V12 Vantage mods
Discussion
As I recall, part of the April V12 Vantage gathering at Works Service was some feedback from the owners as to what modifications we would like Works Service to consider developing.
Having had a little time to ponder this here are my suggestions, in no particular order.
1. I'd love a few more revs. So a sports cat option with bespoke ecu map to allow a few more revs would be something that would appeal to me. 7400 rpm would do it.
2. A lighter sports exhaust option. Though it's hard to fault the way the car sounds at the moment. It would have to save weight to justify the outlay for me.
3. A choice for even lighter wheels, possibly 20"? Darker finishes available too.
4. I like the suggestion of a carbon fibre gearknob, or an alcantara covered one to match the steering wheel. Very happy with current shape.
5. I'd love a choice of a smaller, sportier steering wheel ideally deleting the airbag but realistically it would have to be an airbag design. I'd still want an Aston Martin logo in the wheel centre mind!
6. Satnav upgrade.
7. Alloy indicator stalks.
It's not a very long list, I know but that's an indication of how much I think of my car!
Having had a little time to ponder this here are my suggestions, in no particular order.
1. I'd love a few more revs. So a sports cat option with bespoke ecu map to allow a few more revs would be something that would appeal to me. 7400 rpm would do it.
2. A lighter sports exhaust option. Though it's hard to fault the way the car sounds at the moment. It would have to save weight to justify the outlay for me.
3. A choice for even lighter wheels, possibly 20"? Darker finishes available too.
4. I like the suggestion of a carbon fibre gearknob, or an alcantara covered one to match the steering wheel. Very happy with current shape.
5. I'd love a choice of a smaller, sportier steering wheel ideally deleting the airbag but realistically it would have to be an airbag design. I'd still want an Aston Martin logo in the wheel centre mind!
6. Satnav upgrade.
7. Alloy indicator stalks.
It's not a very long list, I know but that's an indication of how much I think of my car!
I want my Gallardo back, no longer looking at V12V's unfortunately. I wrote more here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
But to cut a long story short and not go off-topic on this thread, the Gallardo is miles and miles and miles better.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
But to cut a long story short and not go off-topic on this thread, the Gallardo is miles and miles and miles better.
Regarding mods for V12V:
Love the gearstick - but it is damn cold in the morning and slippery when without driving gloves on track - so alcantara cover or leather hood would make sense.
Fog lights or turning lights (LEDs in the spoiler) for improved visibility at night
Sat-Nav upgrade with touch screen display as it is very fiddly for passenger to make input whilst driving (no room infront of the stick)
Permanent "sports button" setting
Mirrors as in DBS carbon
Fix to the waterstream comming down when opening the hatch when raining
The steering judder at parking speeds irritates
NOTHING other than that - perfect perfect car and keeper.
The allure of this car to me is the manual gear box. It is probably the last of the supercars to come with a manual box and i think it suits the car and would never change this feature. If you want paddles go and buy a Ferrari or Lambo. I have driven the Gallardo range extensively and whilst it is a supeb drive I was happy to be back in my Aston - so a different opinion.
Love the gearstick - but it is damn cold in the morning and slippery when without driving gloves on track - so alcantara cover or leather hood would make sense.
Fog lights or turning lights (LEDs in the spoiler) for improved visibility at night
Sat-Nav upgrade with touch screen display as it is very fiddly for passenger to make input whilst driving (no room infront of the stick)
Permanent "sports button" setting
Mirrors as in DBS carbon
Fix to the waterstream comming down when opening the hatch when raining
The steering judder at parking speeds irritates
NOTHING other than that - perfect perfect car and keeper.
The allure of this car to me is the manual gear box. It is probably the last of the supercars to come with a manual box and i think it suits the car and would never change this feature. If you want paddles go and buy a Ferrari or Lambo. I have driven the Gallardo range extensively and whilst it is a supeb drive I was happy to be back in my Aston - so a different opinion.
clorenzen said:
Mirrors as in DBS carbon
I installed a set of cf mirrors from the vantage collection on mine. The first set had quality issues but they sent me a replacement.Great addition to the car, wave is perfectly matching the other cf parts.
As for the mods: I cannot understand why they did not put a V12 Vantage logo on the seats. Just like in the DBS or the new Vantage S (w/o the colour).
Edited by MartinV12 on Wednesday 16th March 10:01
As a former Gallardo owner- another view I suppose.
The handling and 'secure nature of 4 wheel drive bring about a sense of surefootedness which no high powered rear wheel drive car can hope to replicate. In the end though I found the gallardo behaved like a high powered audi TT- just rather dull and lacking with the 05 car i had the interior was very audi A3- without doubt the worst part of the car was the steering- dull and lifeless. Whilst it depends upon the geenral economic situation gallardo depreciation is scary- with a limited dealer network- none of whom want to buy it!
Not driven the V12 yet, but im wondering if in the real world 400odd horsepower is more than enough and its the ability to really be able to drive it that matters and brings thetrue enjoyment out of it.
Seems the supercar market is dicated by the very low miles driver- say 3 K a year who would never know the vehicle well enough to expand the handling envelope.
The handling and 'secure nature of 4 wheel drive bring about a sense of surefootedness which no high powered rear wheel drive car can hope to replicate. In the end though I found the gallardo behaved like a high powered audi TT- just rather dull and lacking with the 05 car i had the interior was very audi A3- without doubt the worst part of the car was the steering- dull and lifeless. Whilst it depends upon the geenral economic situation gallardo depreciation is scary- with a limited dealer network- none of whom want to buy it!
Not driven the V12 yet, but im wondering if in the real world 400odd horsepower is more than enough and its the ability to really be able to drive it that matters and brings thetrue enjoyment out of it.
Seems the supercar market is dicated by the very low miles driver- say 3 K a year who would never know the vehicle well enough to expand the handling envelope.
My VV12 improvement list so far......
1/ A set of approved.... all year round tyres!
2/ More exhaust noise in the cabin.
3/ Steering mods to remove the stationary manoeuvring judder/kickback
4/ A higher red line, I keep slamming into the current one as it revs so quickly
5/ More power as it is a bit lacking.......
Only joking, once you get used to the car it doesn't so much accelerate as blur the time space continuum, maybe they should change the name from Sport Button to Warp Power
!!!!!!!!
1/ A set of approved.... all year round tyres!
2/ More exhaust noise in the cabin.
3/ Steering mods to remove the stationary manoeuvring judder/kickback
4/ A higher red line, I keep slamming into the current one as it revs so quickly
5/ More power as it is a bit lacking.......
Only joking, once you get used to the car it doesn't so much accelerate as blur the time space continuum, maybe they should change the name from Sport Button to Warp Power
!!!!!!!!Biggest complaint I have is that you can't get the digital speedometer back when the traction control is turned off... This has to be the default around for 'fun' driving and you can't tell how fast you are going with ease from the dial.
I'd also like to see a smaller, alcantara gear stick and less low speed judder when turning.
I'd also like to see a smaller, alcantara gear stick and less low speed judder when turning.
355f said:
As a former Gallardo owner- another view I suppose.
The handling and 'secure nature of 4 wheel drive bring about a sense of surefootedness which no high powered rear wheel drive car can hope to replicate. In the end though I found the gallardo behaved like a high powered audi TT- just rather dull and lacking with the 05 car i had the interior was very audi A3- without doubt the worst part of the car was the steering- dull and lifeless. Whilst it depends upon the geenral economic situation gallardo depreciation is scary- with a limited dealer network- none of whom want to buy it!
Not driven the V12 yet, but im wondering if in the real world 400odd horsepower is more than enough and its the ability to really be able to drive it that matters and brings thetrue enjoyment out of it.
Seems the supercar market is dicated by the very low miles driver- say 3 K a year who would never know the vehicle well enough to expand the handling envelope.
