New AM Vantage Test Drive - in case anyone is interested

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I’m not a regular poster on Pistonheads, but thought some of you might be interested to hear about a recent test drive in the new Vantage.

I was lucky enough to have a go in the new car yesterday. Full disclosure: I own a V12 Vantage (the old one with a manual gearbox, and not the snazzy new dogleg affair).

Firstly, the looks, in the metal. As much as I agree that the snout of the new car is disappointing, and the looks depart from the traditional Aston understated cool, it is unquestionably current. It feels like these days active aero with a spattering of fins is a must for the new breed of aspiring sports cars (the ‘millennial’ evolution?) to be taken seriously, and in that context perhaps the designers can be forgiven for indulging in some diffusery splitterisms. Whilst not necessarily enthusing the purists, I’m sure the arguably garish and aggressive looks will have a positive impact on sales from the frankly larger market that the company has to chase to stay competitive.

I used to own a 996 911 (40th anniversary edition - basically a Carrera S with some frills), and once when it was in for a service, the dealer kindly leant me a 991 as a courtesy car. I had it for a long weekend and was hugely impressed and terrified to get back in my car having handed the new version back for fear of being underwhelmed with my relative relic and facing a costly decision. Nobody was more stunned than I was when I pulled out of the car park, and immediately abandoned any thoughts of trading my old banger in for the new one. I’d read about the electrostatic steering and with an arrogant brush-off, assumed it was journalistic snobbery. But having stepped back into an old version, the new one by comparison felt like a very fast Golf. Perfect by many metrics, but very definitely less involving. Hugely capable, but lacking in driver connectivity.

The new Vantage is very different. The steering is wonderfully progressive, with different modes (track etc) offering a noticeable change in feel. The adaptive suspension is a game changer by comparison to the passive setup I’m used to (I can’t speak for the V12 Vantage S system which would no doubt be a better comparison). The throttle response is phenomenal and well judged in all modes with only a hint of lag at some points in the rev range. The interior has put a lot of people off I gather, but it makes my car feel very old, and I actually think it’s pretty great. You feel like a fighter pilot, and that’s always a good thing, isn’t it?

I hate to say it, but I’d take everything about this car over mine, except (and herein lies the importance of the old 911 reference)...

When I got back into my V12 Vantage, it felt dated. The interior looked about a decade old (to be expected I suppose) and the inputs felt clunky. Driving off the forecourt I didn’t have the same sense of joy (/relief) I had when driving away in my old Porsche. Until about 10 seconds later.

The noise...

The Mercedes engine, whilst obviously technically brilliant, felt noticeably soulless by comparison to the old Aston units. It is an AMG engine, and for all the tuning and software trickery Aston Martin have done, the noise and drama is nothing like the old V8 or V12, and I couldn’t get away from the similarity to the Mercs. The crackle and pops on the overrun - textbook AMG, for example. I went straight from the dealer to Mercedes World, and the sounds coming from the various AMG cars circulating were unsurprisingly (and rather disappointingly) familiar. I expect if you put the two side by side the difference would be enough to convince you it’s an Aston, but I can’t get away from the troublesome truth that there isn’t an Aston Martin heart beating beneath the badge that promises Power, Beauty, Soul.

Now, this shouldn’t be an issue. The engine. is more capable. Lighter. Faster. More refined. So why does it matter? It probably doesn’t for most of the people that will be buying these cars. But stepping back into the old car, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the richer and less obnoxious warble through to the soulful wail at higher revs.

Perhaps it’s comparable to watch aficionados who place huge importance on the presence of a ‘manufacture (or in-house) movement’. It makes no difference really. It tells the same time, but it feels like it’s cheating. Better for it, doubtless, the Mercedes engine is wonderful, but you’d always know it’s not quite as it should be.

I drove the car in the wet, and the snazzy new electric diff is impressive and the traction control system is (as before) a necessary safety net. It put an unbelievable amount of power down given the conditions I was in (it has enough of it, that’s for sure) and it feels just bloody brilliant. When I drove the V12 Vantage for the first time I was struck with how much respect it demanded. It would remind you of this whenever you were slightly over-exuberant with your right foot by stepping the tail out and causing a heart rate increasing, buttock clenching moment of adrenaline production. Since the car I was buying would be rarely used, I was thrilled by this prospect. The new car has the same ability to remind you not to drive it like your old 1.1L Ford Fiesta, and if you’re not on your toes, especially in track mode, the little yellow flashy thing on the dash will be a constant companion, especially in the wet. That, for me, is a good thing in a car like this. If you want something foolproof, buy and Audi RS something or other.

The flappy paddle gearbox was great as well. I don’t have a huge amount of experience with them, but it’s the most enjoyable paddle shift I’ve ever used.

In conclusion, I think the new car is excellent. It’s actually shocking how capable and floor-less it is. I would love to own one and hopefully will at some point. It is all the car you will ever need. Will they make a V12 version, and should you wait for that? I’m not sure they need to. The V8 is faster than the ex-range topping V12 Vantage S but with less weight over the nose. Should you wait for the manual? I actually think the paddles suit the car, but having not driven the manual I can’t say. I wonder whether it might be too good as it is though. It’s a more digital car anyway, and I’m not sure a manual gearbox will suit it, but I’m probably wrong.

But (and this is a lovely problem to have), I’m going to have to keep hold of the V12 Vantage, even if I am lucky enough to be able to have one of these new cars. I would miss the V12. As floored a car as it is, the analogue experience never gets old. And that noise...

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I’m pleased some of you took the time to read some of my self-indulgent ramblings. I suppose writing about the two cars is a way of extending the experience of driving them (something I very much enjoy) and committing that experience to memory. I do pinch myself sometimes, so surprised am I that I’m in a position to be able to own and spend time in these magnificent machines that I could only dream of growing up.

I’m not so surprised that I made an unforgivable and elementary malapropism, and no doubt I will hereafter be remembered amongst the esteemed Pistonheads community as the chump who drives around with his legs dangling out the bottom of his cars. Thanks for pointing that out though RichB - at least I hopefully won’t make the same mistake again. I could do with someone like you reviewing my work emails. No doubt some of my clients have raised eyebrows in the past over similar clangers!

I shall now retreat to my previous and more comfortable position of ‘casual observer’ on this forum to prevent further humiliation!

I hope you all enjoy driving the new car as and when.