Six Weeks of V8VR S Ownership
Discussion
I thought I would post my initial impressions of the first six weeks with my new V8VSR.
Basically it’s AWESOME ! an overused term these days but fits for me.
Having previously had a secondhand 4.3 Roadster for 2 years this was quite an upgrade, never expecting to buy a brand new Aston in my lifetime.
Firstly the visuals - As I specced the car myself I was pretty happy with my choice, but seeing it in the flesh for the first time I was blown away by how good it looks (IMHO of course). It is obviously a “brave” choice as most Aston owners tend to go for the more usual Silver / Black, Black interior combinations but the Magma Red /Cream Truffle combo is very striking. The more general response I’ve had from friends and Joe public has been a little overwhelming, I’ve had far more of a strong positive reaction to the car than I ever had with my previous one (Mercury Silver / Sandstorm).
The extra detail of the interior stitching makes the ‘S’ feel that bit different inside and the full Piano black contrasting against the pale leather really makes it stand out. I really like the support and comforts of the Sports Lightweight seats but think I am going to miss the bum warmers in the colder weather. Externally the V12 sills and Carbon fiber front and rear give the car a more aggressive appearance which I like a lot. Although I haven’t used the new Garmin Sat-Nav much it really is a big improvement on the old Volvo system.
The sound – The car literally barks into life, especially when cold. You can’t quietly start it up and pull away stealthily in the ‘S’. It would seem that Aston have programmed the exhaust valves to be open at startup, and remain open at idle. Only when you rev the engine a little or pull away do you hear a slight “sucking” sound as the valves close and the car becomes a more docile sounding beast. On my old car I had fitted a remote controlled switch so I could open the exhaust valves at will; I won’t need that on this car as the noise starts earlier (3500rpm) with the Sport button engaged. I have also noticed that when driving at modest speeds and taking my foot off the throttle, there is a very noticeable “burble” coming from the back end which is very audible when driving with the roof down, one of the benefits of a Roadster.
The driving experience – The car is fantastic to drive, feeling a more “whole” package compared to my previous car. When I had my initial test drive some months ago, the most noticeable differences were, i) the great improvement of the Sportshift, ii) the more direct point and squirt feel of the steering and iii) the more planted feel of the suspension without it being bone-shakingly hard. I have done just over a thousand miles now so am driving with a little more aggression and can feel the real urge to go it has, the acceleration feeling almost relentless, obviously not matching a V12V but close enough in the Raodster package for me. With the closer ratios of the 7 speed box you do have to remember to change gear more frequently but as the shift is so smooth this is hardly a chore. I’ve tried the auto mode a couple of times but still consider it pretty rubbish. If I wanted an auto I would have bought something else so it really doesn’t bother me. I recently drove an 11 plate car and didn’t notice much of a throttle “blip” when changing down, this seems more pronounced in my car so maybe they have tweaked this in a later firmware version ? Not only does it seem to give a smoother change but also a more enhanced audible experience ;-)
To sum up – I love my car ! I have not had the slightest tinge of regret; it’s exactly what I want from such a special car. This one’s a keeper. I also want to thank mother nature for extending the summer so I can enjoy more top-down motoring than I was expecting to do at this time of year.
Here are a few pics, unfortunately the colour doesn't render very well as it looks a bit "pink" which it isn't in the flesh.
Basically it’s AWESOME ! an overused term these days but fits for me.
Having previously had a secondhand 4.3 Roadster for 2 years this was quite an upgrade, never expecting to buy a brand new Aston in my lifetime.
Firstly the visuals - As I specced the car myself I was pretty happy with my choice, but seeing it in the flesh for the first time I was blown away by how good it looks (IMHO of course). It is obviously a “brave” choice as most Aston owners tend to go for the more usual Silver / Black, Black interior combinations but the Magma Red /Cream Truffle combo is very striking. The more general response I’ve had from friends and Joe public has been a little overwhelming, I’ve had far more of a strong positive reaction to the car than I ever had with my previous one (Mercury Silver / Sandstorm).
The extra detail of the interior stitching makes the ‘S’ feel that bit different inside and the full Piano black contrasting against the pale leather really makes it stand out. I really like the support and comforts of the Sports Lightweight seats but think I am going to miss the bum warmers in the colder weather. Externally the V12 sills and Carbon fiber front and rear give the car a more aggressive appearance which I like a lot. Although I haven’t used the new Garmin Sat-Nav much it really is a big improvement on the old Volvo system.
