RE: Aston Martin Vantage AMR | Driven
Discussion
Terminator X said:
"just 266lb ft in Sport and Sport Plus"
How do they avoid being out dragged by "inferior" cars at the lights then with such low torque + how on earth do they get under 4s to 60 too?
TX.
Why do you want to have a drag race at the traffic lights? Given most Traffic lights are in 30 mph zones, it's quite pointless.How do they avoid being out dragged by "inferior" cars at the lights then with such low torque + how on earth do they get under 4s to 60 too?
TX.
And the whole point in this manual version, is that it isn't as fast as the auto car, and the person who bought it doesn't care.
You need a very very expensive car these days if you want to win the traffic lights Grand Prix. An Audi RS3 will hit 60 in around 4 seconds, and it costs around £50k new. That's going to keep up with most car's costing £100k +
mikey k said:
Its not a manual though
its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
As others have said. This is complete nonsense. It is a true manual. The ASM version of the previous Gen Vantage had a hydraulic control pack that moved the clutch and selectors for you.its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
Best thing about this manual is when combined with the CC Brakes saves 95kg over the non AMR version.
This is awesome, I love the fact that Aston still want to offer a manual 'box. Mated to that engine, on paper at least, it looks something like a perfect car for me, would be high on the list for when the lotto numbers roll in, etc.
Quite a bit of negativity on the looks of this car, I think it's great inside and out. Aston have really modernised the shape of the Vantage, looks really sharp to me. I know some aren't keen on some of the details, but I really like the splitter, skirts, diffuser, black wheels, etc. Look nicely aggressive and racy for me, I wouldn't want a £150k, 200mph car looking too tame.
Quite a bit of negativity on the looks of this car, I think it's great inside and out. Aston have really modernised the shape of the Vantage, looks really sharp to me. I know some aren't keen on some of the details, but I really like the splitter, skirts, diffuser, black wheels, etc. Look nicely aggressive and racy for me, I wouldn't want a £150k, 200mph car looking too tame.
Edited by MX6 on Wednesday 23 October 13:35
Terminator X said:
"just 266lb ft in Sport and Sport Plus"
How do they avoid being out dragged by "inferior" cars at the lights then with such low torque + how on earth do they get under 4s to 60 too?
TX.
It depends on the gear ratios and available traction. That torque figure is just the engine output torque, which is then multiplied by the gear and final drive ratios by the time it gets to the wheels. With the right gearing, it could still have more wheel torque than another car with higher engine torque.How do they avoid being out dragged by "inferior" cars at the lights then with such low torque + how on earth do they get under 4s to 60 too?
TX.
Then if you're traction-limited anyway it doesn't matter how much extra torque you send to the wheels - it won't make you any faster. Many modern cars limit torque in first gear, whether they advertise the fact or not. Even traction control itself is just a torque-limiter, by one means or another.
cypriot said:
mikey k said:
Its not a manual though
its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
what are you talking about?! who cares?! Not a single person or journalist has said that this 7-speed feels fake or is not a proper manual... the car has a clutch pedal, and a gear lever that you must operate with your arm in order to change gears - hence its a manual for all intents and purposes. If you personally don't like how it feels, that is a different matter altogether. To try and say it is not a manual though is completely bonkers though. I personally have driven the v12 manual with this gearbox and it felt great, so I did get the "benefits" of the manual gearbox. So did everyone else when they reviewed the old v12 and gave it glowing reviews. My god some people are negative.its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
I've had several Astons and love the brand.
I had a order in for an AMR Vantage with this box in it.
I test drove one 3 times for extended periods, trying hard to "like" the 7 speed dog leg
I hated it
It is as vague and slow to change as the Graziano auto ASM3 box the "manual" switches are linked
The gates are unevenly spaced
The centering spring action is way off
Good for you if you liked it - everyone is different.
I'm simply point out a technical aspect that affects the performance of that box and expressed an opinion that I didn't like it.
As you were!
Fair play to AM making this, but it's a bit weak willed of them.. A lot of effort and money put into something only internet warriors really want. When it comes down to it, people will opt for the superior auto because it'll simply be better. Want to change gear yourself? There'll be a hundred better gearboxes out there to enjoy.
The torque limits are pretty horrendous though... No idea what that's all about.
The torque limits are pretty horrendous though... No idea what that's all about.
mikey k said:
cypriot said:
mikey k said:
Its not a manual though
its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
what are you talking about?! who cares?! Not a single person or journalist has said that this 7-speed feels fake or is not a proper manual... the car has a clutch pedal, and a gear lever that you must operate with your arm in order to change gears - hence its a manual for all intents and purposes. If you personally don't like how it feels, that is a different matter altogether. To try and say it is not a manual though is completely bonkers though. I personally have driven the v12 manual with this gearbox and it felt great, so I did get the "benefits" of the manual gearbox. So did everyone else when they reviewed the old v12 and gave it glowing reviews. My god some people are negative.its the same auto box with a load of switches and a lever.
