Test drove a V12 Vantage S
Discussion
So I've been cruising these forums for a bit looking into the V12 Vantage S, DBS, and DB9.2. Today I had a chance to test drive a 2015 V12Vs and as my first experience with Aston Martin I thought I'd leave some impressions.
First, the entire reason for looking into Astons of this era is I am looking for a new weekend car that adds a little extra drama compared to the usual suspects. I've had BMW sports cars and recently Porches but despite the great numbers they put up I can't help but feel they are more of a DD type car. The clinical precision of the Porsche in particular got boring fairly quickly despite its incredible capabilities and the frequency you seem them on the road killed the special vibe. I had the final generation of NA Cayman S and considered moving to a newer 911 but one drive in the new turbo motors put me off. So here starts my journey to find a raw N/A screamer to make things a little funner and dramatic.
Engine: Wow, what a stunner.
First it sounded great from literally any RPM. Even cruising at 2k it sounded so great without droning like an obnoxious Mustang. Hard to describe the pitch but it was brutal sounding. Not the race beautiful sound of a Ferrari or the typical American muscle sound. Somewhere in between and unique
The power was killer as well. I didn't thrash it too hard on a test drive but enough to realize there's way more there than could ever by used on a street. There's a lot of cars fast from 0-60 now days... What really caught my attention was how hard it still hit while cruising at 70 on the freeway all the while with zero forced induction lag in any gear. Loved it
Transmission:
Coming from a PDK his was my biggest worry about the car having read about the SS3. If the PDK is a 10/10 this was a 8.5/10 and was a complete non-issue. I think it even fits the character of the car! I drove in auto 80% of the test just to see what it would do and frankly the shifts were nearly as smooth as a PDK 80% of the time. The other 20% (and only upshifts) would have a noticeable small jolt depending on what I did with the throttle at lower speeds but frankly I've had slush boxes that were worse at that. Downshifts were perfect on point every time.
What surprised me was how well it choose each gear as well. Even in standard mode I never felt like it attempted to lug the engine for MPG if that's even possible with this massive motor. It held gears decently even at lower city speeds, always downshifted on point, and held in the turns as you'd expect. Clicking the sport button isn't a requirement every time you start the car to make it drive like it should have from the factory. Overall I thought it was great and was super pleased.
Chassis and Handling.
Coming from the Cayman S which is about as good as it gets at any price this was a tough mark to meet. I didn't push the car hard enough on a test drive to really see the limits or anywhere close to them but it left me with some impressions.
1. Despite it's likely sky high limits it's not quite as confidence inspiring as the Porsche. It felt race car stiff but somehow was missing an ease and grace of the mid engine car. Part of that may have been the fear of knowing it had so much power that messing up on throttle would put you in a ditch which was near impossible in a Cayman.
2. In normal mode it was about as stiff as my standard suspension Cayman. You feel most bumps and feel well controlled but it's not brutal. In sport suspension mode it's VERY noticeably different and frankly too much to deal with on a standard California road. On a nicely paved twisty road it would be wildly good. Extremely flat in the corners.
Interior:
Impressed. This is the sports car line and walking back to my maxed spec BMW 5 series it felt like a Toyota in comparison. I was really interested in how this would play out and completely satisfied. The leather was thick, butter smooth, and everywhere, The alcantera was a notch above several other cars I've seen. It just felt thick and weighted both on the seats and headliner. The center console despite being a little dated felt super high end. It can't be understated the difference real metal knobs and glass buttons have coming from a world of plastic. Even the metal clank of the little cubby/ash tray area was just satisfying. The real carbon fiber was great too and you can really feel the difference. In short, everything just felt very high quality. It's what I expect from a "luxury" car but what's never actually delivered 99% of the time in favor of cost savings with a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, ect.
I didn't mess with the infotainment at all. I just don't care in a sports car and I prefer it be small and out of the way so it doesn't looks like an antique next to my phone,... Literally a brand new car is an antique next to a phone now days anyways.
Exterior:
Looks are subjectives so I'll leave that be. What does catch my attention is once again the quality of everything.
