Aston confirms plans for 911-killer
AMV8 concept due in summer -- we can't wait...
Aston Martin has confirmed that the AMV8 Vantage, which will be pitched directly against the Porsche 911, is going to plan and the launch window remains this summer.
The concept version of the AMV8 was shown at Detroit in 2003 and heralds a new era for the company, taking Aston Martin into a market sector where it has not previously been represented.
Together with the DB9 and Vanquish S, it will increase annual production figures closer to 5,000 cars annually.
Aston Martin’s gorgeous DB9 saw more than 2,000 produced at the company’s new HQ at Gaydon in Warwickshire with a further 400 Vanquish models delivered from its Newport Pagnell plant in Buckinghamshire. Currently around the world there is an 18 month waiting list for DB9 and a six month list for the recently introduced Vanquish S.
AM CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said, "The last few years at Aston Martin have been a period of intense activity and 2005 is going to be even busier for us. Along with our owners and race fans everywhere, we’re looking forward to seeing Aston Martin return to the race track with the DBR9. However, this will be our debut year and we have much to do as the new team in GT racing.
"The summer sees the culmination of our model introduction programme with the launch of the V8 Vantage. I know a lot of people have been waiting to see the final version of this third model from Aston Martin. The interest it has caused around the world has surprised us and our dealers. But our customers won’t have to wait too much longer to see the final production version."
Why the droppy front. Why the gaping grill. Why the banana shape?
It's lost it trying to gain difference between the DB7 and DB9 IMHO. I'm afraid I just don't really like the look of it, and not enough to spend the £80k that one with appropiate goodies will cost.
J
joust said:
Why oh why oh why have they left it in an oven at 400 degrees for 2 years?
Why the droppy front. Why the gaping grill. Why the banana shape?
It's lost it trying to gain difference between the DB7 and DB9 IMHO. I'm afraid I just don't really like the look of it, and not enough to spend the £80k that one with appropiate goodies will cost.
J
time to go to the opticians mate
joust said:
Why oh why oh why have they left it in an oven at 400 degrees for 2 years?
Why the droppy front. Why the gaping grill. Why the banana shape?
It's lost it trying to gain difference between the DB7 and DB9 IMHO. I'm afraid I just don't really like the look of it, and not enough to spend the £80k that one with appropiate goodies will cost.
J
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. My opinion is that your opinion is WAAAAAY WRONG. All in my humble opinion of course.
I want one. Now. For £20.
Ian A.
god I want one!
I looked at new Vanquish and DB9's and was shocked at the shoddy build quality. One of the models (can't remember which) has flush door handles..... which don't go back flush when released. ... and Ka or (Ka type and quality) switches.
I agree its a gorgeous looking car but it looks like I'll be buying a 911 ........
sc50101 said:
I agree its a gorgeous looking car but it looks like I'll be buying a 911
You and several thousands of others, probably
I think that Aston's the bee's knees.
Looks immensely agressive and yet a tad more understated than a Lambo or Ferrari.
Herr Bez is probably pretty elated that Alfa won't build the 8C. Now, anybody in this niche of the car market will either buy a 911 or an Aston.
Pretty pretty pretty
sc5011 said:Which means you must be almost No.1 in the queue then
I was in a Jaguar/Aston dealership 6 weeks ago (Thankfully my Dad did not buy the S Type), and I wondered into the Aston section, as the AM V8 is a possibility for me later this year..
and if you are I'm amazed at you choosing a common or garden 911 instead. 
Rich...RichB said:Yes - my point exactly! Have you seen the spy shots of the car?
Sorry Joust, your eyes are playing tricks that picture IS the original 2003 show car!
After seeing the ones in Autocar I was appalled. If you search you'll find I fell in love with this car when it was shown on here the first time, so much so I placed an order for one.
2 years later and I think it's found the bean counters and "market differentiator workshops" just a few too many times. The spy shots showed a "mouth" that looked almost as large as a 407, the taughtness of the rear had been lost, as had the "forward" hunch of the picture on this story with the rear looking higher than the front - it was as flat as a pancake.
For some reason, I just went *blugh* when I saw it, and each picture I've seen since with different gaffer tape hasn't changed that view.
So, once I had the AM dealer I was with faffing me around with my order, I told them where to stuff it I'm afraid.
I may be mad. I may have lost all sense, but that's what I think.
My £80k will now be put towards something that hasn't lost it's translation from concept to reality, and something that has a decent dealer network who don't try and screw £5k out of you for a car you've never seen....
J
>> Edited by joust on Tuesday 11th January 16:47
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