and I do like the fact it takes skill to smoothly change gears like a manual car.

[Familymad]

Saw.one of these for first time this week in the flesh. A good.looking thing. Seems value around £80k