Aston's Performance Driving Course

[jezzwelda]

Having just completed Astons PDC I wanted to recommend it to all Aston drivers. The day, run by AML, at Millbrook is quite simply superb with use of the hill course (were they rolled the DBS in the Bond movie)the bowl and the mile straight - zero to 150mph !

It's expensive but a real blast !

[V8LM]

What car did you do it in? I was given a place as a Birthday present - waiting for the weather to get a little more predictable first.

Edited by V8LM on Friday 19th January 23:34

[bimmmmer]

Any details/feedback about the North American performance course??

[bmt216a]

V8LM,

I bet that Le Mans is a bit of an animal. I had a go of a Vantage once, still day dream until this day.

[allthingsaston]

I believe that the current test course used in North America belongs to Ford in Detroit. Wonder if anything will be available once Ford sells Aston.

[:J:]

bimmmmer said:

Any details/feedback about the North American performance course??

All the courses, wherever they be, were put together by the same person, so comments about the UK course should pertain to the US one as well

[bimmmmer]

allthingsaston said:

Wonder if anything will be available once Ford sells Aston.

Yes, this was my worry. It's going to be at least April, until the weather is better on this side of the pond. Then, my schedule to match when I come fit the course in.

[V8LM]

BMT216A said:

I bet that Le Mans is a bit of an animal.

Can be. The thing to watch for is when the superchargers kick in - none of this wait for them to spool up business. The waste gates don't close until you need power, regardless of revs, so put your foot down and BANG! I know people that have been caught out mid corner. Not pretty. Also heard a story of someone flooring a 550 Vantage on a slip-road, already doing a reasonable speed, and snapping both shafts.

I'm looking to do the PDC in the Vanquish. It'll be interesting to see how different it is. Somehow have a feeling that my next Aston will be a Vq. Looks set to be a classic, and probably now is the time before prices start to rise.

Edited by V8LM on Friday 19th January 23:43

[jezzwelda]

V8LM said:

What car did you do it in? I was given a place as a Birthday present - waiting for the weather to get a little more predictable first.

Edited by V8LM on Friday 19th January 23:34

V8LM - I used a DB9 for the day. All the cars that they use are only a few months old so I have no idea what they'll do with a request for a Vanquish. I'm guessing that the longer you wait the more difficult it will be. The contact at Gaydon for the PCD is Sophie Pugh who can be reached via the main switch.

I wouldn't be too worried about the weather I did the day in the wet (drizzle/light rain) - it didn't detract from the experience at all.

On the US front I was under the impression form the PDC brochure (very good - includes DVD) that Aston use the Dearborn circuit belonging to Ford. I'm guessing that this is likely to continue - remember Millbrook belongs to GM.

If you do go make sure you ask to look round the Works Service unit. A DB5 - cost £78,000 being restored at a cost of £163,000 !! They had just finished one and it looked as good as it did the day it was built. The restoration boys are phenomenal and it was a great end to a phenomenal day.

Enjoy !

[V8LM]

Thanks - I've already filled the forms out and requested the Vq. Just need to decide on a date.

My LM's been in Heritage at Works a few times, and I always enjoy a good wander around. The "Tango" car is something else!

[AndyGarton]

Could somebody tell me how I go about booking a place on a performance course please? I can't find any information on the AM website (but I'm not very good at looking).

[jezzwelda]

I should have realised you'd have been to WS at NP from the LM. They had a few cars in of a similar vintage.

I've not doubt you'll enjoy the PDC I'm wondering if Clarksons least favourite gearbox will be fun or infuriating !?!

They're talking about a limit driving course later in the year - should be a blast!

Whatever you do - enjoy !

[V8LM]

AndyGarton said:

Could somebody tell me how I go about booking a place on a performance course please?

For UK: pdcuk .at. astonmartin.com
Europe: pdceuro .at. astonmartin.com
USA: pdcusa .at. astonmartin.com

Edited by V8LM on Sunday 21st January 20:34

[AndyGarton]

Thanks.

[jezzwelda]

V8LM said:

[quote=AndyGarton]Could somebody tell me how I go about booking a place on a performance course please?

Call Sophie Pugh on 01926 644 277. She is the PDC administrator.

[:J:]

jezzwelda said:

All the cars that they use are only a few months old so I have no idea what they'll do with a request for a Vanquish.

You get a free course when you buy one, so they are still using it

[nda]

I did the day when I bought my Vanquish - AML provided the Vanquish, I didn't need to drive mine.

It was an interesting day as the instructors are not AML employees and know a lot more than the salesman who sold me mine! So I picked up lots of tips and tricks about the car and also drove it at speed, at the limit of it's grip. The big Vanquish will hustle along a lot quicker than you might imagine - although it's exhausting somehow!