1.The paint is glass smooth with zero orange peel
2. The metal flake was the best I'd ever seen in a metallic silver color
3. I couldn't find a piece of plastic anywhere. Every grille insert, air vent, etc was a real material. Either carbon fiber or some form of metal which just felt and looked high end. I'll sacrifice the extra few pounds for metal for the experience and craftsmanship this car displayed any day.
Overall if left me with the impression of a car that doesn't necessarily score a 10/10 in any category but is a 9/10 in almost all of them which just makes it super fun.
I don't see the engine being outclassed my much other than forced induction but that ruins the character for me anyways... 9/10 and personally a 10/10 for my requirements.
The interior is better than most any luxury car short of a pure luxury car of the same price point... 9/10 but again a 10/10 for my requirements.
The handling didn't feel quite as graceful or effortless as some Porsches but considering you'd never see the real difference outside a track.... 9/10
Overall I'm hooked. I still want to A/B to a DB9 because the extra size would be of use to me with a toddler... But I can't imagine I will buy something other than one of these two cars now. There's just nothing else on the market that ticks the same boxes.
First, the entire reason for looking into Astons of this era is I am looking for a new weekend car that adds a little extra drama compared to the usual suspects. I've had BMW sports cars and recently Porches but despite the great numbers they put up I can't help but feel they are more of a DD type car. The clinical precision of the Porsche in particular got boring fairly quickly despite its incredible capabilities and the frequency you seem them on the road killed the special vibe. I had the final generation of NA Cayman S and considered moving to a newer 911 but one drive in the new turbo motors put me off. So here starts my journey to find a raw N/A screamer to make things a little funner and dramatic.
Engine: Wow, what a stunner.
First it sounded great from literally any RPM. Even cruising at 2k it sounded so great without droning like an obnoxious Mustang. Hard to describe the pitch but it was brutal sounding. Not the race beautiful sound of a Ferrari or the typical American muscle sound. Somewhere in between and unique
The power was killer as well. I didn't thrash it too hard on a test drive but enough to realize there's way more there than could ever by used on a street. There's a lot of cars fast from 0-60 now days... What really caught my attention was how hard it still hit while cruising at 70 on the freeway all the while with zero forced induction lag in any gear. Loved it
Transmission:
Coming from a PDK his was my biggest worry about the car having read about the SS3. If the PDK is a 10/10 this was a 8.5/10 and was a complete non-issue. I think it even fits the character of the car! I drove in auto 80% of the test just to see what it would do and frankly the shifts were nearly as smooth as a PDK 80% of the time. The other 20% (and only upshifts) would have a noticeable small jolt depending on what I did with the throttle at lower speeds but frankly I've had slush boxes that were worse at that. Downshifts were perfect on point every time.
What surprised me was how well it choose each gear as well. Even in standard mode I never felt like it attempted to lug the engine for MPG if that's even possible with this massive motor. It held gears decently even at lower city speeds, always downshifted on point, and held in the turns as you'd expect. Clicking the sport button isn't a requirement every time you start the car to make it drive like it should have from the factory. Overall I thought it was great and was super pleased.
Chassis and Handling.
Coming from the Cayman S which is about as good as it gets at any price this was a tough mark to meet. I didn't push the car hard enough on a test drive to really see the limits or anywhere close to them but it left me with some impressions.
1. Despite it's likely sky high limits it's not quite as confidence inspiring as the Porsche. It felt race car stiff but somehow was missing an ease and grace of the mid engine car. Part of that may have been the fear of knowing it had so much power that messing up on throttle would put you in a ditch which was near impossible in a Cayman.
2. In normal mode it was about as stiff as my standard suspension Cayman. You feel most bumps and feel well controlled but it's not brutal. In sport suspension mode it's VERY noticeably different and frankly too much to deal with on a standard California road. On a nicely paved twisty road it would be wildly good. Extremely flat in the corners.
