Why so many Sportshift Roadsters?
Discussion
The hunt for a black/black manual sub 45/50k roadster is proving difficult there are lots of sportshifts about but not as many manuals. Is this a sign to say the roadster is more suited to the auto?
I would consider the auto if not for the publicised slow speed parking problems - reversing etc
I understand early manual cars suffered from gear travel problems between 1st and 2nd, might this have put off manual car buyers back in 2007/08?
I'm getting impatient now trying to find the right car
I would consider the auto if not for the publicised slow speed parking problems - reversing etc
I understand early manual cars suffered from gear travel problems between 1st and 2nd, might this have put off manual car buyers back in 2007/08?
I'm getting impatient now trying to find the right car
I know some will likely object, but my guess would be that coupes are considered the more focused driver's car because a fixed roof provides greater rigidity and/or lighter weight. The type of person who goes for the fixed roof is likely to prefer a manual transmission (which is considered more of a "driver's" transmission) while the person who goes for the drop top may be less likely to opt for the manual.
Rex Racer said:
I know some will likely object, but my guess would be that coupes are considered the more focused driver's car because a fixed roof provides greater rigidity and/or lighter weight. The type of person who goes for the fixed roof is likely to prefer a manual transmission (which is considered more of a "driver's" transmission) while the person who goes for the drop top may be less likely to opt for the manual.
I'm one who objects! I've had both the coupe and 2 roadsters and I defy any mere mortal, on the road, to tell the difference between the coupe and roadster dynamics. All my cars were/are manuals. My perception is that buyers go for the latest trend, in the mistaken belief that new technology will be better, whereas the flappy paddles just remove one area of driver/car interaction. IMO, of course.Shame the OP isn't looking for a yellow manual 4.7 for a bit more money, I might have let mine go!
mikey k said:
There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
Pretty Much bang on there , Sportshift was released the same time as roadster , so all stock cars by dealers where spec'd etc with sportshift , you will find alot of coupes that where built at the same time will be sportshift as well but alot less of them , as the factory just focused on the roadster.The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
So Manual roadster are very hard to find .
You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
George H said:
You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
Good trick done his research for him http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
Be aware that last one is a 4.3 even though it has the 4.7SP/N400 wheels
mikey k said:
There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
This may be true, but I suspect that there are still more sport shift transmissions sold today in new convertibles than in new coupes on a percentage basis (not talking about the S of course). The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
mikey k said:
Yep possibly - it is less pronounced in the 4.7's though IME.
You're probably right as this seems to be the trend with several automakers phasing out manual transmissions (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). Personally, I like both transmissions. It's fun to "row your own," but the automated manuals make sense when maximum performance is the top priority. Rex Racer said:
You're probably right as this seems to be the trend with several automakers phasing out manual transmissions (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). Personally, I like both transmissions. It's fun to "row your own," but the automated manuals make sense when maximum performance is the top priority.
Presumably "when maximum performance is the top priority" is on trackdays, because at road speeds, it doesn't make a ha'porth (showing my age there!) of difference.GlynMo said:
Presumably "when maximum performance is the top priority" is on trackdays, because at road speeds, it doesn't make a ha'porth (showing my age there!) of difference.
Yep, for the most part it would be track days. I've done some "spirited" driving with other performance cars in the mountains and found that there is little need to shift with the V12V -- I spent 90% of the time in 3rd and 4th. I suppose it also makes a difference in terms of all out, straight line speed. I'm guessing, however, that most of us don't drag race our cars, so this is of little importance. I've driven the 4.3 roadster on track twice - except for a little more squeaking than the coupe, the roadster drives almost identically to the coupe. I don't think the '07 MY onwards have particularly any gearbox issues between 1st and 2nd - sure it's a little recalcitrant when cold - but in no way a pain.
Lots of cars of a similar size have auto / automated manual boxes, perhaps driving the trend of sportshift roadsters?
Cheers
Kris
Lots of cars of a similar size have auto / automated manual boxes, perhaps driving the trend of sportshift roadsters?
Cheers
Kris
blackice1 said:
mikey k said:
There is actually a logical reason.
The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
Pretty Much bang on there , Sportshift was released the same time as roadster , so all stock cars by dealers where spec'd etc with sportshift , you will find alot of coupes that where built at the same time will be sportshift as well but alot less of them , as the factory just focused on the roadster.The roadster was released at the same time Aston released sport shift (ASM1) so most the demo cars were ASM1 and many of the customers were "sold" it as well.
So Manual roadster are very hard to find .
mikey k said:
George H said:
You can't be looking right hard, after 2 mins in the classifieds I found 3 black V8VR with manuals.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
Good trick done his research for him http://pistonheads.com/sales/3492959.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3258152.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3460388.htm
Be aware that last one is a 4.3 even though it has the 4.7SP/N400 wheels
alanweston said:
Have a manual 4.3 roadster in lovley fire red ( gold flecks in the red), always prefered manuals, looking to sell soon , dont imagine it will attract more than 40-45k 07, 33k miles.
Alan thanks for the offer but it's either black or dark grey only for this car for me.Hi Max,
I wouldn't let the number of owners put you off......many of these cars have 3 or 4 owners when 3 or 4 years old. If the servicing is spot on you shouldn't have an issue.....Use the search option to search for topics on numbers of owners. A few of us discussed this a couple of months back....
Good luck with the hunt!
Pete
I wouldn't let the number of owners put you off......many of these cars have 3 or 4 owners when 3 or 4 years old. If the servicing is spot on you shouldn't have an issue.....Use the search option to search for topics on numbers of owners. A few of us discussed this a couple of months back....
Good luck with the hunt!
Pete
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