Lost a lot on my last AM.The handling and 'secure nature of 4 wheel drive bring about a sense of surefootedness which no high powered rear wheel drive car can hope to replicate. In the end though I found the gallardo behaved like a high powered audi TT- just rather dull and lacking with the 05 car i had the interior was very audi A3- without doubt the worst part of the car was the steering- dull and lifeless. Whilst it depends upon the geenral economic situation gallardo depreciation is scary- with a limited dealer network- none of whom want to buy it!
Not driven the V12 yet, but im wondering if in the real world 400odd horsepower is more than enough and its the ability to really be able to drive it that matters and brings thetrue enjoyment out of it.
Seems the supercar market is dicated by the very low miles driver- say 3 K a year who would never know the vehicle well enough to expand the handling envelope.
Didn't lose anything on my Gallardo.
Low Speed steering judder
Water ingress into boot when it rains and boot is opened
Satnav update to the the Garmin on DB9 Vanquish edition
All year tyre option rather than the +7 dry weather only tyres with a swap to winter tyres
Proper sports exhaust (and not the poor quality version they offer on V8 Vantage) something similar to a Quicksilver SuperSport
Fix throttle map lag
Gear stick replace with alcantara version
Reversing camera with position guidelines and linked to steering wheel angle similar to Lexus
Keyless Go using the ECU
Auto wiper
Auto lights
Digital speed display refresh rate increase
DAB
Heatedheadlamps to prevent condensation (or whatever it takes to fix it)
Adjustable side bolsters on carbon fibre seats
Adjutable back angle on carbon fibre seats (599 seats are wonderful)
LED internal lighting for all lights not just 2 map lights
Better sunvisors which are detachable at center of car to rotate to cover side window
Carbon fibre interior door handle to match the carbon fiber strip that runs along the door
Carbon fibre exterior panels a la DBS
Water ingress into boot when it rains and boot is opened
Satnav update to the the Garmin on DB9 Vanquish edition
All year tyre option rather than the +7 dry weather only tyres with a swap to winter tyres
Proper sports exhaust (and not the poor quality version they offer on V8 Vantage) something similar to a Quicksilver SuperSport
Fix throttle map lag
Gear stick replace with alcantara version
Reversing camera with position guidelines and linked to steering wheel angle similar to Lexus
Keyless Go using the ECU
Auto wiper
Auto lights
Digital speed display refresh rate increase
DAB
Heatedheadlamps to prevent condensation (or whatever it takes to fix it)
Adjustable side bolsters on carbon fibre seats
Adjutable back angle on carbon fibre seats (599 seats are wonderful)
LED internal lighting for all lights not just 2 map lights
Better sunvisors which are detachable at center of car to rotate to cover side window
Carbon fibre interior door handle to match the carbon fiber strip that runs along the door
Carbon fibre exterior panels a la DBS
The Pits said:
As I recall, part of the April V12 Vantage gathering at Works Service was some feedback from the owners as to what modifications we would like Works Service to consider developing.
Having had a little time to ponder this here are my suggestions, in no particular order.
1. I'd love a few more revs. So a sports cat option with bespoke ecu map to allow a few more revs would be something that would appeal to me. 7400 rpm would do it.
2. A lighter sports exhaust option. Though it's hard to fault the way the car sounds at the moment. It would have to save weight to justify the outlay for me.
3. A choice for even lighter wheels, possibly 20"? Darker finishes available too.
4. I like the suggestion of a carbon fibre gearknob, or an alcantara covered one to match the steering wheel. Very happy with current shape.
5. I'd love a choice of a smaller, sportier steering wheel ideally deleting the airbag but realistically it would have to be an airbag design. I'd still want an Aston Martin logo in the wheel centre mind!
6. Satnav upgrade.
7. Alloy indicator stalks.
It's not a very long list, I know but that's an indication of how much I think of my car!
A lot of the mods you're looking for are already available.Having had a little time to ponder this here are my suggestions, in no particular order.
1. I'd love a few more revs. So a sports cat option with bespoke ecu map to allow a few more revs would be something that would appeal to me. 7400 rpm would do it.
2. A lighter sports exhaust option. Though it's hard to fault the way the car sounds at the moment. It would have to save weight to justify the outlay for me.
3. A choice for even lighter wheels, possibly 20"? Darker finishes available too.
4. I like the suggestion of a carbon fibre gearknob, or an alcantara covered one to match the steering wheel. Very happy with current shape.
5. I'd love a choice of a smaller, sportier steering wheel ideally deleting the airbag but realistically it would have to be an airbag design. I'd still want an Aston Martin logo in the wheel centre mind!
6. Satnav upgrade.
7. Alloy indicator stalks.
It's not a very long list, I know but that's an indication of how much I think of my car!
I see Stuart you're involved with RSC tuning. Any chance you could persuade them to take some decent videos of their exhausts in action? Nothing on youtube with any revs at the moment.
Sports cats are of interest to me providing the ecu can be properly remapped accordingly (on a rolling road).
Tell you what, do my V12V for free and I'll make some decent videos for you! See Kreissieg vids for details, they have seperate vids for so you can hear what it sounds like on start up, drive by, in tunnels and from inside the car. I don't think they do a V12 Vantage exhaust yet so there's your gap in the market!
Sports cats are of interest to me providing the ecu can be properly remapped accordingly (on a rolling road).
Tell you what, do my V12V for free and I'll make some decent videos for you! See Kreissieg vids for details, they have seperate vids for so you can hear what it sounds like on start up, drive by, in tunnels and from inside the car. I don't think they do a V12 Vantage exhaust yet so there's your gap in the market!
For me, a couple which have been mentioned already:
Option for the neater door mirrors from earlier V8 Vantages
Fix water stream into boot when opened in the rain (or after washing)
At least the option of cold/wet weather tyres
Some different (blacker) wheels
And my personal thing:
An adjustable pedal box so I can make a hash of heel'n'toe less often
Option for the neater door mirrors from earlier V8 Vantages
Fix water stream into boot when opened in the rain (or after washing)
At least the option of cold/wet weather tyres
Some different (blacker) wheels
And my personal thing:
An adjustable pedal box so I can make a hash of heel'n'toe less often
UH-Matt said:
Lost a lot on my last AM.
Didn't lose anything on my Gallardo.
To be honest I also lost nothing on the 430 but it had nothing to do with the car...Didn't lose anything on my Gallardo.
We were both lucky to buy those cars when the supercar market was in turmoil...
Take the Gallardo experience as a very rare one as nearly EVERYONE loses money on these types of cars...
Okay, been thinking about this.
There seems to be common themes here.
Low speed steering judder. Sat Nav upgrade, freezing gear knob, red lining before I want to.
So I guess these are issues that should be addressed.
Mine is having a few niggles sorted next week but overall very little to complain about.
Di
There seems to be common themes here.
Low speed steering judder. Sat Nav upgrade, freezing gear knob, red lining before I want to.
So I guess these are issues that should be addressed.
Mine is having a few niggles sorted next week but overall very little to complain about.
Di
mpbcs said:
Biggest complaint I have is that you can't get the digital speedometer back when the traction control is turned off... This has to be the default around for 'fun' driving and you can't tell how fast you are going with ease from the dial.
Press the READ button when you've read the message about traction control, and your digital speed will come back.The Pits said:
I see Stuart you're involved with RSC tuning. Any chance you could persuade them to take some decent videos of their exhausts in action? Nothing on youtube with any revs at the moment.
Sports cats are of interest to me providing the ecu can be properly remapped accordingly (on a rolling road).
Tell you what, do my V12V for free and I'll make some decent videos for you! See Kreissieg vids for details, they have seperate vids for so you can hear what it sounds like on start up, drive by, in tunnels and from inside the car. I don't think they do a V12 Vantage exhaust yet so there's your gap in the market!
Can you send me a PM?Sports cats are of interest to me providing the ecu can be properly remapped accordingly (on a rolling road).
Tell you what, do my V12V for free and I'll make some decent videos for you! See Kreissieg vids for details, they have seperate vids for so you can hear what it sounds like on start up, drive by, in tunnels and from inside the car. I don't think they do a V12 Vantage exhaust yet so there's your gap in the market!
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