New Aston Vantage
Discussion
AdamV12AMR said:
I think you’ll find the contemporary reviews of the E-type were not universal in their praise. It was a very bold design for the time, based on a race car, with in particular the front proportions and faired-in headlights coming under criticism (think about the look of the XK series it replaced).
History has judged it well because it wasn’t just beautiful; it was boldly beautiful.
Closer to home, I can’t help but remember the pitchforks that came out when the Vanquish Mk2 was revealed. It was always going to lose, of course, given it was in the shadow of the DBS and Vanq 1 before it.
But you’d be hard pressed to find somebody on this forum today who wouldn’t bite your arm off for one! It’s a design that was forward looking in 2012 (?) and therefore looks bang up to date even today.
My bet is we’ll be saying the save thing about Vantage 2...
I still don't particularly like the front end of the Vanquish 2 History has judged it well because it wasn’t just beautiful; it was boldly beautiful.
Closer to home, I can’t help but remember the pitchforks that came out when the Vanquish Mk2 was revealed. It was always going to lose, of course, given it was in the shadow of the DBS and Vanq 1 before it.
But you’d be hard pressed to find somebody on this forum today who wouldn’t bite your arm off for one! It’s a design that was forward looking in 2012 (?) and therefore looks bang up to date even today.
My bet is we’ll be saying the save thing about Vantage 2...
But you're totally correct, it got a bit of a slating on here and now everyone wants one
AdamV12AMR said:
I think you’ll find the contemporary reviews of the E-type were not universal in their praise. It was a very bold design for the time, based on a race car, with in particular the front proportions and faired-in headlights coming under criticism (think about the look of the XK series it replaced).
History has judged it well because it wasn’t just beautiful; it was boldly beautiful.
Closer to home, I can’t help but remember the pitchforks that came out when the Vanquish Mk2 was revealed. It was always going to lose, of course, given it was in the shadow of the DBS and Vanq 1 before it.
But you’d be hard pressed to find somebody on this forum today who wouldn’t bite your arm off for one! It’s a design that was forward looking in 2012 (?) and therefore looks bang up to date even today.
My bet is we’ll be saying the save thing about Vantage 2...
+1 to this. The DB11 is an indication of the design ethos, and how it didn't receive universal praise initially, but as the years pass, it appears to have become more popular and greater appreciated. With the life cycle of Astons being longer than most marques, taking a big step styling wise might look the wrong move initially, but it comes around. History has judged it well because it wasn’t just beautiful; it was boldly beautiful.
Closer to home, I can’t help but remember the pitchforks that came out when the Vanquish Mk2 was revealed. It was always going to lose, of course, given it was in the shadow of the DBS and Vanq 1 before it.
But you’d be hard pressed to find somebody on this forum today who wouldn’t bite your arm off for one! It’s a design that was forward looking in 2012 (?) and therefore looks bang up to date even today.
My bet is we’ll be saying the save thing about Vantage 2...
When the Gen2 Vanquish arrived, I wasn't sure. These days, I'm often found drooling over them in a dealership.
The new Vantage; the only thing I have trouble with, after some researching, is the overall width - it's wider than the Vanquish and DB11. It's really quite a wide little car (and hence wont fit in my garage).
embdenb said:
You guys defending the style on the new Vantage ( specifically the front) reminds me of a parent telling themselves that their kid is really not that unattractive (smile). When really great car designs are greated, the consensus is universal, when viewed from any angle, it’s a great looking car. Examples, the E type Jaguar, the current Vantage, to name a couple.
The new Vantage is simply not in that class. From a design point of view, it’s a step backwards. You can’t say it’s an improvement over the current car and then add that the headlights are too small and the grill is too big and the tail pipes should be bigger and the front proportions are not quite right. Any interior that has that iPad thing sticking up above the dashboard pretending to be the navigation screen is not to be taken seriously. IMHO Aston had the opportunity to make a really great looking Vantage by evolutionary design changes. Instead they took a big swing at it and came up with hits and misses.
