997GT3....... The THUG has arrived!!!

[grant3]

Blimey I'm clearly so in love with the AMV8 still, I automatically came to the Aston forum & posted this in the wrong section, sorry guys, missing the the Aston, but this monster will be one hell of a drivers car once run in!

It's too early to unveil the full driving impressions, but here is the beast, wet, dirty but still mean & moody!!!



Ladies & gentleman the Thug is on the loose, this car definitely means business!

Mikial time for you to keep the Aston & add a GT3 to your stable !!!

Edited by grant3 on Monday 5th March 22:57

Edited by grant3 on Tuesday 6th March 11:51

[Jappo]

I'm confused - is the Thug you, or the car?

[bimmmmer]

Grant,
Car looks great!

Don't know a huge amount about Porsche's
What are the differences between the GT3 vs 911 Turbo, apart from styling cues?
Any specific reason you don't have an Aston any more? Thanks!

[mikial]

grant3 said:

Blimey I'm clearly so in love with the AMV8 still, I automatically came to the Aston forum & posted this in the wrong section, sorry guys, missing the the Aston, but this monster will be one hell of a drivers car once run in!

It's too early to unveil the full driving impressions, but here is the beast, wet, dirty but still mean & moody!!!



Ladies & gentleman the Thug is on the loose, this car definitely means business!

Mikial time for you to keep the Aston & add a GT3 to your stable !!!

Edited by grant3 on Monday 5th March 22:57

Thanks for the thought Grant but clearly I`m not meant to be a Porsche owner, of the six various models I`ve had through the years only two have made old bones, the 996 t is no more, written off after collecting a mature oak whilst attempting a pirouette on the 8th February ( day of the nationwide snow) ....enough of my ramblings , I like that combination you`ve specced looks fantastic , nothing like the thrill you`re experiencing now and the anticipation of things to come once the running in period is finished.

Off subject , I had the loan of an e46 SMG M3 for a week , if they are not the bargain of the century then my d***s a kipper, very impressive ( aside from the slightly dead steering and the brakes !)

Do you plan to keep the GT3 long or do you have a plan to re-enter owning a British heritage when the Vantage "S" appears

[Pugsey]

mikial said:

grant3 said:

Blimey I'm clearly so in love with the AMV8 still, I automatically came to the Aston forum & posted this in the wrong section, sorry guys, missing the the Aston, but this monster will be one hell of a drivers car once run in!

It's too early to unveil the full driving impressions, but here is the beast, wet, dirty but still mean & moody!!!



Ladies & gentleman the Thug is on the loose, this car definitely means business!

Mikial time for you to keep the Aston & add a GT3 to your stable !!!

Edited by grant3 on Monday 5th March 22:57

Do you plan to keep the GT3 long or do you have a plan to re-enter owning a British heritage when the Vantage "S" appears

I hear Grant has carefully wrapped his AM monogrammed pipe and slippers in tissue paper rather than burning them so I guess he'll be back after a few months of 'behaving badly'.

Re your mishap - no injury to your good self I trust?

Off for a blatt in my 'stop gap' runnabout - a mean little, black, ClioV6 - not particularly fast but somehow just huge fun and everyone seems to love it too. Cheap as chips as well - which makes a change!

Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 6th March 09:05

Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 6th March 09:08

[mikial]

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

grant3 said:

Blimey I'm clearly so in love with the AMV8 still, I automatically came to the Aston forum & posted this in the wrong section, sorry guys, missing the the Aston, but this monster will be one hell of a drivers car once run in!

It's too early to unveil the full driving impressions, but here is the beast, wet, dirty but still mean & moody!!!



Ladies & gentleman the Thug is on the loose, this car definitely means business!

Mikial time for you to keep the Aston & add a GT3 to your stable !!!

Edited by grant3 on Monday 5th March 22:57

Do you plan to keep the GT3 long or do you have a plan to re-enter owning a British heritage when the Vantage "S" appears

I hear Grant has carefully wrapped his AM monogrammed pipe and slippers in tissue paper rather than burning them so I guess he'll be back after a few months of 'behaving badly'.

Re your mishap - no injury to your good self I trust?

Off for a blatt in my 'stop gap' runnabout - a mean little, black, ClioV6 - not particularly fast but somehow just huge fun and everyone seems to love it too. Cheap as chips as well - which makes a change!

Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 6th March 09:05

Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 6th March 09:08

Only injury was due to the airbag compressing my right ear, which feels like it`s full of water and rings slightly but no moans from me , happy to be around.

I`ve read elsewhere about your black meanie , there are some excellent cars about it seems just now for reasonable money, buyers market for sure , take your pick.

Get your point about Grant behaving badly in the thug , seems churlish not to, some cars have that effect don`t you think ?

[grant3]

bimmmmer said:

Grant,
Car looks great!Don't know a huge amount about Porsche's
What are the differences between the GT3 vs 911 Turbo, apart from styling cues?
Any specific reason you don't have an Aston any more? Thanks!

Bimmer, loved the Aston, tried it whilst waiting for delivery of the GT3 & will be back, prior to the Aston I had a Turbo, awesome car amazing ballistic effortless safe speed everywhere, but I wanted a change something just as fast, but a screaming high revving more interactive road racer, now with more sensible road manners, hence the GT3!

Jappo said:

I'm confused - is the Thug you, or the car?

Careful otherwise I'll send the boys around!

mikial said:

Thanks for the thought Grant but clearly I`m not meant to be a Porsche owner, of the six various models I`ve had through the years only two have made old bones, the 996 t is no more, written off after collecting a mature oak whilst attempting a pirouette on the 8th February ( day of the nationwide snow) ....enough of my ramblings , I like that combination you`ve specced looks fantastic , nothing like the thrill you`re experiencing now and the anticipation of things to come once the running in period is finished.

