V12 Vantage Reviews MY 22

[Minglar]

nathwraith1 said:

Seems it suffers from similar issues that the F1 Edition did.

Just too stiff for the road. The road noise seems high simply from the background audio of the reviews. Nice to see it can deploy the power effectively. Something the DB11 V12 & DBS struggle with.

I think Aston missed a trick by limiting production to 333 and by making them a £100K premium over the regular V8.

Could of priced it £50K more and made it unlimited and they would of sold so much more.

For circa £250K a DBS SL is the Aston to go for and that suffers from being poor value compared to the DB11 top imo.

Makes you wonder what they could do if they stuck the DBX 707 version of the V8 in the V12 vantage chassis.

New Vantage S anyone?

Edited by nathwraith1 on Wednesday 11th May 16:02

I think you’re spot on. So many on here, including me, were put off by the significant price premium over F1 Edition, and I said a while ago I found it hard to see how AM could justify the price difference, apart from the exclusivity factor. I guess it’s ultimately the kudos of having a V12, and the engine in DB11/DBSS is the only one they have available unless they commit the ultimate sin and take a Mercedes/AMG one instead! I still think it’s poor that DBX707 has more power and has a lower 0-60 time than V12 Vantage, yet costs close to £100,000 less. I very much doubt they will use the 707 engine in Vantage but who knows what will happen if the 2023 updates actually appear. If they had gone down the route you suggested, and slotted Vantage 707 (let’s call it Vantage S, and an unlimited production run) in between DB11 and DBSS I may have been tempted. I still think circa £300,000 for this V12 Vantage is somewhat rich, but good luck to those who have one coming.

Best Regards

Minglar

[AstonV]

oilit said:

The ph review is also up - similarly negative, but AM have apparently sold them all so mission accomplished.

Isn’t that what AP said about the latest Vantage when it was released? All sold out! Dealers will have them in the showrooms.
.

[LTP]

nickv12 said:

TopGear video review now also out: https://youtu.be/NFuyZwrFMX8

Of the Evo, Carfection and TopGear video reviews, there are several contradictory reviewer notes:

Evo: seats, gearshift and suspension harshness no good

Carfection and TopGear: seats and gearbox are fine, softest chassis setting just about OK for roads

Their greatest challenge, directly stated in the TopGear video appears to be the lingering memory of the previous V12 Vantage.

Personally, I would spec the new V12 Vantage more elegantly and ask kindly if they could soften the suspension off. Then you have a very solid GT.

Or go all-out and spec a GT12 “homage”. But that’s largely the spec of the red pre-production car in the video which may be best left on a track.

In my mind, there are two easy model levels in this one release.

I do wonder whether the issues over the seats reflect the build of the driver - Catchpole, who likes them, is skinny like an F1 driver whereas Sutcliffe, who doesn't so much, seems a little more "well upholstered".

As for the harshness of the ride that some pick up on. If only Aston Martin had a chassis tuning wizard, someone used to making a car ride and handle without resorting to rock hard suspension. You know - someone like Matt Becker....oh, wait.

[Ninja59]

AstonV said:

Isn’t that what AP said about the latest Vantage when it was released? All sold out! Dealers will have them in the showrooms.
.

Depends when I spoke to one dealer they were only getting one....

I don't think many are destined for the UK market.

[Finding Neutral]

LTP said:

I do wonder whether the issues over the seats reflect the build of the driver - Catchpole, who likes them, is skinny like an F1 driver whereas Sutcliffe, who doesn't so much, seems a little more "well upholstered".

As for the harshness of the ride that some pick up on. If only Aston Martin had a chassis tuning wizard, someone used to making a car ride and handle without resorting to rock hard suspension. You know - someone like Matt Becker....oh, wait.

Tbf, a few of Mclarens guys are now at Aston. Some well known bods. So it should… handle

[BenAstonV12]

Interesting, definitely some very different takes on the new V12.

"That’s because the 2023 V12 Vantage is destined to be a classic Aston Martin. There won’t be another small Aston with a V12 under the bonnet, and the engine itself is unlikely to stay in production beyond 2026 or 2027."

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022-aston-mar...