I was speaking of the current Vantage, not the new one. The new Vantage is simply not in that class. From a design point of view, it’s a step backwards. You can’t say it’s an improvement over the current car and then add that the headlights are too small and the grill is too big and the tail pipes should be bigger and the front proportions are not quite right. Any interior that has that iPad thing sticking up above the dashboard pretending to be the navigation screen is not to be taken seriously. IMHO Aston had the opportunity to make a really great looking Vantage by evolutionary design changes. Instead they took a big swing at it and came up with hits and misses.
Hello is thing on??
embdenb said:
Any interior that has that iPad thing sticking up above the dashboard pretending to be the navigation screen is not to be taken seriously. IMHO Aston had the opportunity to make a really great looking Vantage by evolutionary design changes. Instead they took a big swing at it and came up with hits and misses.
Found this just now somewhere else that I hang out, it reminded me of this thread. Must say all I want is a big rev counter with digital speed readout in the bottom, nice tactile buttons to switch things on and off and a sat nav screen that folds away when I dont need it.
DW (Flintstone)
Having seen one in person in grey, I'll say the new one looks better in person than in photos. That said, I ended up buying my new'17 V12VSm after seeing it opposite the new one. I'm a hardcore new technology adopter in every aspect of my life, including our other cars - but for me there was no comparison between these two specimens. They were similarly colored and next to one another somewhat nose to nose, and the '17 had more presence from every angle and felt more special whilst sitting inside. Dated? Perhaps to some, but the new Vantage interior, as nice as it is, felt very similar in feel to many other late model high line/special interest cars. And the front end design is a non-starter for me.
AML will sell (or have already) every one of this year's allotment they build and there was a lot of excitement about it as a progressive new design. But there were were just as many people gathered around the '17 manual (granted they are relatively rare here) and I'm glad there was still one left to have in a color combo I liked.
New designs are oftentimes progressively more admired as they age, and I'll admit to liking the DB11 more now than when I originally saw it. But for me the current V12VSm invoked passion immediately, which is what these cars are all about.
AML will sell (or have already) every one of this year's allotment they build and there was a lot of excitement about it as a progressive new design. But there were were just as many people gathered around the '17 manual (granted they are relatively rare here) and I'm glad there was still one left to have in a color combo I liked.
New designs are oftentimes progressively more admired as they age, and I'll admit to liking the DB11 more now than when I originally saw it. But for me the current V12VSm invoked passion immediately, which is what these cars are all about.
Edited by kyson07 on Monday 19th February 06:21
Big Ry said:
Right now, if I had 175 grand burning a hole in my pocket I'd be doing the man maths to get a Vanquish S Volante, not a new Vantage or DB11......that's not a good thing for AML.
Just to counter that, I'd be looking at the DB11 but in honesty probably waiting for the new DBS, I'm not a huge fan of the Vanq 2.2, to me it's too damn big; I've also had 4 of the "olde VH" cars, so would fancy a change. Just my opinion.AMDBSVNick said:
If I had the time I would dig out the old threads that completely slated the CF vents on V12V as a Halfrauds aftermarket add ons!!!!
Absolutely, I hated the damn things on anything that was a light colour. Much like why I like the V8 DB11 bonnet more than the V12, it's cleaner.It's nice we're all different
Edited by dbs2000 on Monday 19th February 14:09
AMDBSVNick said:
If I had the time I would dig out the old threads that completely slated the CF vents on V12V as a Halfrauds aftermarket add ons!!!!
And quite rightly so.
It´s a terrible shame that bad taste has become so "chic" in recent years whereas elegance and glamour count nothing anymore (not only in car design, but also in fashion). The V12 Vantage bonnet louvres may certainly not be the worst excess in this field, but ten years ago for example white Aston Martins with black wheel rims would have been unthinkable. Not any more so today. Chavvy times.
The manufacturer seems to respond to this change in "aesthetics" with the style of the new AMG Vantage.
