Anyone Fancy a Car Swap?
Discussion
I attended one of Aston’s “Ride and Drive” events yesterday afternoon at Millbrook and got to drive my dream car........ a V12 Vantage. I love my V8V, but the extra power and those carbon breaks on the V12, WOW!!! Hit 159mph on the straight and then stamped on the brakes and the car stopped so quickly, no drama, very stable, just fantastic. In some ways the brakes were one of the most impressive elements of the car.
Anyone want to swap their V12V for my V8?...............no didn’t think so.
I drove four other Astons during the event, the Vantage S, Virage, Rapide and Cygnet (no DBS, but a Cygnet, hmmm). The V12V was the only car with a manual box, even the Cygnet had a CVT. I know paddles are a big seller and many people love them, but they did not do it for me.
Highlights:
• Meeting your heroes is always a risk, but the V12V was better than I hoped
• The various drivers/instructors were excellent
• High speed passenger lap on the handling circuit, amazing how fast a Vantage N420 can run
• Driving a Virage around the bowl at 100mph with my hands off the steering wheel
• Braking from 159mph (still bugs me I did not hit 160mph or more) in the V12V
• Feeling the difference in the way the cars with adaptive damping ride when turned on and off
• To be fair to the Cygnet, it handled better than I was expecting, but then I guess that means a Toyota IQ would be just as much fun at low speeds for the fraction of the cost
Lowlights:
• No DBS available to drive
• The whole afternoon went too quickly
• Too many paddle shift cars (personal taste I know, but I could not get on with them)
Now, just need to find a £50k V12V in the classifieds.........
Anyone want to swap their V12V for my V8?...............no didn’t think so.
I drove four other Astons during the event, the Vantage S, Virage, Rapide and Cygnet (no DBS, but a Cygnet, hmmm). The V12V was the only car with a manual box, even the Cygnet had a CVT. I know paddles are a big seller and many people love them, but they did not do it for me.
Highlights:
• Meeting your heroes is always a risk, but the V12V was better than I hoped
• The various drivers/instructors were excellent
• High speed passenger lap on the handling circuit, amazing how fast a Vantage N420 can run
• Driving a Virage around the bowl at 100mph with my hands off the steering wheel
• Braking from 159mph (still bugs me I did not hit 160mph or more) in the V12V
• Feeling the difference in the way the cars with adaptive damping ride when turned on and off
• To be fair to the Cygnet, it handled better than I was expecting, but then I guess that means a Toyota IQ would be just as much fun at low speeds for the fraction of the cost
Lowlights:
• No DBS available to drive
• The whole afternoon went too quickly
• Too many paddle shift cars (personal taste I know, but I could not get on with them)
Now, just need to find a £50k V12V in the classifieds.........
Edited by Southwestdave on Thursday 11th August 16:37
Edited by Southwestdave on Thursday 11th August 21:59
Welcome to my world. V12V! Once driven, smitten, but no regrets.
I have had mine now not far short of a year and love it every day. Its a car I never get tired of looking at and driving, in traffic or letting her have her legs.
I spent 5 hours in her on the M25 last Saturday on the way back from the Cotswolds. Engine off and loads of compliments. The only downside being stuck next to Kerry Catona (whatever her name is) in an old BMW X5.
Even numerous stop starts and crawling didn't phase my car, and once back to warp speed she just stretched her legs and flew. Such an amazing car.
Oh and not meaning to rub it in I got 168mph on the mile straight, but others here claim 170plus. Down to headwind methinks
Gratuitous pics of my car last week.
Di
I have had mine now not far short of a year and love it every day. Its a car I never get tired of looking at and driving, in traffic or letting her have her legs.
I spent 5 hours in her on the M25 last Saturday on the way back from the Cotswolds. Engine off and loads of compliments. The only downside being stuck next to Kerry Catona (whatever her name is) in an old BMW X5.
Even numerous stop starts and crawling didn't phase my car, and once back to warp speed she just stretched her legs and flew. Such an amazing car.
Oh and not meaning to rub it in I got 168mph on the mile straight, but others here claim 170plus. Down to headwind methinks
Gratuitous pics of my car last week.
Di
Edited by lady topaz on Thursday 11th August 18:46
GoldenDrummer said:
Those pictures make me feel inadequate in my V8V! Gorgeous car in a lovely colour, she must make you proud.
Are the pics taken at Di Towers?
Hey, never feel inadequate in a V8V. I miss mine, a fantastic car which I would still have now if they hadn't wheeled me into a seat in the V12. Are the pics taken at Di Towers?
Pics at Whatley Manor, a place recommended on here by more local people. Very nice but I discovered I am not the 'fine dining' type, I prefer good honest grub.
I have no class
that was excellent . Not sure I am up to foaming quails eggs in the Michelin 
lady topaz said:
Welcome to my world. V12V! Once driven, smitten, but no regrets.
I have had mine now not far short of a year and love it every day. Its a car I never get tired of looking at and driving, in traffic or letting her have her legs.
I spent 5 hours in her on the M25 last Saturday on the way back from the Cotswolds. Engine off and loads of compliments. The only downside being stuck next to Kerry Catona (whatever her name is) in an old BMW X5.
Even numerous stop starts and crawling didn't phase my car, and once back to warp speed she just stretched her legs and flew. Such an amazing car.
Oh and not meaning to rub it in I got 168mph on the mile straight, but others here claim 170plus. Down to headwind methinks
Gratuitous pics of my car last week.
Di
Not sure what hurts more, seeing your fantastic car in the photos or your top speed making me look positively slow I have had mine now not far short of a year and love it every day. Its a car I never get tired of looking at and driving, in traffic or letting her have her legs.
I spent 5 hours in her on the M25 last Saturday on the way back from the Cotswolds. Engine off and loads of compliments. The only downside being stuck next to Kerry Catona (whatever her name is) in an old BMW X5.
Even numerous stop starts and crawling didn't phase my car, and once back to warp speed she just stretched her legs and flew. Such an amazing car.
Oh and not meaning to rub it in I got 168mph on the mile straight, but others here claim 170plus. Down to headwind methinks
Gratuitous pics of my car last week.
Di
Edited by lady topaz on Thursday 11th August 18:46
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