Some of the criticism from some car journalists seems to be a version of, "This isn't the old V12 Vantage that I was expecting it to be therefore I don't like it". Yeah, of course it isn't! I think Aston Martin suffers more than most car manufacturers from nostalgia for some golden era that limits people's ability to see and appreciate any new/modern cars as anything other than failed breaks with the past (always imagined as if those previous cars weren't themselves criticized at the time of their release too).

[AstonV]

BenAstonV12 said:

Interesting, definitely some very different takes on the new V12.

"That’s because the 2023 V12 Vantage is destined to be a classic Aston Martin. There won’t be another small Aston with a V12 under the bonnet, and the engine itself is unlikely to stay in production beyond 2026 or 2027."

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022-aston-mar...

Some of the criticism from some car journalists seems to be a version of, "This isn't the old V12 Vantage that I was expecting it to be therefore I don't like it". Yeah, of course it isn't! I think Aston Martin suffers more than most car manufacturers from nostalgia for some golden era that limits people's ability to see and appreciate any new/modern cars as anything other than failed breaks with the past (always imagined as if those previous cars weren't themselves criticized at the time of their release too).

I disagree. Most journalists had orgasms when reviewing the new AMG 4.0 powered Vantage several years ago.

[Octavarium]

BenAstonV12 said:

Interesting, definitely some very different takes on the new V12.

"That’s because the 2023 V12 Vantage is destined to be a classic Aston Martin. There won’t be another small Aston with a V12 under the bonnet, and the engine itself is unlikely to stay in production beyond 2026 or 2027."

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022-aston-mar...

Some of the criticism from some car journalists seems to be a version of, "This isn't the old V12 Vantage that I was expecting it to be therefore I don't like it". Yeah, of course it isn't! I think Aston Martin suffers more than most car manufacturers from nostalgia for some golden era that limits people's ability to see and appreciate any new/modern cars as anything other than failed breaks with the past (always imagined as if those previous cars weren't themselves criticized at the time of their release too).

Prepare for some incoming flak Ben. Best to get your tin hat dusted off and primed to wear

[originals]

Finding Neutral said:

Tbf, a few of Mclarens guys are now at Aston.

That must be why it sounds crap then...

[woodsypedia]

This is such a shame - but I suspect they've probably tried too hard to engineer a lot of AMG into this - maybe too forcefully.

I can't believe anyone would take one of these over and above the original V12 Vantage 6 Speed.

Chris.

[Jon39]

BenAstonV12 said:

.... (always imagined as if those previous cars weren't themselves criticized at the time of their release too).

Not so. There was an Aston Martin model that was so popular when unveiled at a motor show, that dealers were besieged by customers wanting to place an order, even though the car was not available to see. Some dealers even closed their order books. It was all to do with the stunning design.

[AstonV]

Octavarium said:

BenAstonV12 said:

Interesting, definitely some very different takes on the new V12.

"That’s because the 2023 V12 Vantage is destined to be a classic Aston Martin. There won’t be another small Aston with a V12 under the bonnet, and the engine itself is unlikely to stay in production beyond 2026 or 2027."

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022-aston-mar...

Some of the criticism from some car journalists seems to be a version of, "This isn't the old V12 Vantage that I was expecting it to be therefore I don't like it". Yeah, of course it isn't! I think Aston Martin suffers more than most car manufacturers from nostalgia for some golden era that limits people's ability to see and appreciate any new/modern cars as anything other than failed breaks with the past (always imagined as if those previous cars weren't themselves criticized at the time of their release too).

Prepare for some incoming flak Ben. Best to get your tin hat dusted off and primed to wear

[BenAstonV12]

Thanks for the warning Octavarium!

I think the new Vantage is a great car... yet it gets disparaged as not a "real" Aston and just an Merc in disguise unlike the "real" older Astons, the front is just like a Miata (so much so Aston were forced to redesign it), the tech sucks and so on.

Fascinated by the variation in how the new V12 is being described.

According to Steve Sutcliffe the new car is barely drivable on the road, Aston got the dampers all wrong and in fact the V12 is better on the track, yet we also have this:

"Despite sitting on stiffer springs than its V-8 sibling (Aston quotes rates that are firmer by 50 percent at the front and 40 percent at the rear), the V12 Vantage still feels impressively pliant over bumpy surfaces. Even the adjustable dampers' Track setting doesn't feel overly harsh for road use."