The sound – The car literally barks into life, especially when cold. You can’t quietly start it up and pull away stealthily in the ‘S’. It would seem that Aston have programmed the exhaust valves to be open at startup, and remain open at idle. Only when you rev the engine a little or pull away do you hear a slight “sucking” sound as the valves close and the car becomes a more docile sounding beast. On my old car I had fitted a remote controlled switch so I could open the exhaust valves at will; I won’t need that on this car as the noise starts earlier (3500rpm) with the Sport button engaged. I have also noticed that when driving at modest speeds and taking my foot off the throttle, there is a very noticeable “burble” coming from the back end which is very audible when driving with the roof down, one of the benefits of a Roadster.
The driving experience – The car is fantastic to drive, feeling a more “whole” package compared to my previous car. When I had my initial test drive some months ago, the most noticeable differences were, i) the great improvement of the Sportshift, ii) the more direct point and squirt feel of the steering and iii) the more planted feel of the suspension without it being bone-shakingly hard. I have done just over a thousand miles now so am driving with a little more aggression and can feel the real urge to go it has, the acceleration feeling almost relentless, obviously not matching a V12V but close enough in the Raodster package for me. With the closer ratios of the 7 speed box you do have to remember to change gear more frequently but as the shift is so smooth this is hardly a chore. I’ve tried the auto mode a couple of times but still consider it pretty rubbish. If I wanted an auto I would have bought something else so it really doesn’t bother me. I recently drove an 11 plate car and didn’t notice much of a throttle “blip” when changing down, this seems more pronounced in my car so maybe they have tweaked this in a later firmware version ? Not only does it seem to give a smoother change but also a more enhanced audible experience ;-)
To sum up – I love my car ! I have not had the slightest tinge of regret; it’s exactly what I want from such a special car. This one’s a keeper. I also want to thank mother nature for extending the summer so I can enjoy more top-down motoring than I was expecting to do at this time of year.
Here are a few pics, unfortunately the colour doesn't render very well as it looks a bit "pink" which it isn't in the flesh.
Nice write up nomisc - lovely car.
You don't need to explain the pink look in the paint, it's all down to the lighting. Pretty much all manufacturers now have a caveat in their brochures about their body colours.
I had the privilege of spending time with Mikey K's V8VS Roadster a few days ago. He knows he is privileged to be able to spec a brand new car at such a young age (92), and what a spec !!
Very aggressive car with the sills, excellent front lights, fabulous seats (even an elbow rest FFS).
The noise is indeed tremendous.
The only suggestion I made to him - bearing in mind his self-spec approach - was to look at personalised sill plaques.
Enjoy your car you jammy git
You don't need to explain the pink look in the paint, it's all down to the lighting. Pretty much all manufacturers now have a caveat in their brochures about their body colours.
I had the privilege of spending time with Mikey K's V8VS Roadster a few days ago. He knows he is privileged to be able to spec a brand new car at such a young age (92), and what a spec !!
Very aggressive car with the sills, excellent front lights, fabulous seats (even an elbow rest FFS).
The noise is indeed tremendous.
The only suggestion I made to him - bearing in mind his self-spec approach - was to look at personalised sill plaques.
Enjoy your car you jammy git
Really really like the colour combination. Congratulations!
She will definetly blip the throttle on down changes, press the sport button! When you have completed a few more hundred miles the car will decide that it is run in and will rev onto 7000 and odd rpm. Believe me you are really flying by then.
I noticed that you have removed the front number plate carrier, looks loads better. I really must do ours. Was it a D.I.Y job or did the dealership oblige.
Regards
Rob
She will definetly blip the throttle on down changes, press the sport button! When you have completed a few more hundred miles the car will decide that it is run in and will rev onto 7000 and odd rpm. Believe me you are really flying by then.
I noticed that you have removed the front number plate carrier, looks loads better. I really must do ours. Was it a D.I.Y job or did the dealership oblige.
Regards
Rob
Jay_Davis said:
Neil1300R said:
luv the interior . Not sure I could live with it though, would be terrified of marking it, especially with the dye from jeans.
I also like it but I have the same concern. Let us know how how it holds up.Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff