Discussion
Hi all.
This is just an introduction (from a long time lurker) plus some totally subjective comments.
I did not set out to buy a Vantage.
Last summer it seemed that my restoration projects had stalled, and I really wanted something special to drive, but what? Since my automotive interests have mainly been in older cars, I had a very limited idea of what was available. I visited showrooms for Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Morgan (yes,really) and of course there were many cars that should have tempted me, but not so. In a previous year I had admired a friends DB9 at a car meet, but it seemed a little too 'elegant' for me. Still, it was enough to lure me to the AM dealer. And I fell for the Vantage at first sight. Strangely enough I cannot remember that I have ever seen one on the road. They are not that common here.
At that first visit think I spent 5 hours looking,sitting,feeling,walking around the car and acting like a complete fool.The dealer probably knew a mark when he saw one.
I have seen the advice -don't drive the V12- but I didn't even get that far. My decision was made when I opened the bonnet of a V12 - WOW,EMOTION!. That's what I want to see when I check the oil. It gave me the same feeling I used to get when I was much younger and the cars of your dreams had beautiful engines with polished cam covers and a full set of Webers. Of course a test drive confirmed the decision.
So now I knew what I wanted, and I knew I did NOT want a black car and I did NOT want lipstick. My original intention was to order a car in time for the 2016 summer. This would allow me sufficient time to decide on options and colour. But that plan failed when I saw the MY16 interior changes.
One of the reasons I fell for the Vantage was the beautiful interior, which in some way reminded me of how sports car interiors used to be. And now they had deleted the clock! A gentleman’s car should definitely have an analogue clock. Right? And I do not like touch controls in a car.
So MY16 was out, and it was to late to order a MY15. But then I had a bit of luck when a dealer specced Cobalt Blue beauty was available. This also meant that I was spared the trouble of choosing between eleventyseven different shades of silver. As I understand it, this particular car was originally intended for the 2015 Shanghai motor show.
I have not driven many miles yet, but have loved every second. One thing I personally liked was that AM improved the low-end torque on the V12S. It lets me enjoy the acceleration and the 'kick in the back' without using max revs (and breaking every speed limit).
Now I'm just waiting for winter storage to end.
I'm told pictures are obligatory. I think some comments on common topics may also be appropriate. So....
Sportshift -- I like it! Yes,absolutely! I enjoy using it. And it definitely shifts faster and smoother than I ever could. And, as someone here pointed out, it's a really good idea to keep both hands on the steering wheel when your right foot feels heavy. I always use the paddles, and in my opinion the D-mode is totally pointless. Why try (with so-so result) to automate something that only requires a flick of a finger by the driver. AM would have been spared many negative comments if they replaced the D-button with a pen holder.
Lightweight seats -- The first Vantage I tested had them, and they felt really great when you slid into them. And after 10 minutes they still felt great. But after 20 minutes I wanted out. Think straitjacket. Definitely not for me.
SatNav -- I usually know where I'm going so I have no real opinion on usability. But it warns me about speed cameras when I exceed the limit. And even if I dislike gimmicks in a car, I must admit I found that feature really useful.
Headlight condensation -- yes. But I'm working on that.
Premium audio -- IMHO it has a beautiful sound. And I must admit I have sat in the car in the garage and listened to some favourite tracks. But as soon as you start the engine and drive away, the sound quality becomes almost meaningless.
(Please excuse the quality of the pictures and the comments. The third picture will no post?)
This is just an introduction (from a long time lurker) plus some totally subjective comments.
I did not set out to buy a Vantage.
Last summer it seemed that my restoration projects had stalled, and I really wanted something special to drive, but what? Since my automotive interests have mainly been in older cars, I had a very limited idea of what was available. I visited showrooms for Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Morgan (yes,really) and of course there were many cars that should have tempted me, but not so. In a previous year I had admired a friends DB9 at a car meet, but it seemed a little too 'elegant' for me. Still, it was enough to lure me to the AM dealer. And I fell for the Vantage at first sight. Strangely enough I cannot remember that I have ever seen one on the road. They are not that common here.
At that first visit think I spent 5 hours looking,sitting,feeling,walking around the car and acting like a complete fool.The dealer probably knew a mark when he saw one.
I have seen the advice -don't drive the V12- but I didn't even get that far. My decision was made when I opened the bonnet of a V12 - WOW,EMOTION!. That's what I want to see when I check the oil. It gave me the same feeling I used to get when I was much younger and the cars of your dreams had beautiful engines with polished cam covers and a full set of Webers. Of course a test drive confirmed the decision.
