2018 Vantage photos
Discussion
EvoOlli said:
I heard some month ago that the boys in Friedrichshafen are doing an application of the ZF 8HP and AM made the wheelbase of the new Vantage longer for fitting the gearbox. Problem with the DCT was, that Daimler wouldn't give AM all the details of the electronic communication with the gearbox and engine.
Don't know if this is still actual.
Not surprising. I have worked for several OEM where a product share with a collaborating company with a greater interest than Merc's 5% in Aston resulted in quite defined closed door / stand offish processes and inaccessible IP. The press suggesting AM can walk in the AMG door and cherry pick always seemed unlikely to me, and if Aston could take AMG, how does One Man - One Engine philosophy survive? I think the car going 8HP is quite telling Don't know if this is still actual.
Jon39 said:
I looked up ZF 8HP, and learnt that it is an 8 speed torque converter transmission, used by many different vehicle manufacturers. It is fitted in Rolls Royces and pickup trucks.
I noticed one feature, whereby on sudden throttle opening it can go immediately from a high gear to a low gear, without needing to pass through every gear in turn.
That gearbox is the one used in the Vanquish i believe, and in the F-Type. And BMWs. And etc etc.I noticed one feature, whereby on sudden throttle opening it can go immediately from a high gear to a low gear, without needing to pass through every gear in turn.
It's a staggeringly good gearbox.
BamfordMike said:
... I do agree that if they get gen 2 Vantage right with Merc 520 BHP, DCT, E-diff and linked braking and suspension controls, who would want a manual when that will be so cracking. But I fear the £distraction <cough> DBX causes will mean Gen 2 Vantage doesn't have that tech, considering the Electrified Porsche range on the horizon, might be an issue - can't bang the analog drum forever!!
I would (ignoring for the moment that I won't buy it at all if it has an off-the-shelf AMG engine). I don’t care about everything being electronically linked. Does that really add anything to the enjoyment of the driving experience until the speeds are so extremely high that they really can't be experienced on a public road? If I’m changing gear myself, well, isn’t the whole point that it’s me and not the computer???Although for a while it looked like the manual ‘box was likely going away forever, let’s not forget what has happened more recently. Cayman GT4 -- manual only, and apparently a "response to the response" to the PDK-only GT3. 911R – same reason. Next GT3 will have the choice (hooray!) of manual or paddles. F-type – no manual at first, but now it’s available (sadly not in V8 or AWD models). There is clearly real demand for the manual ‘box, and this is being reflected in something of a comeback.
Obviously, the majority of buyers aren’t real enthusiasts. However, when I go to a car event, looking at the cars makes it clear that manuals remain very popular and actually outnumber paddle-shifts in cars that are available with either. At AMOC events here in the States, manual Vantages FAR outnumber those with paddles -- at the last Lime Rock event, it was something like 6 or 7 manuals to 1 SS. I think Andy will keep his word.
Sorry guys but isn't this just a DB11, looks the same as the DB11 they were testing with the 4.0V8 Merc engine.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-...
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-...
drac said:
Sorry guys but isn't this just a DB11, looks the same as the DB11 they were testing with the 4.0V8 Merc engine.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-...
Yes it's the DB11.https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-...
Aside for from the gear box issue - I know the current V8 and V12 are dated and the cost of a competitive engine (in-house) is probably beyond the reach of Aston. But I love the simplicity of the old V8, the fact it's as British as the car itself - which I really like. If I'm honest it's part of the allure. I'm not driving it for neck-snapping acceleration, I drive for the pleasure of it and it's uniqueness (relatively). A little like the old TR6 and Ducati's I have in the garage - just different.
Putting an AMG engine in will undoubtedly be more favorable performance wise; I just wish Aston had the capacity to have done it themselves. Yes - I'll keep my 'old' car, at least for now.
Putting an AMG engine in will undoubtedly be more favorable performance wise; I just wish Aston had the capacity to have done it themselves. Yes - I'll keep my 'old' car, at least for now.
PetesAMV8 said:
Aside for from the gear box issue - I know the current V8 and V12 are dated and the cost of a competitive engine (in-house) is probably beyond the reach of Aston. But I love the simplicity of the old V8, the fact it's as British as the car itself - which I really like. If I'm honest it's part of the allure. I'm not driving it for neck-snapping acceleration, I drive for the pleasure of it and it's uniqueness (relatively). A little like the old TR6 and Ducati's I have in the garage - just different.
Putting an AMG engine in will undoubtedly be more favorable performance wise; I just wish Aston had the capacity to have done it themselves. Yes - I'll keep my 'old' car, at least for now.
Hey, TR6 owner here too.Putting an AMG engine in will undoubtedly be more favorable performance wise; I just wish Aston had the capacity to have done it themselves. Yes - I'll keep my 'old' car, at least for now.
Same old school feel as an Aston, that's for sure!
Ex Boy Racer said:
Hey, TR6 owner here too.
Same old school feel as an Aston, that's for sure!
Just 'little' slower, harder to steer.. let alone in a straight line and 'a lot' smaller than the Vantage....tho' the wee brit has a bigger boot/truck, has back seats, get as much if not more attention on the road - both are fabulous to drive Same old school feel as an Aston, that's for sure!
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