AMV8 - Underwhelmed
Discussion
Chaps
I got my first chance for a decent test drive yesterday on proper roads and I am frankly rather disappointed.
- poor ride quality: very crashy on our poor roads, clearly engineered for good lap times to make it look good in the press reports but totally compromising it for road use, for which I would mainly use it (for reference the 993RS I turned up in actually rounds some bumps off better - and that makes no bones about being a track car!). This car desperately needs variable damping like Porsche PASM.
- hopeless throttle response: very lethargic response to blipping of the throttle making rev-matching on down changes harder then it should.
- poor low rev torque: response below 3500rpm unimpressive making the car feel heavy (which it is) and the engine really needs revving out to deliver what feels like only adequate performance.
- rattles from the tailgate + assorted squeaks from the interior.
I got out at the end feeling pretty indifferent about the experience. Surely if you are going to spend £90k on a car it ought to make you feel “oh my gawd I HAVE to have one of these”.
There is no doubting the looks, the magnificent interior, the noise and the pleasure in saying “I drive an Aston Martin” but these factors are low down my list of priorities; I put a big premium on overall vehicle dynamics and to my mind the Aston is left wanting in key areas as a road car.
I am a huge AM fan and desperately wanted this car to be brilliant and have the pleasure of owning one. I am now seriously considering cancelling the order which is a very disappointing state of affairs.
Thoughts?
I got my first chance for a decent test drive yesterday on proper roads and I am frankly rather disappointed.
- poor ride quality: very crashy on our poor roads, clearly engineered for good lap times to make it look good in the press reports but totally compromising it for road use, for which I would mainly use it (for reference the 993RS I turned up in actually rounds some bumps off better - and that makes no bones about being a track car!). This car desperately needs variable damping like Porsche PASM.
- hopeless throttle response: very lethargic response to blipping of the throttle making rev-matching on down changes harder then it should.
- poor low rev torque: response below 3500rpm unimpressive making the car feel heavy (which it is) and the engine really needs revving out to deliver what feels like only adequate performance.
- rattles from the tailgate + assorted squeaks from the interior.
I got out at the end feeling pretty indifferent about the experience. Surely if you are going to spend £90k on a car it ought to make you feel “oh my gawd I HAVE to have one of these”.
There is no doubting the looks, the magnificent interior, the noise and the pleasure in saying “I drive an Aston Martin” but these factors are low down my list of priorities; I put a big premium on overall vehicle dynamics and to my mind the Aston is left wanting in key areas as a road car.
I am a huge AM fan and desperately wanted this car to be brilliant and have the pleasure of owning one. I am now seriously considering cancelling the order which is a very disappointing state of affairs.
Thoughts?
RRG, interesting that you think the ride is crashy after a 993RS....blimey I found the RS made you loose fillings!
Having been a long term owner of Pork I have just made the move to an AMV8 & am thoroughly enjoying the car, but you need time to adapt, it is a different beast!
The bottom line is it isn't as good as many Porkers on a pure "drivers car" level, and certainly not an RS or GT3, they are different animals. But it has so many other compensating factors that make it a very special car to own, infact it gets under your skin. It needs about 5000 revs to really go, so you need to change your driving style, it also sounds fabulous with a great overall balance thanks to the 49/51 weight distribution. But
in honesty if you are looking for the best new pure drivers car for the money buy a 997GT3.
I have come out of a 996TT & it took three test drives to capture me, but so far I don't regret it, every time I see the car & sit in it, it's an occasion before you have even turned a wheel. I find the car simply stunning inside & out & it makes a very refreshing change from Pork, that woofly growly engine, the solid chunky wheel & gearshift, its an automotive jewel & i'm bonding with it, the sleeping bag is in the garage! If you have one it will get under your skin.
But ultimately if you want to get up just for the B road blast & the other ownership factors aren't important get your order in for the GT3. You pay your money & takes a choice!
Having been a long term owner of Pork I have just made the move to an AMV8 & am thoroughly enjoying the car, but you need time to adapt, it is a different beast!
The bottom line is it isn't as good as many Porkers on a pure "drivers car" level, and certainly not an RS or GT3, they are different animals. But it has so many other compensating factors that make it a very special car to own, infact it gets under your skin. It needs about 5000 revs to really go, so you need to change your driving style, it also sounds fabulous with a great overall balance thanks to the 49/51 weight distribution. But
in honesty if you are looking for the best new pure drivers car for the money buy a 997GT3.
I have come out of a 996TT & it took three test drives to capture me, but so far I don't regret it, every time I see the car & sit in it, it's an occasion before you have even turned a wheel. I find the car simply stunning inside & out & it makes a very refreshing change from Pork, that woofly growly engine, the solid chunky wheel & gearshift, its an automotive jewel & i'm bonding with it, the sleeping bag is in the garage! If you have one it will get under your skin.
