V8S in Autocar
Discussion
No question that I'd prefer a manual V8S if they offered one.
However I'd take a paddle shift over a bad manual. Fortunately the V12V box happens to be just about the slickest shifting cable operated box I've ever come across.
I absolutely concede that paddle shifting has advantages on the track, the chief one being able to keep both hands on the wheel at all times. I'm less convinced there's much of a speed advantage, like for like, as they tend to add weight and a decent manual can be hustled into respectably quick shifts.
For enjoyment on the road the manual box definitely adds driving pleasure. I've yet to drive an auto of any kind that adds to it.
Be under no illusions though, the V8S and V12v alike are fabulous road cars but they're not great track cars as standard. A reasonable lap time for their weight can be coaxed from them if you have no regard at all for the cost of tyres and brakes and the like but I'd have to admit there are better cars for the job, not including the obvious lightweights.
However I'd take a paddle shift over a bad manual. Fortunately the V12V box happens to be just about the slickest shifting cable operated box I've ever come across.
I absolutely concede that paddle shifting has advantages on the track, the chief one being able to keep both hands on the wheel at all times. I'm less convinced there's much of a speed advantage, like for like, as they tend to add weight and a decent manual can be hustled into respectably quick shifts.
For enjoyment on the road the manual box definitely adds driving pleasure. I've yet to drive an auto of any kind that adds to it.
Be under no illusions though, the V8S and V12v alike are fabulous road cars but they're not great track cars as standard. A reasonable lap time for their weight can be coaxed from them if you have no regard at all for the cost of tyres and brakes and the like but I'd have to admit there are better cars for the job, not including the obvious lightweights.
Tamoras are great. Very underrated. But the Exige is the better choice if you're looking to do regular trackdays. On the road, with the roof off, the Tamora is hours of fun.
There are now a number of really good options open to speed six owners in the event of problems. TVR power for one can rebuild your speed six to standard, 4.0S spec, 4.3 and now even up to 4.5 litres offering stupendous power and a 5 year warranty. But that would be much quicker than your Aston!
There are now a number of really good options open to speed six owners in the event of problems. TVR power for one can rebuild your speed six to standard, 4.0S spec, 4.3 and now even up to 4.5 litres offering stupendous power and a 5 year warranty. But that would be much quicker than your Aston!
To get the most out of Exige ownership I'd say trackdays were advised. It remains in my opinion the best drive to the trackday and back car you can buy, short of a money no object scenario.
You get more out of the Tamora in that case.
I don't consider what TVR Power do to the speed six to be 'modding' as such. If your speed six needs a head rebuild which, to be blunt, is likely at some stage if it hasn't been done already, it's a case of paying a bit more to have it rebuilt as a 4 litre or bigger. Few are able to resist that. The standard characteristics are maintained, reliability is much improved and you get a bit more all through the rev range for your money. I look at it as part of the joys of TVR ownership, the aftermarket support for these engines is now far better than the factory were offering when they were around. TVR never offered a 5 year warranty for one thing!
You get more out of the Tamora in that case.
I don't consider what TVR Power do to the speed six to be 'modding' as such. If your speed six needs a head rebuild which, to be blunt, is likely at some stage if it hasn't been done already, it's a case of paying a bit more to have it rebuilt as a 4 litre or bigger. Few are able to resist that. The standard characteristics are maintained, reliability is much improved and you get a bit more all through the rev range for your money. I look at it as part of the joys of TVR ownership, the aftermarket support for these engines is now far better than the factory were offering when they were around. TVR never offered a 5 year warranty for one thing!
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