New AM Vantage Test Drive - in case anyone is interested
Discussion
I’m not a regular poster on Pistonheads, but thought some of you might be interested to hear about a recent test drive in the new Vantage.
I was lucky enough to have a go in the new car yesterday. Full disclosure: I own a V12 Vantage (the old one with a manual gearbox, and not the snazzy new dogleg affair).
Firstly, the looks, in the metal. As much as I agree that the snout of the new car is disappointing, and the looks depart from the traditional Aston understated cool, it is unquestionably current. It feels like these days active aero with a spattering of fins is a must for the new breed of aspiring sports cars (the ‘millennial’ evolution?) to be taken seriously, and in that context perhaps the designers can be forgiven for indulging in some diffusery splitterisms. Whilst not necessarily enthusing the purists, I’m sure the arguably garish and aggressive looks will have a positive impact on sales from the frankly larger market that the company has to chase to stay competitive.
I used to own a 996 911 (40th anniversary edition - basically a Carrera S with some frills), and once when it was in for a service, the dealer kindly leant me a 991 as a courtesy car. I had it for a long weekend and was hugely impressed and terrified to get back in my car having handed the new version back for fear of being underwhelmed with my relative relic and facing a costly decision. Nobody was more stunned than I was when I pulled out of the car park, and immediately abandoned any thoughts of trading my old banger in for the new one. I’d read about the electrostatic steering and with an arrogant brush-off, assumed it was journalistic snobbery. But having stepped back into an old version, the new one by comparison felt like a very fast Golf. Perfect by many metrics, but very definitely less involving. Hugely capable, but lacking in driver connectivity.
The new Vantage is very different. The steering is wonderfully progressive, with different modes (track etc) offering a noticeable change in feel. The adaptive suspension is a game changer by comparison to the passive setup I’m used to (I can’t speak for the V12 Vantage S system which would no doubt be a better comparison). The throttle response is phenomenal and well judged in all modes with only a hint of lag at some points in the rev range. The interior has put a lot of people off I gather, but it makes my car feel very old, and I actually think it’s pretty great. You feel like a fighter pilot, and that’s always a good thing, isn’t it?
I hate to say it, but I’d take everything about this car over mine, except (and herein lies the importance of the old 911 reference)...
When I got back into my V12 Vantage, it felt dated. The interior looked about a decade old (to be expected I suppose) and the inputs felt clunky. Driving off the forecourt I didn’t have the same sense of joy (/relief) I had when driving away in my old Porsche. Until about 10 seconds later.
The noise...
The Mercedes engine, whilst obviously technically brilliant, felt noticeably soulless by comparison to the old Aston units. It is an AMG engine, and for all the tuning and software trickery Aston Martin have done, the noise and drama is nothing like the old V8 or V12, and I couldn’t get away from the similarity to the Mercs. The crackle and pops on the overrun - textbook AMG, for example. I went straight from the dealer to Mercedes World, and the sounds coming from the various AMG cars circulating were unsurprisingly (and rather disappointingly) familiar. I expect if you put the two side by side the difference would be enough to convince you it’s an Aston, but I can’t get away from the troublesome truth that there isn’t an Aston Martin heart beating beneath the badge that promises Power, Beauty, Soul.
Now, this shouldn’t be an issue. The engine. is more capable. Lighter. Faster. More refined. So why does it matter? It probably doesn’t for most of the people that will be buying these cars. But stepping back into the old car, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the richer and less obnoxious warble through to the soulful wail at higher revs.
Perhaps it’s comparable to watch aficionados who place huge importance on the presence of a ‘manufacture (or in-house) movement’. It makes no difference really. It tells the same time, but it feels like it’s cheating. Better for it, doubtless, the Mercedes engine is wonderful, but you’d always know it’s not quite as it should be.
