My New V12 S Manual Roadster
Discussion
I'm so excited , I put down my deposit on this beauty today.
I've read a fair amount on PH about Vantage V12V and Vantage V12S on the forum and before I put down my cash, I drove a Vantage V12S Manual Coupe Sports pack, then a Vantage V12 Manual roadster then lastly the Vantage V12S Roadster and wanted to share with those unsure which to buy, some insight.
This is just my personal opinion so don't shoot me down, but the coupe and roadster Vantage V12 S drive much the same - the 7 speed gearshift is fabulous, I'm kinda oldskool - I love manuals that make you work for it - that make you feel connected to the action, and the 7 speed does just that - its incredibly tactile, yes you can miss a few shifts early on, but that's half the fun, learning to use it and engaging with it. The throw is nice and short and if you've seen Chris Harris video on you tube, I agree he is clearly a bit simian as it was perfectly placed for me. The clutch is nicely weighted and the pedals are perfectly spaced to heel and toe if you are not using AM Shift.
The steering is very nicely weighted and the suspension is well judged - if you've driven something like a Ferrari 550 you will know what I mean. Supple enough to soak up the bumps - even in sport mode, but flat enough to get the power down. It rained on both occasions I drove the S and the roads were very wet. The traction control is essential in wet condition as the torque can easily overwhelm the
tyres, but in a very good way. Its easy to gather the car up and to fire it down the road although caution around corners is a good idea particularly as I was driving Hrowens car! The car moves around a fair amount and tells you exactly what's going on. I loved it
It was a fabulous Sunny day The Vantage V12 Roadster 6 speed was very different. I have been lead to believe that the V12V would be the monster a difficult blood pumping car with a great gearchange. It could not in my humble opinion bee further from the truth. Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar. The delivery of power was fast, but not explosive - as the V12S had been.
As you can probably tell I couldn't stand the V12V - the upgrade to the car has in my very humble opinion transformed it into one of the most exciting cars I have ever driven (yes I've had Ferraris, porsches, maseratis about 120 cars in all truth be told)
I drove the V12V in-between the 2 S cars and could not believe the difference - so much so, that I insisted on driving the V12S again to make sure I hadn't dreamed it. They are totally different cars.
If you are considering the purchase of a V12S - I wouldn't hesitate you will know where the money has gone when you drive it and as you can tell I did not hesitate -
Harris is right - Instant Classic...
PS Sorry to all V12V owners- I know you probably love you cars, but it just wasn't for me
IanV12VR said:
Congratulations - is that Tungsten? What colour interior and do you have lightweights?
I must echo Paul's comments in that I have never known someone to say they couldn't stand the V12VR - you make the performance differential between the two sound like night and day which I do not see when I am driving mine.
Hi IanI must echo Paul's comments in that I have never known someone to say they couldn't stand the V12VR - you make the performance differential between the two sound like night and day which I do not see when I am driving mine.
the colour is Magnetic Silver in these pics its a bit lacklustre, in sunlight it looks like silver flecks have been put into the mix - it really sparkles.
If you haven't driven the S - it was really night and day to me - the acceleration less so, but the controls were surprisingly different. The controls on the V12V were very light(apart from the steering) - particularly the pedals and gearbox had no resistance - rather than the V12S which the gearbox has resistance and needs mastering, the pedals are much heavier and give you a sense of mechanical activation whereas the V12V was very light - clutch travel very long and easy to ride due to the length of bite and needed no pressure, it also had little mechanical feel, in the V12S you have to think about the pressure to activate the clutch and then think about how and where to push the gear-lever, you have to constantly consider what gear you are in, and what gear you are looking to be in - this really adds to the experience and elevated the experience of driving for me. I love being connected to the whole experience and the V12S just did it for me -
I had a lightweight e-type last year an a Lotus Elan, a Ferrari 550 (which I loved, and am not afraid to say it out loud, ovs when my wife is not around....) and the only thing that I have found that is close is a Porsche 964 with a lot of Singer tweeks
IanV12VR said:
Andy, Magnetic Silver - is that a DB11 colour? That's the thing with some Aston colours they look much better in real life than in photos. Think changing the calipers to black is a great idea. Have fun!!!!
Thanks Ian,its apparently a Q colour for the DB11, and like many colours sunlight makes a large difference to how they look, many new Aston Martin colours appear to come alive in sun light and can appear quite understated without it.
bentley01 said:
Not sure what was wrong with the v12 Vantage you drove but there is no way I could ever describe the steering or the gearbox as light in mine. The gearbox has to be one of the best features of the car imo. Congrats on the new car it looks great.
Hi Bentley01, thanks for your comments, maybe its just me, not sure, maybe the one I drove was set up differently, Aston has had a reputation for that in the past. The one I drove had 2000 miles and is on sale currently at hrowen in Pangbourne - not saying its a bad car, but it did not really connect with me. I thought they would feel similar, but they didn't - not trying to offend but we all like different things and have different driving goals. The V12S Roadster hits a sweet spot for me. Last manual V12 Convertible on the market, last Aston Martin designed and built V12, Last Aston Martin non-turbo car. Proper small sports car with large engine making it easy to thread down average b road. Feels like a race car for the road. Can tour, can be used day to day, Interior good including Satnav and carplay.To me this adds up to a really unique proposition - Goodwood Monday, the Connaught in Mayfair Tuesday, Epernay and Reims Wednesday, Green Hell (Nurburgring) Thursday, Col du Turini Friday and Monaco for the weekend. For this kind of 'punishment' I cannot think of a finer car
Edited by Andys1000 on Friday 3rd March 22:26
IanV12VR said:
Not just the new colours Andy. Our V12VR is Tungsten, a long standing Aston colour, but very different in different lights.
Here's one of ours on an event at Newport Pagnell.
Ian I am new to Aston Martin, so had no idea, but in the flesh the colour is epic, don't think I 've ever seen a grey colour that reflect sunlight quite like it.Here's one of ours on an event at Newport Pagnell.
your car look great, but think it would look vastly better in the flesh....
britaway said:
Lovely looking car. Yes the design goes back many years (I purchased my first vantage in 2006), but it's still in my mind the best looking roadster on the market.
I also have a vantage v12sr manual and over the last 1000 miles I have enjoyed it more than any car i've had before. The gearbox is great, contrary to most american reviews. I have a dbs manual as well and while a v12 vantage should be a little more sporty I completely agree with the op on the difference in power and gearshift. They feel generations apart to me imho. The dbs has added less than 100 miles since I got the vantage.
Hi Britaway,I also have a vantage v12sr manual and over the last 1000 miles I have enjoyed it more than any car i've had before. The gearbox is great, contrary to most american reviews. I have a dbs manual as well and while a v12 vantage should be a little more sporty I completely agree with the op on the difference in power and gearshift. They feel generations apart to me imho. The dbs has added less than 100 miles since I got the vantage.
Edited by britaway on Friday 3rd March 23:57
I completely understand your thoughts. It seems to take the best parts of the pre-airbag cars - Steering feel - heel and toeing ability - supple damping, engaging manual gearbox and combine it with up-to-date apple car play, really good traction control (enough to make you think you are in control and a drift king without making an embarrassing mess on the side of the street)and adding one of the most torquey engines in the world into the smallest B road friendly packages - Britain watch out.....
- The Porsche with Singer bits is now up for sale - it can't match the V12 S
I can't think of anything that's convertible that would - answers on a post card.....
Edited by Andys1000 on Saturday 4th March 00:39
AstonExige said:
I think you must have driven a V12V that had an issue, or perhaps it was a Peugeot 407 Vantage replica!! 
I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:
"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Thanks AstonExige, I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Edited by AstonExige on Saturday 4th March 10:07
I'm not saying the V12V drove like a hatchback, I meant that a few of the controls, namely gearshift and clutch had little weight to them and due to that I felt unnconnected to the car. Probably guity of being a bit of a fan boy - I do think its grea. Omaybe the car was a dog, I don't know but was surprised at my reaction to both was so varied, hence why I drove the S again when I put my money down as I couldnt quite believe it myself. I'm not trying to justify the price I could afford both, but did not like the V12V and therefore I would not buy it . The price was therefore irrelevant - it didn't get me. The S did and therefore to me it was the only one I wanted to but, dont get me wrong if it was avaliblr cheaper, I would have been all over it, but there are no second hand V12VS manual roadsters - in fact when i looked I found one at redline at a higher price than I paid for my brand new car - hence it was a dine deal... Not meaning to offend V12V owners. I also love RR corniches which many think are rubbish, we all have our weird quirks 😀
AstonExige said:
I think you must have driven a V12V that had an issue, or perhaps it was a Peugeot 407 Vantage replica!! I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:
"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Thanks AstonExige, I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Edited by AstonExige on Saturday 4th March 10:07
I'm not saying the V12V drove like a hatchback, I meant that a few of the controls, namely gearshift and clutch had little weight to them and due to that I felt unnconnected to the car. Probably guity of being a bit of a fan boy - I do think its grea. Omaybe the car was a dog, I don't know but was surprised at my reaction to both was so varied, hence why I drove the S again when I put my money down as I couldnt quite believe it myself. I'm not trying to justify the price I could afford both, but did not like the V12V and therefore I would not buy it . The price was therefore irrelevant - it didn't get me. The S did and therefore to me it was the only one I wanted to but, dont get me wrong if it was avaliblr cheaper, I would have been all over it, but there are no second hand V12VS manual roadsters - in fact when i looked I found one at redline at a higher price than I paid for my brand new car - hence it was a dine deal... Not meaning to offend V12V owners. I also love RR corniches which many think are rubbish, we all have our weird quirks 😀
AstonExige said:
I think you must have driven a V12V that had an issue, or perhaps it was a Peugeot 407 Vantage replica!! I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:
"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Thanks AstonExige, I get everyone has different options but this simply doesn't make sense, on a number of different levels:"Lets start with the gearshift which although positive was incredibly light at times I was not sure it would have been out of place in a hatchback. The clutch was very light with no feel. The suspension was quite similar."