So now I knew what I wanted, and I knew I did NOT want a black car and I did NOT want lipstick. My original intention was to order a car in time for the 2016 summer. This would allow me sufficient time to decide on options and colour. But that plan failed when I saw the MY16 interior changes.
One of the reasons I fell for the Vantage was the beautiful interior, which in some way reminded me of how sports car interiors used to be. And now they had deleted the clock! A gentleman’s car should definitely have an analogue clock. Right? And I do not like touch controls in a car.
So MY16 was out, and it was to late to order a MY15. But then I had a bit of luck when a dealer specced Cobalt Blue beauty was available. This also meant that I was spared the trouble of choosing between eleventyseven different shades of silver. As I understand it, this particular car was originally intended for the 2015 Shanghai motor show.
I have not driven many miles yet, but have loved every second. One thing I personally liked was that AM improved the low-end torque on the V12S. It lets me enjoy the acceleration and the 'kick in the back' without using max revs (and breaking every speed limit).
Now I'm just waiting for winter storage to end.
I'm told pictures are obligatory. I think some comments on common topics may also be appropriate. So....
Sportshift -- I like it! Yes,absolutely! I enjoy using it. And it definitely shifts faster and smoother than I ever could. And, as someone here pointed out, it's a really good idea to keep both hands on the steering wheel when your right foot feels heavy. I always use the paddles, and in my opinion the D-mode is totally pointless. Why try (with so-so result) to automate something that only requires a flick of a finger by the driver. AM would have been spared many negative comments if they replaced the D-button with a pen holder.
Lightweight seats -- The first Vantage I tested had them, and they felt really great when you slid into them. And after 10 minutes they still felt great. But after 20 minutes I wanted out. Think straitjacket. Definitely not for me.
SatNav -- I usually know where I'm going so I have no real opinion on usability. But it warns me about speed cameras when I exceed the limit. And even if I dislike gimmicks in a car, I must admit I found that feature really useful.
Headlight condensation -- yes. But I'm working on that.
Premium audio -- IMHO it has a beautiful sound. And I must admit I have sat in the car in the garage and listened to some favourite tracks. But as soon as you start the engine and drive away, the sound quality becomes almost meaningless.
(Please excuse the quality of the pictures and the comments. The third picture will no post?)
Beautiful - great choice
agaton12 said:
Hi all.
visited showrooms for Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Morgan (yes,really) and of course there were many cars that should have tempted me, but not so.
Did you consider a 458? Curious because if I ever decided to not have a manual (sciatica!) I was wondering which the best driver's car would be and that was my alternate choice.visited showrooms for Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Morgan (yes,really) and of course there were many cars that should have tempted me, but not so.
Flugplatz said:
Stunning car!!! 
I think the V12VS is a unique blend of old and new that no other manufacturer offers.
Completely agree with Flugplatz! Congratulations, your car looks beautiful in that colour. I only disagree regarding lightweight seats, for me the V12V/VS needs to have them, although I agree not all bodytypes will fit.I think the V12VS is a unique blend of old and new that no other manufacturer offers.
CSK1 said:
Completely agree with Flugplatz! Congratulations, your car looks beautiful in that colour. I only disagree regarding lightweight seats, for me the V12V/VS needs to have them, although I agree not all bodytypes will fit.
I would have preferred the lightweights being tall and lightweight myself however the standard sports seat is super comfortable and Im enjoying the electrics and heating Thank you all for the kind comments.
Anyway, I'm certain that for all of the cars that I tried it is my driving skills that sets the limit, not the cars capabilities. And although I know I definitely prefer the looks of the Vantage, I cannot explain why it feels so much better to drive than the others. Maybe the 'feel good factor' (very hard to quantify) that is often mentioned in the Book?
t0s said:
Did you consider a 458? Curious because if I ever decided to not have a manual (sciatica!) I was wondering which the best driver's car would be and that was my alternate choice.
Yes I did try the 458, but no 'must have' feeling materialized.Anyway, I'm certain that for all of the cars that I tried it is my driving skills that sets the limit, not the cars capabilities. And although I know I definitely prefer the looks of the Vantage, I cannot explain why it feels so much better to drive than the others. Maybe the 'feel good factor' (very hard to quantify) that is often mentioned in the Book?
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