Its a horrible thing to use.
None of the "benefits" of a proper mechanical linkage manual gearbox.
I've had several Astons and love the brand.
I had a order in for an AMR Vantage with this box in it.
I test drove one 3 times for extended periods, trying hard to "like" the 7 speed dog leg
I hated it
It is as vague and slow to change as the Graziano auto ASM3 box the "manual" switches are linked
The gates are unevenly spaced
The centering spring action is way off
Good for you if you liked it - everyone is different.
I'm simply point out a technical aspect that affects the performance of that box and expressed an opinion that I didn't like it.
As you were!
Interesting comments regarding the feel of the manual 'box to use.
I can't comment on any Aston manual gearbox as I've never driven one, only thing I would say is that in my experience the best shifting 'box's and clutches are often in smaller cars with less power/torque. Manual transmissions/clutches on larger capacity/power engines can feel more ponderous, it's generally just been something I've accepted in the past.
I can't comment on any Aston manual gearbox as I've never driven one, only thing I would say is that in my experience the best shifting 'box's and clutches are often in smaller cars with less power/torque. Manual transmissions/clutches on larger capacity/power engines can feel more ponderous, it's generally just been something I've accepted in the past.
RemyMartin81D said:
Blimey O Reilly it's not a looker is it, interior isn't nice either. Surely desire is a big part of an Aston's appeal.
Doesn't look great in the pics, but I've seen one up-close in the flesh many times and it looks fantastic. Don't know why that doesn't translate so much to the pictures.A1VDY said:
Gearbox types aside, it seems manufacturers now are competing for the ugliest looking car prize and this AM is nearing the top. Both front and rear are cheap and tacky looking. The rear in particular looks crumpled..
Amen. I find the vent behind the front wheels particularly awkward and overwrought.
mikey k said:
I said it feels crap as a gear box.
...
I'm simply point out a technical aspect that affects the performance of that box and expressed an opinion that I didn't like it.
No Mike, you categorically said...
I'm simply point out a technical aspect that affects the performance of that box and expressed an opinion that I didn't like it.
mikey k said:
This is NOT a real manual.
It is. So admit you were wrong / mis-informed and that your opinion of its performance is, exactly that, an opinion. It's not based on the 'technical aspect' of it being a re-manualised-previously-robotised-automated-manual 
I've now done almost 5,000 miles in my V12 manual with this 'box and absolutely adore it. AMShift works brilliantly (way better than I could ever heel / toe) and, like anything (and as the article says), muscle memory soon kicks-on on the how the box is sprung. It's optimised for the 4th <> 5th shift which is perfect for fast road driving.
mikey k said:
This is NOT a real manual.
That dog leg 7 speed Graziano box is the same auto box with a robotic manual lever.
There is NO mechanical linkage to the gearbox, it is all done on switches and electronics.
I used it several times in the previous shape V12.
Its awful and cumbersome.
wow really ?That dog leg 7 speed Graziano box is the same auto box with a robotic manual lever.
There is NO mechanical linkage to the gearbox, it is all done on switches and electronics.
I used it several times in the previous shape V12.
Its awful and cumbersome.
Turini said:
Going to get some grief for saying this but that looks so compromised, an anachronistic gear leaver sticking out of the dashboard in a contemporary design. The work that goes into integrating drivetrain, electronics and onboard systems that we all rely on in everyday driving has gone out of the window and during the review there was confusion over which gear had been manually selected....
On today’s cars with power and torque outputs that would shame a 70’s F1 car we are long past fully manual gearboxes, such levels of performance perhaps shouldn’t be associated with having to take your hands from the wheel and manually disrupt the power delivery however competent the driver. Driving evolves and it has evolved past that point of technology - our challenge is to extract enjoyment and a connection with current and future technological development.
Before I get kicked off this site for saying the above, firstly think about the direct drive we’ll all have with EVs, better to exploit that surely and secondly (if the wife allows its) my next toy will be a Proteus C Type - don’t mess up technology for the sake of it...
On today’s cars with power and torque outputs that would shame a 70’s F1 car we are long past fully manual gearboxes, such levels of performance perhaps shouldn’t be associated with having to take your hands from the wheel and manually disrupt the power delivery however competent the driver. Driving evolves and it has evolved past that point of technology - our challenge is to extract enjoyment and a connection with current and future technological development.
Before I get kicked off this site for saying the above, firstly think about the direct drive we’ll all have with EVs, better to exploit that surely and secondly (if the wife allows its) my next toy will be a Proteus C Type - don’t mess up technology for the sake of it...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff