V12V on its way...

[damianke]

Hi, All

I've had a decent range of Astons over the years; starting with two DB7s, progressing through three DB9s and a DBS. After a year or so out, I came back with an N420 which is about to be replaced by a V12V Carbon Black (are they all CB?; it seems like it sometimes!). We've had the N420 a year and done 8,000 miles in it, including a trip down through France to Nice. Love; the practicality of the hatch, the pointedness of the steering, the noise, and way it defaults to Sport all the time, which is its optimum setting. Really quite dislike; the POS gearbox (SS), the ride quality sometimes, and the POS gearbox. Again. I just can't live with that, so it's now manual or TT for me.

I expected to go back to a DBS but Stratstone's had a V12V, manual, in and so I thought I'd try it to just to knock it off the list. I thought it would be too harsh, full-on, awkward gearshift and generally a bit of a pain to live with potentially. Wrong. So wrong… I loved everything about it. Fast as you can imagine, but civilised, comfortable, great to live with. Press Sport when pushing on and have your own Star Trek moment as the horizon leaps towards you. Brilliant. The missus loved it and it's coming this weekend. Now I can see what the V12V owners on PH keep banging on about.

Pics when it arrives, obvs.

[cayman-black]

Congrats! Look forward to the pictures.

[CSK1]

Congrats on your purchase. I'd be interested to have your views on how it compares to the DBS you owned.

[Jon1967x]

I presume Stratstone Wilmslow? I was looking at the pair of DBS' they had in stock (only thinking of getting one but just a tad too old (model year, not age as such) for me.

[paddy328]

Well done that man. Love the carbon v12.

[damianke]

Yes Wilmslow. I agree the two DBSs are a bit old. V much DBS 1.0.

[paddy328]

As too are the old folk that drive them on here.....

[Little Donkey]

paddy328 said:

As too are the old folk that drive them on here.....

Stupid boy.

[paddy328]

haha. prove me wrong and buy the shouty car.

[Padley69]

Congratulations. With your Aston experience, it would be great to hear what you think about the V12V and how it compares to your previous Astons to live with after you've got a few miles under your wheels.
BTW - have you got the lightweight seats?

[damianke]

No, just fatboy seats. Winter wheels and tyres though; don't fancy the Corsas in the slush and general cold and wet of a Manchester winter. Cue southern comments of how in any way that is different to a Manchester summer….

[JACK6284]

I have had my V12V for six months now and its been great. My only issue is a very cold knob! I refuse to wear driving gloves as I might have to buy a pipe and extra slippers too. I have been trying to use my car more that my previous V8 Vantage but this knob is so cold in use.

I have found an alternative but I don't know if it will actually fit/work. I must speak to the service department at Grange and find out.

http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v12-vant...

[DB9VolanteDriver]

JACK6284 said:

I have had my V12V for six months now and its been great. My only issue is a very cold knob! I refuse to wear driving gloves as I might have to buy a pipe and extra slippers too. I have been trying to use my car more that my previous V8 Vantage but this knob is so cold in use.

I have found an alternative but I don't know if it will actually fit/work. I must speak to the service department at Grange and find out.

http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v12-vant...

Here's my knob. No cold alloy for me.

[J12MOC]

JACK6284 said:

I have had my V12V for six months now and its been great. My only issue is a very cold knob!

No no this is a cold knob......

[cayman-black]

[Grant3]

Nice choice (the V12V not the snow phallic!!) and looking forward to the photos... with added sports car genes you'll find more of an urge to simply take the beastie out for a Sunday morning blast...... enjoy

[damianke]

Pics as promised. Winter wheels and tyres to come, and will post a review once I've driven it a bit more. Too icy and snowy over the weekend to do much.

[paddy328]

Could do with a polish ;-)

Seriously though, great car and I hope you get loads of enjoyment from it.

[cayman-black]

Hmm That does look good. Enjoy.

[JACK6284]

Very nice indeed. I took mine round to Heathrow yesterday to pick up the GF and its was a bit skittish through the back lanes but fine on the M25.

Enjoy