Vantage GT8 for touring

[Evolution-6]

Hi,

I’ve owned a V12VM for the last 6 years and I think in that time we’ve travelled across about 12 countries and enjoyed road trips across the Alps, Pyrenees and the Dolomites, and it’s just been great. To Harry M’s video, crazy amount of car for the money. So undervalued. Absolutely love it..

BUT I’ve seen a Vantage GT8 come on the market that just ticks every box for me, and doe first time thinking about swapping out of the v12 and pursuing the GT8.

I know they’ll be members here who have Experienced and owned both. So a couple of questions.

I know GT8 is LOUD but how useable are they for big euro road trips. Appreciate its track focused rather than GT, not a big issue. But interested in peoples big trip useability experience with them as that’s my favourite thing with my cars.

The GT8 seems SO special, I’m nervous re market as V12 is pretty steady in terms of values. GT8 is realistically twice the price, I think they’ve been quietly creeping up in price for last 1-2 years. Anyone tracking market more? Not stressed about it being some big investment, but nothing better than + or - sort of breaking even with sensible use.

Any experiences of GT8 welcome and comparison to V12. I’m testing if I can manage to keep both but that could be a stretch don’t want to regret exiting the V12!

Thanks

[Familymad]

Is it the Works one?? I spotted that and feel it’s more special than a bread and butter V12VS

[waremark]

I had a V12V and have driven a GT8. To answer your specific question, the GT8 is not particularly loud with the exhaust valve closed, and the ride is better than the V12V so from those points of view it is suitable for longer trips. A possible downside is that there are vulnerable carbon parts which would be expensive to repair or replace.

You would notice the loss of low rev torque in the GT8 - and a tiny thing for many, I prefer the central cubby/armrest in the V12V.

You might watch Youtube videos from Shmee150 who recently did a decent mileage in the US in the GT8 he has had from new.

[ragingfool]

i have not driven either car but...from AM website for the GT8: "Aston Martin re-engineered the chassis encompassing 25 percent stiffer springs and dampers – giving a more focused drive" so when you say "the ride is better than the V12V" and the OP wants to do touring not tracking...maybe clarify your statement please

[alscar]

Evolution-6 said:

Hi,

I ve owned a V12VM for the last 6 years and I think in that time we ve travelled across about 12 countries and enjoyed road trips across the Alps, Pyrenees and the Dolomites, and it s just been great. To Harry M s video, crazy amount of car for the money. So undervalued. Absolutely love it..

BUT I ve seen a Vantage GT8 come on the market that just ticks every box for me, and doe first time thinking about swapping out of the v12 and pursuing the GT8.

I know they ll be members here who have Experienced and owned both. So a couple of questions.

I know GT8 is LOUD but how useable are they for big euro road trips. Appreciate its track focused rather than GT, not a big issue. But interested in peoples big trip useability experience with them as that s my favourite thing with my cars.

The GT8 seems SO special, I m nervous re market as V12 is pretty steady in terms of values. GT8 is realistically twice the price, I think they ve been quietly creeping up in price for last 1-2 years. Anyone tracking market more? Not stressed about it being some big investment, but nothing better than + or - sort of breaking even with sensible use.

Any experiences of GT8 welcome and comparison to V12. I m testing if I can manage to keep both but that could be a stretch don t want to regret exiting the V12!

Thanks

I've owned my GT8 from new and had a V12S alongside it for a few years -I will never sell the GT8.
The noise one makes is intoxicating and one of the reasons I bought it but I haven't used it for long tours.
When the exhaust is is quiet mode ( Non sport /circa 3k revs ) it is still loud but not painfully so - I had an exhaust switch fitted and so mine is always in "loud".Think 70's American Muscle Car.
When I did a noise test at Silverstone on behalf of Works at 5k revs in sports mode db was 116.
At same revs no sports I got this down to 109.
Gt8's are theatre and you will be noticeable than in the V12 -not saying this is good or bad.
The one at Works is certainly one of the more unusual colours and look fabulous.
Manual / Ti exhaust and also has the centre locks ( which may or may not be a slight pain for touring ?)
Obviously slightly biased but I think they are very under valued and at some point ( 10 years + ) you will see a climb in values.
Generally I would suggest they are still mis understood and hence under rated.
There are I think circa just 80 in the UK with maybe 60 of these being manual so pretty rare things.

[alscar]

waremark said:

I had a V12V and have driven a GT8. To answer your specific question, the GT8 is not particularly loud with the exhaust valve closed, and the ride is better than the V12V so from those points of view it is suitable for longer trips. A possible downside is that there are vulnerable carbon parts which would be expensive to repair or replace.

You would notice the loss of low rev torque in the GT8 - and a tiny thing for many, I prefer the central cubby/armrest in the V12V.

You might watch Youtube videos from Shmee150 who recently did a decent mileage in the US in the GT8 he has had from new.

As above I didn't address the extended front splitters point.You do have to be more careful than perhaps with other AM's and road humps /speed bumps can be a pain bit its about the approach angle.
The very front extended pieces on both sides can be fairly easily removed ( torx screws each side ) but I never have.

[Evolution-6]

Hi all thanks for the replies and feedback. I have seen the one at Works but was actually the car at Nicholas Mee that caught my attention..

[waremark]

ragingfool said:

i have not driven either car but...from AM website for the GT8: "Aston Martin re-engineered the chassis encompassing 25 percent stiffer springs and dampers giving a more focused drive" so when you say "the ride is better than the V12V" and the OP wants to do touring not tracking...maybe clarify your statement please

Well, I thought the ride was better due to the slightly lower weight. It was my subjective impression.

[alscar]

Evolution-6 said:

Hi all thanks for the replies and feedback. I have seen the one at Works but was actually the car at Nicholas Mee that caught my attention..

Also looks very good - bit newer but more miles similar ish price.