But ultimately if you want to get up just for the B road blast & the other ownership factors aren't important get your order in for the GT3. You pay your money & takes a choice!
markhit said:
I agree with what you have said but can live with most of those things.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
Yep "workaround" for that is also dont buy one. I didnt think AM would bother sending any out to you anyway, no room for a surf board or bbq.
bund said:
markhit said:
I agree with what you have said but can live with most of those things.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
Yep "workaround" for that is also dont buy one. I didnt think AM would bother sending any out to you anyway, no room for a surf board or bbq.
Jealousy is a curse. How's the weather there?
Interesting comments from RRG and some I concur with, mostly concerning throttle response, but as pointed out elsewhere I believe it`s a matter of either not buying one or altering your input/driving technique, just the same as you have to when going to Porsche from any other marque.
I too was underwhelmed with my first test but kept returning for more , after an extended third road test ( around some of Norfolks and Suffolks worst lanes) I discovered a much more focused and exiting car, so much so that I pick mine up later today in exchange for the 360 plus some change......
I too was underwhelmed with my first test but kept returning for more , after an extended third road test ( around some of Norfolks and Suffolks worst lanes) I discovered a much more focused and exiting car, so much so that I pick mine up later today in exchange for the 360 plus some change......
RRG said:
but totally compromising it for road use,
That is weird, I find mine fantastic on the road, much smoother than other sports cars I have had, and even smoother than the wife's Scooooby Wagon. If you are really really hustling in on a bumpy B-road then it is not as composed as say a 996 with normal suspension, but on most other roads it is fantastic.
It is true, though the low end torque is poor so you have to work it, but then that is what a sports car is for, you cannot be lazy like in a 911 and keep it in 6th and expect to really motor along.
The throttle response is again different, you learn to drive around it.
Mine rattles a little bit, but most of the time I am hammering along and thus the engine noise drowns it out, and if I am not hammering along I have 700w of Alpine love drowning out ALL noises!
Edited by sadlerj on Tuesday 25th July 09:01
Edited by sadlerj on Tuesday 25th July 09:06
markhit said:
bund said:
markhit said:
I agree with what you have said but can live with most of those things.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
The one thing that was quite obvious to me was the throttle response when heel and toeing. I thought it was just me. Need to find a "workaround" for that.
Yep "workaround" for that is also dont buy one. I didnt think AM would bother sending any out to you anyway, no room for a surf board or bbq.
Jealousy is a curse. How's the weather there?
About 30 most days so thats nice.
Seasider said:
mikial said:
Just back from the handover, whatever it might lack in balls out power/speed it more than makes up for in other departments.
Lovely Mikial
they will compliment each other 
mikial said:
i can get my golf bag in the boot 
Please keep this off the Griff forum
Point taken Seasider, I like my legs......
I reckon I`ll be sleeping in the summer house ( shed) to be that bit closer...
Pulled fuse 22 from the wrong fuse box and discovered that`s the air flow sensor so the engine won`t run.The one I want is in the boot although I`m undecided if I want to run like that ( removed) as yet. It`s such a change from a Tubi`d 360.
Sorry for the hijack .
Pulled fuse 22 from the wrong fuse box and discovered that`s the air flow sensor so the engine won`t run.The one I want is in the boot although I`m undecided if I want to run like that ( removed) as yet. It`s such a change from a Tubi`d 360.
Sorry for the hijack .
mikial said:
I reckon I`ll be sleeping in the summer house ( shed) to be that bit closer...
Pulled fuse 22 from the wrong fuse box and discovered that`s the air flow sensor so the engine won`t run.The one I want is in the boot although I`m undecided if I want to run like that ( removed) as yet. It`s such a change from a Tubi`d 360.
Sorry for the hijack .
Pulled fuse 22 from the wrong fuse box and discovered that`s the air flow sensor so the engine won`t run.The one I want is in the boot although I`m undecided if I want to run like that ( removed) as yet. It`s such a change from a Tubi`d 360.
Sorry for the hijack .
I have been running it with the valve open from the start, I think it is better. As standard it is all a bit silly, quiet quiet & then suddenly at 4500rpm all hell lets loose & frightens overhead aircraft without any warning! At least with it open you can vary the noise level from a woofly grumble that isn't over loud to armaggedon on full throttle. I don't think it is cool to drive through town centres ripping the sides off houses, but the car sounds much better grumbling along on part throttle than super silent!
Personally wouldn't pull any fuses, I'd get your dealer to do it for you.
No one has made a very good case for me spending £90k yet... Come on guys, someone tell me I'm completely wrong and that I will fall in love with it after a few weeks of ownership!
(BTW the 993RS stays for track work - it is unlikely I will ever sell that car! - the AM is mainly for the road)
(BTW the 993RS stays for track work - it is unlikely I will ever sell that car! - the AM is mainly for the road)
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