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a39957259/202...

Maybe it's possible to have a great V12 road car, that can be used as a GT and occasionally track and that's a strength not weakness? Price and aesthetics will always be a point of debate I guess. I think the colour choices will determine how well each car looks in the end.

Edited by BenAstonV12 on Wednesday 11th May 22:50

Edited by BenAstonV12 on Wednesday 11th May 23:09

[Beckson]

I'm thankful they are all sold, but still seems odd for such as cash strapped company to make such a low limit. surely they could sell 600-700 over the next 12 months or whatever?

Also seems dumb to not plan for a "s", "gt12", and other versions before the v12 is canned...

[BenAstonV12]

"The V12 Vantage makes a big step on track versus the regular V8-powered Vantage and F1 Edition, and that’s both in terms of easy stuff like straight-line speed as well as the trickier matter of making a heavier, torquier monster like this go round corners and put down its prodigious power. It’s also thrilling as a Sunday B-road kind of car, but a more extreme character makes it inevitably more compromised for everyday driving as a result. Ultimately the F1 Edition’s abilities are broader, allowing it to feel the happier and more useable machine for most driving, but the V12 burns brighter on track and during more committed road driving. A suitably fizzy way to bow out, then, both for the V12 and for Mr Moers".

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/aston-ma...

[Minglar]

Beckson said:

I'm thankful they are all sold, but still seems odd for such as cash strapped company to make such a low limit. surely they could sell 600-700 over the next 12 months or whatever?

Also seems dumb to not plan for a "s", "gt12", and other versions before the v12 is canned...

Personally I doubt very much this will be the last, end of, final V12 Vantage. If you take a look at the other thread running on here there was plenty of speculation that a Roadster version will follow at some point. I guess if it were to happen AM would be wise to wait a while before announcing it though. As an aside, Ben do you have one on order? Or are you here just to keep highlighting all the good bits?!!

Best Regards

Minglar

[AstonV]

Minglar said:

Beckson said:

I'm thankful they are all sold, but still seems odd for such as cash strapped company to make such a low limit. surely they could sell 600-700 over the next 12 months or whatever?

Also seems dumb to not plan for a "s", "gt12", and other versions before the v12 is canned...

Personally I doubt very much this will be the last, end of, final V12 Vantage. If you take a look at the other thread running on here there was plenty of speculation that a Roadster version will follow at some point. I guess if it were to happen AM would be wise to wait a while before announcing it though. As an aside, Ben do you have one on order? Or are you here just to keep highlighting all the good bits?!!

Best Regards

Minglar

And if you remember Jeremy Clarkson’s review of the first of the last V12 Vantage he was sad it would probably be one of the last great ones. But fortunately it wasn’t. Wonderful video though.

So you are no doubt correct. If the market is there, production will continue.

Money no object I’d still take the NA V12 Vantage everyday of the week and twice in Sunday over this one.

It may be more track oriented, it I wager a tiny fraction will ever see the track.

[nathwraith1]

The new V12 Vantage doesn’t scream track car to me. Chunky weight and limited production means it probably will never see a track outside of a special owners day perhaps.

The F1 and regular V8 will make far better occasional track cars.

Bit ironic me talking about weight when I’ve taken my DBX (2.3t) & NSX(1.75t) on track

Those lightweight manual carbon seats are an option on the F1 coupe and roadster now. I asked about them and the sales team said not to bother unless you are going on track mainly as they aren’t super comfortable. At least they were honest!

Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 12th May 11:55

[cayman-black]

woodsypedia said:

This is such a shame - but I suspect they've probably tried too hard to engineer a lot of AMG into this - maybe too forcefully.

I can't believe anyone would take one of these over and above the original V12 Vantage 6 Speed.

Chris.

Or over an F12, no way.


All sold? Hmm.

[volvodrummer]

Recent articles have stated that the 5.2 TT V12 is to be used until '26/'27. If this '23 V12 is the "last" and the DBS is to be "refreshed" next year I wonder what they'll be sticking it in next?