Interior:
Impressed. This is the sports car line and walking back to my maxed spec BMW 5 series it felt like a Toyota in comparison. I was really interested in how this would play out and completely satisfied. The leather was thick, butter smooth, and everywhere, The alcantera was a notch above several other cars I've seen. It just felt thick and weighted both on the seats and headliner. The center console despite being a little dated felt super high end. It can't be understated the difference real metal knobs and glass buttons have coming from a world of plastic. Even the metal clank of the little cubby/ash tray area was just satisfying. The real carbon fiber was great too and you can really feel the difference. In short, everything just felt very high quality. It's what I expect from a "luxury" car but what's never actually delivered 99% of the time in favor of cost savings with a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, ect.
I didn't mess with the infotainment at all. I just don't care in a sports car and I prefer it be small and out of the way so it doesn't looks like an antique next to my phone,... Literally a brand new car is an antique next to a phone now days anyways.
Exterior:
Looks are subjectives so I'll leave that be. What does catch my attention is once again the quality of everything.
1.The paint is glass smooth with zero orange peel
2. The metal flake was the best I'd ever seen in a metallic silver color
3. I couldn't find a piece of plastic anywhere. Every grille insert, air vent, etc was a real material. Either carbon fiber or some form of metal which just felt and looked high end. I'll sacrifice the extra few pounds for metal for the experience and craftsmanship this car displayed any day.
Overall if left me with the impression of a car that doesn't necessarily score a 10/10 in any category but is a 9/10 in almost all of them which just makes it super fun.
I don't see the engine being outclassed my much other than forced induction but that ruins the character for me anyways... 9/10 and personally a 10/10 for my requirements.
The interior is better than most any luxury car short of a pure luxury car of the same price point... 9/10 but again a 10/10 for my requirements.
The handling didn't feel quite as graceful or effortless as some Porsches but considering you'd never see the real difference outside a track.... 9/10
Overall I'm hooked. I still want to A/B to a DB9 because the extra size would be of use to me with a toddler... But I can't imagine I will buy something other than one of these two cars now. There's just nothing else on the market that ticks the same boxes.
I agree its a superb car, well made with a lot of special touches. If you like the gearbox as well then that's it.
I have had plenty of Porsches and imo they are not like the Aston nowhere near as special as you have just found out.
Nowadays if you what a proper Porsche it has to be a GT car the others are just a step up from a BMW.
Have you seen how many 992,s are now for sale?
Edited to say Top555 have a nice one.
https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
I have had plenty of Porsches and imo they are not like the Aston nowhere near as special as you have just found out.
Nowadays if you what a proper Porsche it has to be a GT car the others are just a step up from a BMW.
Have you seen how many 992,s are now for sale?
Edited to say Top555 have a nice one.
https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
Edited by cayman-black on Sunday 29th December 09:56
Good write up I recent traded mine to move to a Mclaren (maybe I'm nuts!), did about 8k miles in mine in 18 months, car was v reliable and a pleasure to own also universally liked by the general public. I think the noise of that V12 between 2500 and 4k revs in particular is one of the best car sounds ever, layered and baritone superb really. Not sure if it helps but mine was a 2015 plate with 27k miles with loads of carbon, dealer I traded with had it on for £70k and it sold within 10 days.
Timely thread. I just put a deposit down on this https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
Craig said:
Timely thread. I just put a deposit down on this https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
Congrats CraigIt's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
you wont be disappointed!
although you will notice they handle differently (minor adjustments required) but all that torque makes up for it
Graze
Craig said:
Timely thread. I just put a deposit down on this https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
Congratulations Craig , stunning car . Did you check their grey one out? Never heard a bad word about Top555.It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
Craig said:
Timely thread. I just put a deposit down on this https://www.top555.co.uk/stock/details/Aston-Marti...
It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
I think I know the previous owner, was it on SOR? If it is the car I think it is then it has been well cared for and only sold due to a change of circumstances.It's in fantastic condition and the guys at Top555 have been great so far
I had an N420 manual and always thought I'd want a manual V12V but I never rated the gearbox on the V8 and as the S has come down to similar prices to the 6 speed manuals I thought I'd give it a go - I liked the idea of the adjustable dampers on our poorly surfaced roads along with it being further developed over the original model (its purely for weekend use btw)
Look forward to it arriving after the front end has been 'filmed'
Congratulations.
OP - great write up, really hitting all the key points bang on.
I’d only add this: on first acquaintance I also though the gear shifts in D were fine, but the longer you spend with the car the more you notice that they are quite slow. Especially compared to the paddle shifting, which I use all the time now, even in heavy urban traffic. Did your dealer give you the “paddle/pedal” talk (flick the paddle and then just feather the throttle slightly)? Makes quite a different to the smoothness of the shifts.
Other than that, if you’re in the market for one I’d recommend sampling the carbon fibre backed lightweight seats. They are relatively rare, but give better support at shoulder level, and are fantastically comfortable. You can’t have them with heating though, if that’s an issue.
On the infotainment, some cars can have CarPlay retro fitted, which can keep the infotainment in step with your phone.
Tyres: Michelin PS4s are the ones to get I am told. I have the non-Corsa Pirellis, which I do not rate.
The only downside with these cars is wondering whether petrol stations will start to thin out over the next ten years.
I’d only add this: on first acquaintance I also though the gear shifts in D were fine, but the longer you spend with the car the more you notice that they are quite slow. Especially compared to the paddle shifting, which I use all the time now, even in heavy urban traffic. Did your dealer give you the “paddle/pedal” talk (flick the paddle and then just feather the throttle slightly)? Makes quite a different to the smoothness of the shifts.
Other than that, if you’re in the market for one I’d recommend sampling the carbon fibre backed lightweight seats. They are relatively rare, but give better support at shoulder level, and are fantastically comfortable. You can’t have them with heating though, if that’s an issue.
On the infotainment, some cars can have CarPlay retro fitted, which can keep the infotainment in step with your phone.
Tyres: Michelin PS4s are the ones to get I am told. I have the non-Corsa Pirellis, which I do not rate.
The only downside with these cars is wondering whether petrol stations will start to thin out over the next ten years.
BlackTails said:
OP - great write up, really hitting all the key points bang on.
I’d only add this: on first acquaintance I also though the gear shifts in D were fine, but the longer you spend with the car the more you notice that they are quite slow. Especially compared to the paddle shifting, which I use all the time now, even in heavy urban traffic. Did your dealer give you the “paddle/pedal” talk (flick the paddle and then just feather the throttle slightly)? Makes quite a different to the smoothness of the shifts.
Other than that, if you’re in the market for one I’d recommend sampling the carbon fibre backed lightweight seats. They are relatively rare, but give better support at shoulder level, and are fantastically comfortable. You can’t have them with heating though, if that’s an issue.
On the infotainment, some cars can have CarPlay retro fitted, which can keep the infotainment in step with your phone.
Tyres: Michelin PS4s are the ones to get I am told. I have the non-Corsa Pirellis, which I do not rate.
The only downside with these cars is wondering whether petrol stations will start to thin out over the next ten years.
Great thread.I’d only add this: on first acquaintance I also though the gear shifts in D were fine, but the longer you spend with the car the more you notice that they are quite slow. Especially compared to the paddle shifting, which I use all the time now, even in heavy urban traffic. Did your dealer give you the “paddle/pedal” talk (flick the paddle and then just feather the throttle slightly)? Makes quite a different to the smoothness of the shifts.
Other than that, if you’re in the market for one I’d recommend sampling the carbon fibre backed lightweight seats. They are relatively rare, but give better support at shoulder level, and are fantastically comfortable. You can’t have them with heating though, if that’s an issue.
On the infotainment, some cars can have CarPlay retro fitted, which can keep the infotainment in step with your phone.
Tyres: Michelin PS4s are the ones to get I am told. I have the non-Corsa Pirellis, which I do not rate.
The only downside with these cars is wondering whether petrol stations will start to thin out over the next ten years.
Agree LW seats and Definitely PS4s.
Currently still on Corsa’s on V12s but previous 4s on V8 night and day after change.
BlackTails said:
Tyres: Michelin PS4s are the ones to get I am told. I have the non-Corsa Pirellis, which I do not rate.
Another thumbs up for PS4Ss, plus getting the alignment checked. Mine was all over the place on all four corners. Now it’s like having a new car, and an even better one at that. Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff