Aston Martin F1 edition
Discussion
Hi All,
I was fortunate enough to try one of these today. Some on here may remember I tried a DB9 some time ago (and let’s just say I didn’t like it very much - although it was a poor example of one).
However this Vantage F1 edition is absolutely amazing. It looks cool, handles well, goes well and sounds absolutely epic!
I’m confused as to why it doesn’t have more 5 star ratings. It’s genuinely brilliant.
The steering wheel position is fantastic and even simple stuff, like your elbows resting at the same height on the armrests with your hands at quarter past three position is spot on. It makes it a car that you can drive for miles without any issues. The steering feel is excellent, giving just enough information about what the front wheels are doing and it loads up very nicely.
It has a decent size boot, so you could reasonably use it for long trips or just nipping to the shops. But that engine is spectacular! It sounds incredible, works beautifully with that ZF Auto and the pace is simply astounding, more importantly, you’d never know it was a turbo. Just feels and sounds like a very tractable naturally aspirated engine.
The seats are very comfy - it’s just a very well-resolved car but most importantly, the interior now feels special. The last Aston I drove felt a bit “low rent” but this one feels special. Not too sure about the shape of the steering wheel, but because of how I drive it doesn’t bother me too much. But that’s pretty much the only real criticism I have. The car is quite simply one of the best I’ve driven and I’ve owned and driven some very nice cars in my time. I’m amazed you don’t see them everywhere. I’d love to take it on track and really see what it can do. But as a car to drive to a race track, hoof around on track and drive home again, it’s right up there amongst the best of them (and I’ve owned a 911 GT3). But you could also tackle a European trip too! The price point is punchy but I genuinely think it’s worth it. I know Aston has had some problems and it’s a shame to see high profile people like Matt Becker leaving but I really, really want one! What a wonderful motorcar!
I was fortunate enough to try one of these today. Some on here may remember I tried a DB9 some time ago (and let’s just say I didn’t like it very much - although it was a poor example of one).
However this Vantage F1 edition is absolutely amazing. It looks cool, handles well, goes well and sounds absolutely epic!
I’m confused as to why it doesn’t have more 5 star ratings. It’s genuinely brilliant.
The steering wheel position is fantastic and even simple stuff, like your elbows resting at the same height on the armrests with your hands at quarter past three position is spot on. It makes it a car that you can drive for miles without any issues. The steering feel is excellent, giving just enough information about what the front wheels are doing and it loads up very nicely.
It has a decent size boot, so you could reasonably use it for long trips or just nipping to the shops. But that engine is spectacular! It sounds incredible, works beautifully with that ZF Auto and the pace is simply astounding, more importantly, you’d never know it was a turbo. Just feels and sounds like a very tractable naturally aspirated engine.
The seats are very comfy - it’s just a very well-resolved car but most importantly, the interior now feels special. The last Aston I drove felt a bit “low rent” but this one feels special. Not too sure about the shape of the steering wheel, but because of how I drive it doesn’t bother me too much. But that’s pretty much the only real criticism I have. The car is quite simply one of the best I’ve driven and I’ve owned and driven some very nice cars in my time. I’m amazed you don’t see them everywhere. I’d love to take it on track and really see what it can do. But as a car to drive to a race track, hoof around on track and drive home again, it’s right up there amongst the best of them (and I’ve owned a 911 GT3). But you could also tackle a European trip too! The price point is punchy but I genuinely think it’s worth it. I know Aston has had some problems and it’s a shame to see high profile people like Matt Becker leaving but I really, really want one! What a wonderful motorcar!
ExecutiveAction said:
Thanks J-P, that’s a very useful review. Unfortunately, most of the big names don’t seem to understand the basic information we need. You have conveyed a real idea of what the car is like.
Anybody know if the F1 edition can be bought with the Hunter Grille?
No problem - I don't know if it can be bought with the hunter grilles. I can find out easily enough though, the dealer is very helpful.Anybody know if the F1 edition can be bought with the Hunter Grille?
I have to say that satin finish in the green looks amazing!
ExecutiveAction said:
Anybody know if the F1 edition can be bought with the Hunter Grille?
Doesn't look like you can spec the mesh hunter grille on the configurator. You can only change between bright and dark finish.You can spec it on the std vantage however, so given the configurator seems to be up to date with the latest options (such as rear aero delete), I think that's a pretty good indicator you can't spec hunter mesh as standard. Probably can through Q division, subject the minimum Q spend of course.
https://configurator.astonmartin.com/GB/configurat...
By my count that’s two people that would rather have the hunter grill instead of the other offering. One owner asking if can change out his vaned Grill for the hunter. Maybe the time has come when we who like the hunter grill can step out of the dark closet into the shimmering light of day.
franki68 said:
You can still order these ? I thought they were sold out .
Still available, spec and options just re arrangedCarbon roof now extra cost, carbon bucket seats from V12Vantage and speedster now an option ($25k here)
Re the grille - I prefer the hunter to the vaned grille but think the lower splitter on the F1 with the black grille looks more balanced than even the hunter - it's now got a proper 'chin' not an underbite!
Graze
AlexT said:
How is the F1 Vantage ride quality?
Honestly - it's exemplary. I can't think of any car that I'd happily drive for hours on end that I'd also love to take on track. The control of the suspension in terms of vertical movements is simply amazing and yet it still communicates what's going on beneath you perfectly. The ride / handling balance is judged to perfection. It's easy to see that Matt Becker (of Lotus fame) has had his hand in the development of the suspension.Nice write up but it feels like there are only “pros” and no “cons” to the F1 for you.
I had one for a week on loan from Aston Wilmslow and put my thoughts here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Biggest downsides for me were the stiff ride, quiet exhaust (thanks OPFs) and the limited interior options.
I do love the look, especially in gloss green! I too would jump at the chance to take it on track. I feel that £150K is abit rich for a Vantage in the current market though.
I had one for a week on loan from Aston Wilmslow and put my thoughts here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Biggest downsides for me were the stiff ride, quiet exhaust (thanks OPFs) and the limited interior options.
I do love the look, especially in gloss green! I too would jump at the chance to take it on track. I feel that £150K is abit rich for a Vantage in the current market though.
J-P said:
Hi All,
I was fortunate enough to try one of these today. Some on here may remember I tried a DB9 some time ago (and let’s just say I didn’t like it very much - although it was a poor example of one).
However this Vantage F1 edition is absolutely amazing. It looks cool, handles well, goes well and sounds absolutely epic!
I’m confused as to why it doesn’t have more 5 star ratings. It’s genuinely brilliant.
The steering wheel position is fantastic and even simple stuff, like your elbows resting at the same height on the armrests with your hands at quarter past three position is spot on. It makes it a car that you can drive for miles without any issues. The steering feel is excellent, giving just enough information about what the front wheels are doing and it loads up very nicely.
It has a decent size boot, so you could reasonably use it for long trips or just nipping to the shops. But that engine is spectacular! It sounds incredible, works beautifully with that ZF Auto and the pace is simply astounding, more importantly, you’d never know it was a turbo. Just feels and sounds like a very tractable naturally aspirated engine.
The seats are very comfy - it’s just a very well-resolved car but most importantly, the interior now feels special. The last Aston I drove felt a bit “low rent” but this one feels special. Not too sure about the shape of the steering wheel, but because of how I drive it doesn’t bother me too much. But that’s pretty much the only real criticism I have. The car is quite simply one of the best I’ve driven and I’ve owned and driven some very nice cars in my time. I’m amazed you don’t see them everywhere. I’d love to take it on track and really see what it can do. But as a car to drive to a race track, hoof around on track and drive home again, it’s right up there amongst the best of them (and I’ve owned a 911 GT3). But you could also tackle a European trip too! The price point is punchy but I genuinely think it’s worth it. I know Aston has had some problems and it’s a shame to see high profile people like Matt Becker leaving but I really, really want one! What a wonderful motorcar!
I was fortunate enough to try one of these today. Some on here may remember I tried a DB9 some time ago (and let’s just say I didn’t like it very much - although it was a poor example of one).
However this Vantage F1 edition is absolutely amazing. It looks cool, handles well, goes well and sounds absolutely epic!
I’m confused as to why it doesn’t have more 5 star ratings. It’s genuinely brilliant.
The steering wheel position is fantastic and even simple stuff, like your elbows resting at the same height on the armrests with your hands at quarter past three position is spot on. It makes it a car that you can drive for miles without any issues. The steering feel is excellent, giving just enough information about what the front wheels are doing and it loads up very nicely.
It has a decent size boot, so you could reasonably use it for long trips or just nipping to the shops. But that engine is spectacular! It sounds incredible, works beautifully with that ZF Auto and the pace is simply astounding, more importantly, you’d never know it was a turbo. Just feels and sounds like a very tractable naturally aspirated engine.
The seats are very comfy - it’s just a very well-resolved car but most importantly, the interior now feels special. The last Aston I drove felt a bit “low rent” but this one feels special. Not too sure about the shape of the steering wheel, but because of how I drive it doesn’t bother me too much. But that’s pretty much the only real criticism I have. The car is quite simply one of the best I’ve driven and I’ve owned and driven some very nice cars in my time. I’m amazed you don’t see them everywhere. I’d love to take it on track and really see what it can do. But as a car to drive to a race track, hoof around on track and drive home again, it’s right up there amongst the best of them (and I’ve owned a 911 GT3). But you could also tackle a European trip too! The price point is punchy but I genuinely think it’s worth it. I know Aston has had some problems and it’s a shame to see high profile people like Matt Becker leaving but I really, really want one! What a wonderful motorcar!
J-P said:
AlexT said:
How is the F1 Vantage ride quality?
Honestly - it's exemplary. I can't think of any car that I'd happily drive for hours on end that I'd also love to take on track. The control of the suspension in terms of vertical movements is simply amazing and yet it still communicates what's going on beneath you perfectly. The ride / handling balance is judged to perfection. It's easy to see that Matt Becker (of Lotus fame) has had his hand in the development of the suspension.The V8 still sounds fabulous although somewhat muted now, but I’m sure that AML have made the exhaust as loud as they can given the restrictions made by the OPFs.
Whilst the design obviously polarises opinion (although still better than being just bland), the overall feeling of quality from the materials and solidity of the build quality is up there with the very best - as it should be at this price level.
Whilst the current management seem keen to press home the luxury aspects of the brand – this superb car has certainly been engineered to keep the enthusiasts very happy as well.
ArgieBargy said:
Had mine for over a month now and can heartily agree with J-P’s summary. The ride really does feel that good. I personally don’t understand any complaints of it being ‘too stiff’ – this is the track biased variant after all. Just keep the suspension in Sport mode and the damping is exemplary for normal road and motorway use. I honestly don’t see how they could make the ride any better in a 195mph car that also requires the body control you have with the F1 Edition.
The V8 still sounds fabulous although somewhat muted now, but I’m sure that AML have made the exhaust as loud as they can given the restrictions made by the OPFs.
Whilst the design obviously polarises opinion (although still better than being just bland), the overall feeling of quality from the materials and solidity of the build quality is up there with the very best - as it should be at this price level.
Whilst the current management seem keen to press home the luxury aspects of the brand – this superb car has certainly been engineered to keep the enthusiasts very happy as well.
I’m glad you are enjoying your F1 edition they are certainly a good car.The V8 still sounds fabulous although somewhat muted now, but I’m sure that AML have made the exhaust as loud as they can given the restrictions made by the OPFs.
Whilst the design obviously polarises opinion (although still better than being just bland), the overall feeling of quality from the materials and solidity of the build quality is up there with the very best - as it should be at this price level.
Whilst the current management seem keen to press home the luxury aspects of the brand – this superb car has certainly been engineered to keep the enthusiasts very happy as well.
To expand, I’m not someone who is overtly sensitive to stiff spring cars, my car history speaks for its self.
I’m sure Aston could of made the F1 handle the way it does without making it so stiff. Even in “sport” it seemed solid.
My car of pleasure currently is a 2016 NSX and that in track mode is more comfortable than the F1 and no doubt would handle better.
I’m not trying to bash the F1 as I was dead set in one but after 2 test drives and a week of one on loan I found it fell short for me. Too comprised a drive for the performance it actually offered.
Edited by nathwraith1 on Wednesday 16th February 20:16
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