For the last 25yrs I've driven and owned many many sports cars, both road and track prepared, and had a stint competively. Ive always loved a "drivers" car, one that makes you feel connected with the car and the road, isn't digitised, the sensations are not softened by electronics. I'm on my fourth Lotus, an S2 Exige, that feels like the ultimate drivers car, almost the definition of it.
Out of all the Astons I drove and owned, the manual V12V comes closest to the above. Until I drove one I had almost given up on finding those qualities in an Aston, almost settling for a more GT experience. But drove a manual V12V and was sold. It felt like the perfect drivers car wrapped in the glorious and classic shape of an Aston Martin and with some creature comforts.
I get everyone has an opinion and often instantly becomes a fanboy of the car they've just bought, I've been guilty myself, but unless you've spent your life driving hardcore track cars there is no way you can say a V12V felt in anyway like driving a hatchback!!! Maybe you drove a Dog? Maybe your view was clouded as you had to justify spending an extra £50k? on the V12svr over a V12V?
Great purchase by the way, you'll have years of fun in that, beautiful.
Edited by AstonExige on Saturday 4th March 10:07
I'm not saying the V12V drove like a hatchback, I meant that a few of the controls, namely gearshift and clutch had little weight to them and due to that I felt unnconnected to the car. Probably guity of being a bit of a fan boy - I do think its grea. Omaybe the car was a dog, I don't know but was surprised at my reaction to both was so varied, hence why I drove the S again when I put my money down as I couldnt quite believe it myself. I'm not trying to justify the price I could afford both, but did not like the V12V and therefore I would not buy it . The price was therefore irrelevant - it didn't get me. The S did and therefore to me it was the only one I wanted to but, dont get me wrong if it was avaliblr cheaper, I would have been all over it, but there are no second hand V12VS manual roadsters - in fact when i looked I found one at redline at a higher price than I paid for my brand new car - hence it was a dine deal... Not meaning to offend V12V owners. I also love RR corniches which many think are rubbish, we all have our weird quirks 😀
Short and sweet today, Running it in yesterday, 80 mile loop of Lambourne following this drive
http://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-mydreamdriv...
Amazing car, scared the wife, she loved car found acceleration too intense at times - she like slow and steady, she will have to get used to it as this one's a keeper.. Suffice to say I absolutely love it, what a car, the acceleration is addictive. Liked that you can press the sport button the cruise down the motorway. The noise stays with you for hours- in a good way
To Daylesford in the cotswolds for lunch today. Then Goodwood members meeting on Sunday - more update and piccies Sunday/ monday . Can't chat have to go off and drive!
http://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-mydreamdriv...
Amazing car, scared the wife, she loved car found acceleration too intense at times - she like slow and steady, she will have to get used to it as this one's a keeper.. Suffice to say I absolutely love it, what a car, the acceleration is addictive. Liked that you can press the sport button the cruise down the motorway. The noise stays with you for hours- in a good way
To Daylesford in the cotswolds for lunch today. Then Goodwood members meeting on Sunday - more update and piccies Sunday/ monday . Can't chat have to go off and drive!
I thought i would do a quick video on the car see what you think
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_KTYL9YL2Q&t=3s
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_KTYL9YL2Q&t=3s
Quarterly said:
Mako V12V said:
Good vid Andy, and great car. I've test driven one and it's just mental. Think I'll stick with my sedate original V12V with only 510bhp.....(still get TC light on often though)
Yes, thanks for posting such an informative video, I enjoyed watching it. Congratulations on your new car. I've been agonising over trading my V12V in for the seven speed, but for me its not all good reasons to change and on balance unless I see one thats got my perfect spec, I think I'm going to have to stick with what I've got.mikey k said:
Andy that is a great video
Watch the rear pad wear if the traction control is going mad.
I wore out a set of rear pads before I wore out the tyres!
Switched the traction to sport mode and that made a massive difference
Thanks Mikey K I will loook out for that - New video and walk around going live tomorrow :-)Watch the rear pad wear if the traction control is going mad.
I wore out a set of rear pads before I wore out the tyres!
Switched the traction to sport mode and that made a massive difference
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