I drove the car in the wet, and the snazzy new electric diff is impressive and the traction control system is (as before) a necessary safety net. It put an unbelievable amount of power down given the conditions I was in (it has enough of it, that’s for sure) and it feels just bloody brilliant. When I drove the V12 Vantage for the first time I was struck with how much respect it demanded. It would remind you of this whenever you were slightly over-exuberant with your right foot by stepping the tail out and causing a heart rate increasing, buttock clenching moment of adrenaline production. Since the car I was buying would be rarely used, I was thrilled by this prospect. The new car has the same ability to remind you not to drive it like your old 1.1L Ford Fiesta, and if you’re not on your toes, especially in track mode, the little yellow flashy thing on the dash will be a constant companion, especially in the wet. That, for me, is a good thing in a car like this. If you want something foolproof, buy and Audi RS something or other.
The flappy paddle gearbox was great as well. I don’t have a huge amount of experience with them, but it’s the most enjoyable paddle shift I’ve ever used.
In conclusion, I think the new car is excellent. It’s actually shocking how capable and floor-less it is. I would love to own one and hopefully will at some point. It is all the car you will ever need. Will they make a V12 version, and should you wait for that? I’m not sure they need to. The V8 is faster than the ex-range topping V12 Vantage S but with less weight over the nose. Should you wait for the manual? I actually think the paddles suit the car, but having not driven the manual I can’t say. I wonder whether it might be too good as it is though. It’s a more digital car anyway, and I’m not sure a manual gearbox will suit it, but I’m probably wrong.
But (and this is a lovely problem to have), I’m going to have to keep hold of the V12 Vantage, even if I am lucky enough to be able to have one of these new cars. I would miss the V12. As floored a car as it is, the analogue experience never gets old. And that noise...
I was lucky enough to have a go in the new car yesterday. Full disclosure: I own a V12 Vantage (the old one with a manual gearbox, and not the snazzy new dogleg affair).
Firstly, the looks, in the metal. As much as I agree that the snout of the new car is disappointing, and the looks depart from the traditional Aston understated cool, it is unquestionably current. It feels like these days active aero with a spattering of fins is a must for the new breed of aspiring sports cars (the ‘millennial’ evolution?) to be taken seriously, and in that context perhaps the designers can be forgiven for indulging in some diffusery splitterisms. Whilst not necessarily enthusing the purists, I’m sure the arguably garish and aggressive looks will have a positive impact on sales from the frankly larger market that the company has to chase to stay competitive.
I used to own a 996 911 (40th anniversary edition - basically a Carrera S with some frills), and once when it was in for a service, the dealer kindly leant me a 991 as a courtesy car. I had it for a long weekend and was hugely impressed and terrified to get back in my car having handed the new version back for fear of being underwhelmed with my relative relic and facing a costly decision. Nobody was more stunned than I was when I pulled out of the car park, and immediately abandoned any thoughts of trading my old banger in for the new one. I’d read about the electrostatic steering and with an arrogant brush-off, assumed it was journalistic snobbery. But having stepped back into an old version, the new one by comparison felt like a very fast Golf. Perfect by many metrics, but very definitely less involving. Hugely capable, but lacking in driver connectivity.
The new Vantage is very different. The steering is wonderfully progressive, with different modes (track etc) offering a noticeable change in feel. The adaptive suspension is a game changer by comparison to the passive setup I’m used to (I can’t speak for the V12 Vantage S system which would no doubt be a better comparison). The throttle response is phenomenal and well judged in all modes with only a hint of lag at some points in the rev range. The interior has put a lot of people off I gather, but it makes my car feel very old, and I actually think it’s pretty great. You feel like a fighter pilot, and that’s always a good thing, isn’t it?
I hate to say it, but I’d take everything about this car over mine, except (and herein lies the importance of the old 911 reference)...
When I got back into my V12 Vantage, it felt dated. The interior looked about a decade old (to be expected I suppose) and the inputs felt clunky. Driving off the forecourt I didn’t have the same sense of joy (/relief) I had when driving away in my old Porsche. Until about 10 seconds later.