Emilio Largo said:
nd quite rightly so. It´s a terrible shame that bad taste has become so "chic" in recent years whereas elegance and glamour count nothing anymore (not only in car design, but also in fashion). The V12 Vantage bonnet louvres may certainly not be the worst excess in this field, but ten years ago for example white Aston Martins with black wheel rims would have been unthinkable. Not any more so today. Chavvy times.
The manufacturer seems to respond to this change in "aesthetics" with the style of the new AMG Vantage.
It´s a terrible shame that bad taste has become so "chic" in recent years whereas elegance and glamour count nothing anymore (not only in car design, but also in fashion). The V12 Vantage bonnet louvres may certainly not be the worst excess in this field, but ten years ago for example white Aston Martins with black wheel rims would have been unthinkable. Not any more so today. Chavvy times.The manufacturer seems to respond to this change in "aesthetics" with the style of the new AMG Vantage.
I`ll chime in on this post rather than start a new one, hope that`s OK OP!
After much waiting New Vantage came to Switzerland and I finally got to see it in the metal today in Safenwil. Interestingly for conservative Switzerland we got the Lime Essence version which I have to admit I was a little disappointed with as I had hoped it would be silver, or something I had not yet seen. The colour is challenging, and having seen it I definately wouldn`t spec it, but it`s certainly a statement and all power to those who go for it!
Overall I like the look of the car, it has lots of new things going on, but you can see the bones of the old Vantage in there. As many have said the front looks better in person. Being that the grill has been such a talking point I found myself staring at it thinking it really is a gaping maw, but then I had to remind myself to look at the car as a whole and not fixate on this one feature and then it becomes quite acceptable. The size of the headlights don`t really bother me however the front does lack a certain something from some angles, mostly head on, and one thing that would, in my mind take care of that would be some bonnet vents or similar to break that expansive hood. The car is very wide at the front wheels and there is a lot of solid colour in between them and vents, while clearly not necessary, would add a contrast and break, and also no major redesign of parts!
Amusingly, I found the rear did not look to me as good as what I thought of it in photos, but then there was not much space in the show room to move back and see it from different perspectives, but I still think it`s a nice butt. I jumped in... the drivers seat, not the butt, and closed the door and put my foot on the brake and the dash came to life and I immediately liked the environment. In my imagination my main bother was the LCD gauges rather than analogue, and the "iPad" but once inside with things glowing at me it felt fine. Yes I would still prefer analogue because I`m a dinosaur and I really dislike the placed appearance of the "iPad" but the switch gear and general appearance is very sporty and compact and i liked it a lot, was just trying to imagine it with a gear lever...
Also in attendance was a Ultramarine DB11 Volante with a elegant blue interior and that stole the show a little bit, evidently I find myself liking the DB11 more and more. Around the corner from the Vantage was a Vanquish S which is a terrific looking set of wheels but the S is a little shouty compared to the regular (regular??!) Vanquish which is a hella stylish beast and more in the "traditional" Aston Martin vein.
This is maybe where the New Vantage does not work for some people as it is a bridge to far from the previous version. Appearance wise, if it had a few styling tweaks and some additional carbon goodies it would be bemoaned for not being imaginative or progressive enough but would no doubt sate the majority. If the new Vantage was a called the Valhalla or something and wheeled out as a reinterpretation of the Aston sports car for the future, a fresh bow in the quiver, that would probably be OK too. But to change the beloved Vantage so radically and still hang that name on it, outrageous!
Here`s some photos because that`s what I do!
After much waiting New Vantage came to Switzerland and I finally got to see it in the metal today in Safenwil. Interestingly for conservative Switzerland we got the Lime Essence version which I have to admit I was a little disappointed with as I had hoped it would be silver, or something I had not yet seen. The colour is challenging, and having seen it I definately wouldn`t spec it, but it`s certainly a statement and all power to those who go for it!
Overall I like the look of the car, it has lots of new things going on, but you can see the bones of the old Vantage in there. As many have said the front looks better in person. Being that the grill has been such a talking point I found myself staring at it thinking it really is a gaping maw, but then I had to remind myself to look at the car as a whole and not fixate on this one feature and then it becomes quite acceptable. The size of the headlights don`t really bother me however the front does lack a certain something from some angles, mostly head on, and one thing that would, in my mind take care of that would be some bonnet vents or similar to break that expansive hood. The car is very wide at the front wheels and there is a lot of solid colour in between them and vents, while clearly not necessary, would add a contrast and break, and also no major redesign of parts!
Amusingly, I found the rear did not look to me as good as what I thought of it in photos, but then there was not much space in the show room to move back and see it from different perspectives, but I still think it`s a nice butt. I jumped in... the drivers seat, not the butt, and closed the door and put my foot on the brake and the dash came to life and I immediately liked the environment. In my imagination my main bother was the LCD gauges rather than analogue, and the "iPad" but once inside with things glowing at me it felt fine. Yes I would still prefer analogue because I`m a dinosaur and I really dislike the placed appearance of the "iPad" but the switch gear and general appearance is very sporty and compact and i liked it a lot, was just trying to imagine it with a gear lever...
Also in attendance was a Ultramarine DB11 Volante with a elegant blue interior and that stole the show a little bit, evidently I find myself liking the DB11 more and more. Around the corner from the Vantage was a Vanquish S which is a terrific looking set of wheels but the S is a little shouty compared to the regular (regular??!) Vanquish which is a hella stylish beast and more in the "traditional" Aston Martin vein.
This is maybe where the New Vantage does not work for some people as it is a bridge to far from the previous version. Appearance wise, if it had a few styling tweaks and some additional carbon goodies it would be bemoaned for not being imaginative or progressive enough but would no doubt sate the majority. If the new Vantage was a called the Valhalla or something and wheeled out as a reinterpretation of the Aston sports car for the future, a fresh bow in the quiver, that would probably be OK too. But to change the beloved Vantage so radically and still hang that name on it, outrageous!
Here`s some photos because that`s what I do!
Mr.Tremlini said:
I`ll chime in on this post rather than start a new one, hope that`s OK OP!
"After much waiting New Vantage came to Switzerland and I finally got to see it in the metal today in Safenwil. Interestingly for conservative Switzerland we got the Lime Essence version which I have to admit I was a little disappointed with as I had hoped it would be silver, or something I had not yet seen."
"Overall I like the look of the car, it has lots of new things going on, but you can see the bones of the old Vantage in there. As many have said the front looks better in person. Being that the grill has been such a talking point I found myself staring at it thinking it really is a gaping maw, but then I had to remind myself to look at the car as a whole and not fixate on this one feature and then it becomes quite acceptable."
"The size of the headlights don`t really bother me however the front does lack a certain something from some angles, mostly head on, and one thing that would, in my mind take care of that would be some bonnet vents or similar to break that expansive hood."
"Amusingly, I found the rear did not look to me as good as what I thought of it in photos,"
"In my imagination my main bother was the LCD gauges rather than analogue, and the "iPad" but once inside with things glowing at me it felt fine. Yes I would still prefer analogue because I`m a dinosaur and I really dislike the placed appearance of the "iPad" but the switch gear and general appearance is very sporty and compact and i liked it a lot, was just trying to imagine it with a gear lever..."
"in the "traditional" Aston Martin vein.
This is maybe where the New Vantage does not work for some people as it is a bridge to far from the previous version."
"But to change the beloved Vantage so radically and still hang that name on it, outrageous!"
Here`s some photos because that`s what I do!
Excellent write up of the new Vantage. The vile shade of yellow is an immediate turn off, wonder what focus group thought that was s good idea. I've seen that color in the snow before."After much waiting New Vantage came to Switzerland and I finally got to see it in the metal today in Safenwil. Interestingly for conservative Switzerland we got the Lime Essence version which I have to admit I was a little disappointed with as I had hoped it would be silver, or something I had not yet seen."
"Overall I like the look of the car, it has lots of new things going on, but you can see the bones of the old Vantage in there. As many have said the front looks better in person. Being that the grill has been such a talking point I found myself staring at it thinking it really is a gaping maw, but then I had to remind myself to look at the car as a whole and not fixate on this one feature and then it becomes quite acceptable."