The noise...
The Mercedes engine, whilst obviously technically brilliant, felt noticeably soulless by comparison to the old Aston units. It is an AMG engine, and for all the tuning and software trickery Aston Martin have done, the noise and drama is nothing like the old V8 or V12, and I couldn’t get away from the similarity to the Mercs. The crackle and pops on the overrun - textbook AMG, for example. I went straight from the dealer to Mercedes World, and the sounds coming from the various AMG cars circulating were unsurprisingly (and rather disappointingly) familiar. I expect if you put the two side by side the difference would be enough to convince you it’s an Aston, but I can’t get away from the troublesome truth that there isn’t an Aston Martin heart beating beneath the badge that promises Power, Beauty, Soul.
Now, this shouldn’t be an issue. The engine. is more capable. Lighter. Faster. More refined. So why does it matter? It probably doesn’t for most of the people that will be buying these cars. But stepping back into the old car, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the richer and less obnoxious warble through to the soulful wail at higher revs.
Perhaps it’s comparable to watch aficionados who place huge importance on the presence of a ‘manufacture (or in-house) movement’. It makes no difference really. It tells the same time, but it feels like it’s cheating. Better for it, doubtless, the Mercedes engine is wonderful, but you’d always know it’s not quite as it should be.
I drove the car in the wet, and the snazzy new electric diff is impressive and the traction control system is (as before) a necessary safety net. It put an unbelievable amount of power down given the conditions I was in (it has enough of it, that’s for sure) and it feels just bloody brilliant. When I drove the V12 Vantage for the first time I was struck with how much respect it demanded. It would remind you of this whenever you were slightly over-exuberant with your right foot by stepping the tail out and causing a heart rate increasing, buttock clenching moment of adrenaline production. Since the car I was buying would be rarely used, I was thrilled by this prospect. The new car has the same ability to remind you not to drive it like your old 1.1L Ford Fiesta, and if you’re not on your toes, especially in track mode, the little yellow flashy thing on the dash will be a constant companion, especially in the wet. That, for me, is a good thing in a car like this. If you want something foolproof, buy and Audi RS something or other.
The flappy paddle gearbox was great as well. I don’t have a huge amount of experience with them, but it’s the most enjoyable paddle shift I’ve ever used.
In conclusion, I think the new car is excellent. It’s actually shocking how capable and floor-less it is. I would love to own one and hopefully will at some point. It is all the car you will ever need. Will they make a V12 version, and should you wait for that? I’m not sure they need to. The V8 is faster than the ex-range topping V12 Vantage S but with less weight over the nose. Should you wait for the manual? I actually think the paddles suit the car, but having not driven the manual I can’t say. I wonder whether it might be too good as it is though. It’s a more digital car anyway, and I’m not sure a manual gearbox will suit it, but I’m probably wrong.
But (and this is a lovely problem to have), I’m going to have to keep hold of the V12 Vantage, even if I am lucky enough to be able to have one of these new cars. I would miss the V12. As floored a car as it is, the analogue experience never gets old. And that noise...
Interesting read - thanks for posting!
Similar but slightly different angle...
I was at AM Bristol for an annual service of the V8V. They kindly let me test drive a V12VSM. And for the entirety of my driving, I was tagging behind the luminous yellow new Vantage also being test driven.
My only problem was getting over how potentially brutal the V12 is. A thing of true joy!
But above the noise there were times I was aware of the new Vantage’s noise. I have to say it was different but equally breathtaking. I think that statement can also refer to a visual comparison!
I’ve now seen the new model a few times. I love the new car in bright and dark shades. The more I look, the more I see the lineage to the old timer. The interior is busy but captivating... in a great way.
But we have to be careful what we’re comparing. One is the last hoorah of a long-running model. It should be memorable and special. And it very much is, even with all the inherent faults we now consider to be the model’s “personality”.
The other is the very first example of a brand new chapter.
Is it therefore not like comparing the old V8 bruiser from the ‘90’s to the very first 4.3 V8V? If only such forums were around at that point - how we would be reading the same thoughts!
In the millennium, AM must have managed to drop its average customer age by at least a decade. They may just achieve that again before the world’s credit rating runs out. Fingers crossed!
Similar but slightly different angle...
I was at AM Bristol for an annual service of the V8V. They kindly let me test drive a V12VSM. And for the entirety of my driving, I was tagging behind the luminous yellow new Vantage also being test driven.
My only problem was getting over how potentially brutal the V12 is. A thing of true joy!
But above the noise there were times I was aware of the new Vantage’s noise. I have to say it was different but equally breathtaking. I think that statement can also refer to a visual comparison!
I’ve now seen the new model a few times. I love the new car in bright and dark shades. The more I look, the more I see the lineage to the old timer. The interior is busy but captivating... in a great way.
But we have to be careful what we’re comparing. One is the last hoorah of a long-running model. It should be memorable and special. And it very much is, even with all the inherent faults we now consider to be the model’s “personality”.
The other is the very first example of a brand new chapter.
Is it therefore not like comparing the old V8 bruiser from the ‘90’s to the very first 4.3 V8V? If only such forums were around at that point - how we would be reading the same thoughts!
In the millennium, AM must have managed to drop its average customer age by at least a decade. They may just achieve that again before the world’s credit rating runs out. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with the new Vantage. I have not driven one yet, not even wanted to, but your comments on noise do resonate with me. Perhaps the quad sport exhausts will be better.
I have to say I quite like the instrument panel and all the buttons because, whilst there are a lot of them, I would guess that as you drive the car you get used to the few that you will use most of the time.
I have to say I quite like the instrument panel and all the buttons because, whilst there are a lot of them, I would guess that as you drive the car you get used to the few that you will use most of the time.
Thank you for taking the time to post an excellent balanced write-up.
As you will see from the various threads, there have been many opinions voiced on the New Vantage & to say it's divided opinions is the understatement of the year, at least on this forum. There's one thing that can be said without fear of contradiction; it certainly can't be accused of being too similar to any other Aston Martin!
Ultimately the sales figures will be the arbiter & set the tone for the company's future.
me? I can't wait to drive it on 6 Jun 18, quite apt that is also the anniversary of D-Day
As you will see from the various threads, there have been many opinions voiced on the New Vantage & to say it's divided opinions is the understatement of the year, at least on this forum. There's one thing that can be said without fear of contradiction; it certainly can't be accused of being too similar to any other Aston Martin!
Ultimately the sales figures will be the arbiter & set the tone for the company's future.
me? I can't wait to drive it on 6 Jun 18, quite apt that is also the anniversary of D-Day
Edited by HBradley on Monday 30th April 08:41
Thank you for sharing your experience, well written summary. I too find myself in a similar position to you, owning the 6sp V12V that I love and only bought 6 months ago. I have a test drive scheduled for the new vantage when one arrives to Portugal in the upcoming months. I'm looking forward to it, but understand your angle...I had a very similar experience with my Porsche 997TT manual last time it went for service. I was loaned a 991.2TTS for the weekend. I was amazed by the ease of the new car, how bloody fast it was, the spectacular PDK box, its daily driver ability...in the end, when I got back to my old 997TT, I loved it again from the get-go. Wouldn't change. Hoping the same happens with the Aston...would be an expensive problem that I don't need!!
V-12V
You really should post more often
Great review and real world comparisons
I'm lucky enough to be going to a day at the track with the new V8V and DB11 V8 on the 11th of May and eagerly looking forward to it
I love the old school nature of my V8V and the way you know what's it's doing from the seat of your pants
But I'm looking forward to trying the new generation too
Thanks again
Graeme
You really should post more often
Great review and real world comparisons
I'm lucky enough to be going to a day at the track with the new V8V and DB11 V8 on the 11th of May and eagerly looking forward to it
I love the old school nature of my V8V and the way you know what's it's doing from the seat of your pants
But I'm looking forward to trying the new generation too
Thanks again
Graeme
Great review - thanks for posting.