"The size of the headlights don`t really bother me however the front does lack a certain something from some angles, mostly head on, and one thing that would, in my mind take care of that would be some bonnet vents or similar to break that expansive hood."
"Amusingly, I found the rear did not look to me as good as what I thought of it in photos,"
"In my imagination my main bother was the LCD gauges rather than analogue, and the "iPad" but once inside with things glowing at me it felt fine. Yes I would still prefer analogue because I`m a dinosaur and I really dislike the placed appearance of the "iPad" but the switch gear and general appearance is very sporty and compact and i liked it a lot, was just trying to imagine it with a gear lever..."
"in the "traditional" Aston Martin vein.
This is maybe where the New Vantage does not work for some people as it is a bridge to far from the previous version."
"But to change the beloved Vantage so radically and still hang that name on it, outrageous!"
Here`s some photos because that`s what I do!
You have many great points.
The photos on your website are truly beautiful. It's a true talent you have. Unfortunately it's going take more than talent to turn this sows ear to something beautiful. It's gonna take a miracle.
Mr.Tremlini said:
If the new Vantage was a called the Valhalla or something and wheeled out as a reinterpretation of the Aston sports car for the future, a fresh bow in the quiver, that would probably be OK too. But to change the beloved Vantage so radically and still hang that name on it, outrageous!
Absolutely right What I´ve been saying for ages. The radically new car would have needed a new name. But the marketing temptation to exploit the hugely successful "Vantage" name again on the replacement model (is it really a replacement or isn´t it rather something different, I wonder) was obviously huge. Which again is understandable from the manufacturer´s point of view
. But it´s still not right.As an old V8VS owner I think there's nothing wrong if the car polarises - love it or hate it, you'll alienate half but the other half will want it. Much better that than a "yeah it ok". I don't much like lambos, Bentley - no chance, but to others they love them.
I left the brand, old school charm was too much like hard work and I was tired of getting the doors repainted due to the bubbling, maybe I'm selling my soul but I'm more likely to come back to the new Vantage, the V12S left me cold and some of the special editions really did look like an accident with Halfords bolt on extras but some of them commanded big money.
I left the brand, old school charm was too much like hard work and I was tired of getting the doors repainted due to the bubbling, maybe I'm selling my soul but I'm more likely to come back to the new Vantage, the V12S left me cold and some of the special editions really did look like an accident with Halfords bolt on extras but some of them commanded big money.
To echo a theme I’ve read on this site, having just seen the New Vantage in the flesh today on a tour at Gaydon, it all makes a lot more sense!
I can see a lot of lines from the previous Vantage taken into a new age.
I’m the deep blue as displayed in the reception, it’s a triumph as an aggressive sports car and compliments the DB11 nicely. Very different.
Also heard it start up and revved. It’s trying hard (too hard?) but not overtly turbo-like.
Can’t wait to see a V12 manual with more restrained interior colour combo.
Good work Aston!
I can see a lot of lines from the previous Vantage taken into a new age.
I’m the deep blue as displayed in the reception, it’s a triumph as an aggressive sports car and compliments the DB11 nicely. Very different.
Also heard it start up and revved. It’s trying hard (too hard?) but not overtly turbo-like.
Can’t wait to see a V12 manual with more restrained interior colour combo.
Good work Aston!
Murph7355 said:
I'm sure I remember listening to Marek wax lyrical (at the "homecoming") about the economy of the lines used on the original V8, which is why it was an instant classic etc.
I wonder what went wrong on the new one...
I remember that too Murph...at the Homecoming event for Vantage owners.I wonder what went wrong on the new one...
I had a ride out in one of the prototypes a couple of weeks before going to the "confidential" launch event at the factory. It goes really well and sounds great, inside was nice,I could get used to the later tech quite easily. I specced a car up how I would have it, but it would have to be a roadster for me. Perhaps by the time the Roadster is ready there will be another option for the front grill...
I cant say its replaced a V12 Vantage Roadster though as my aspirational car of the moment...I think I will have one of those first
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