As a V12V owner with a Tesla P100D daily, I certainly recognize some of the comments. Dated interior, lack of refinement, throttle response etc.
I would expect the new car to be objectively better in very way. For me, the more I drive the Tesla - the more I realize that I'm keeping the V12V. Not because its a better car, but because its worse - in all the good ways.
As a V12V owner with a Tesla P100D daily, I certainly recognize some of the comments. Dated interior, lack of refinement, throttle response etc.
I would expect the new car to be objectively better in very way. For me, the more I drive the Tesla - the more I realize that I'm keeping the V12V. Not because its a better car, but because its worse - in all the good ways.
Edited by 12pack on Monday 30th April 14:49
I’d have thought your average Vantage owner has a car at least two or three years before the thought of changing it comes around.
That would put most folk in the position of finding say £70/£80 k to change into a new Vantage.
It might be a very good all round car , it might and most probably is far better to drive than my existing Vantage , but the question I keep on asking myself .
Is it value for money to change into a new one ? .
Not for me it isn’t , there is too much of a gap in the values.
That would put most folk in the position of finding say £70/£80 k to change into a new Vantage.
It might be a very good all round car , it might and most probably is far better to drive than my existing Vantage , but the question I keep on asking myself .
Is it value for money to change into a new one ? .
Not for me it isn’t , there is too much of a gap in the values.
I’m pleased some of you took the time to read some of my self-indulgent ramblings. I suppose writing about the two cars is a way of extending the experience of driving them (something I very much enjoy) and committing that experience to memory. I do pinch myself sometimes, so surprised am I that I’m in a position to be able to own and spend time in these magnificent machines that I could only dream of growing up.
I’m not so surprised that I made an unforgivable and elementary malapropism, and no doubt I will hereafter be remembered amongst the esteemed Pistonheads community as the chump who drives around with his legs dangling out the bottom of his cars. Thanks for pointing that out though RichB - at least I hopefully won’t make the same mistake again. I could do with someone like you reviewing my work emails. No doubt some of my clients have raised eyebrows in the past over similar clangers!
I shall now retreat to my previous and more comfortable position of ‘casual observer’ on this forum to prevent further humiliation!
I hope you all enjoy driving the new car as and when.
I’m not so surprised that I made an unforgivable and elementary malapropism, and no doubt I will hereafter be remembered amongst the esteemed Pistonheads community as the chump who drives around with his legs dangling out the bottom of his cars. Thanks for pointing that out though RichB - at least I hopefully won’t make the same mistake again. I could do with someone like you reviewing my work emails. No doubt some of my clients have raised eyebrows in the past over similar clangers!
I shall now retreat to my previous and more comfortable position of ‘casual observer’ on this forum to prevent further humiliation!
I hope you all enjoy driving the new car as and when.
V12 V - great write up, please keep posting.
Buster 73 - I’m with you. It’s just too much to change. In all honesty, if I was offered a straight swap of a new V8 Vantage for my V12VS, I would turn it down. I’m very happy with what I have.
I think the new car will attract many new buyers to AM rather than us lot, so it’s a job well done really.
Buster 73 - I’m with you. It’s just too much to change. In all honesty, if I was offered a straight swap of a new V8 Vantage for my V12VS, I would turn it down. I’m very happy with what I have.
I think the new car will attract many new buyers to AM rather than us lot, so it’s a job well done really.
TheAlastair34 said:
What are you not liking with the v8v David?
Primarily ride, lack of compliance/comfort. Being jolted up and down and jiggled around in the seat on our less than good country roads gets tiring very quickly and isn’t what people expect of a prestige car, even a sports one.DW.
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