Off subject , I had the loan of an e46 SMG M3 for a week , if they are not the bargain of the century then my d***s a kipper, very impressive ( aside from the slightly dead steering and the brakes !)

Do you plan to keep the GT3 long or do you have a plan to re-enter owning a British heritage when the Vantage "S" appears

Sorry to hear that Mikial, are you & the family all ok?

Pugsey said:

I hear Grant has carefully wrapped his AM monogrammed pipe and slippers in tissue paper rather than burning them so I guess he'll be back after a few months of 'behaving badly'.

Could be true, time will tell, anyway I hear you are going from Thug to Homicidal Maniac via a french lady with a big bottom & large skirts??????

[mikial]

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

[grant3]

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

I'm glad you are ok, a possible "moment" worried me about the Turbo, 99.9% of the time it is so surefooted & predictable in all conditions, but just occasionally it bites without any seeming provocation!

With regards to the asset protection, as I don't finance the cars I don't tend to think about asset insurance, but I suppose I should. In honesty I'm also rather sceptical about how well these schemes actually work when you put them to the test, so did you have the insurance & if so have they come good?

[mikial]

grant3 said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

I'm glad you are ok, a possible "moment" worried me about the Turbo, 99.9% of the time it is so surefooted & predictable in all conditions, but just occasionally it bites without any seeming provocation!

With regards to the asset protection, as I don't finance the cars I don't tend to think about asset insurance, but I suppose I should. In honesty I'm also rather sceptical about how well these schemes actually work when you put them to the test, so did you have the insurance & if so have they come good?

That was the only moment I had in the turbo , as you say so predictable ( apart from the once !)

Early days yet but in principle they ( Asset Protection) make up the difference between a settlement ( this will apply if the insured car was not protected by an assured value by the insurance company ie invoice price ) figure if this falls short of the invoice price . Example, invoice price £50k , in the event of a total loss the insurance co/ offer £42k , in theory the Asset Protection covers you for the difference and sends you a cheque for £8k

Clear as mud ??

[Pugsey]

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

[clorenzen]

Hi Pugsey
As you are a man of style and substance having owned a beautiful amv8 how can you live with that ugly spoiler on the back of the GT3. Just joking - enjoy.

[grant3]

clorenzen said:

Hi Pugsey
As you are a man of style and substance having owned a beautiful amv8 how can you live with that ugly spoiler on the back of the GT3. Just joking - enjoy.

Blimey & that from a man with a 997TT which looks like its had an accident in a main Halfords store!!!!

[mikial]

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

No plans being hatched presently , I like the Aston Martin , this months Octane has a feature on all the DB models , after reading it I felt a swell of pride , it`s not ( the V8V) , as we know the most rapid out there but it suits me , I like the pitted rear wheel arches above the protected area , the crinkles appearing on the seats . I think this car might age well ,like a good Claret or a rare Port, the seating position aligns with the pedals and the steering wheel perfectly for me , other drivers let me in a flow of traffic and smile when they do , I read about other owners having problems with rattles or headlights misting , mine doesn`t have these maladies , so I think I have a car I want to keep , maybe give it to my son when sciatica stops me tumbling into it and I can`t reach the pedals !!

[Pugsey]

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

No plans being hatched presently , I like the Aston Martin , this months Octane has a feature on all the DB models , after reading it I felt a swell of pride , it`s not ( the V8V) , as we know the most rapid out there but it suits me , I like the pitted rear wheel arches above the protected area , the crinkles appearing on the seats . I think this car might age well ,like a good Claret or a rare Port, the seating position aligns with the pedals and the steering wheel perfectly for me , other drivers let me in a flow of traffic and smile when they do , I read about other owners having problems with rattles or headlights misting , mine doesn`t have these maladies , so I think I have a car I want to keep , maybe give it to my son when sciatica stops me tumbling into it and I can`t reach the pedals !!

I like your thinking. Having spent the last few years jumping from one brief stay in the latest 'next big thing' to the next I must admit that, when I meet a guy who has owned his car for a few years and built up a history of good memories and a bond with the car, I find myself getting very envious. The V8 is the only car that I feel I could take this route with - the shape is already a classic and as you say it will mature like a fine wine, missing out entirely that 'just a three or four year old out of date model' phase. Yes slightly faster and improved versions will appear but cars like this are so good now anyway that the gains will be maginal for road use (as opposed to gaining a few tenths round the track) and owning the current car won't leave you feeling short changed. My short ownership of a little ClioV6 is reminding me that there are a lot of things more important to pleasurable ownership than outright dynamics! I will be keeping the Clio for ever and for the same reasons I will return to AM longterm some time fairly soon. Now the 997GT3 has gone when I see one I think 'I'm glad I had one of those for a while', when I see a V8 I MISS MINE.

[mikial]

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

No plans being hatched presently , I like the Aston Martin , this months Octane has a feature on all the DB models , after reading it I felt a swell of pride , it`s not ( the V8V) , as we know the most rapid out there but it suits me , I like the pitted rear wheel arches above the protected area , the crinkles appearing on the seats . I think this car might age well ,like a good Claret or a rare Port, the seating position aligns with the pedals and the steering wheel perfectly for me , other drivers let me in a flow of traffic and smile when they do , I read about other owners having problems with rattles or headlights misting , mine doesn`t have these maladies , so I think I have a car I want to keep , maybe give it to my son when sciatica stops me tumbling into it and I can`t reach the pedals !!

I like your thinking. Having spent the last few years jumping from one brief stay in the latest 'next big thing' to the next I must admit that, when I meet a guy who has owned his car for a few years and built up a history of good memories and a bond with the car, I find myself getting very envious. The V8 is the only car that I feel I could take this route with - the shape is already a classic and as you say it will mature like a fine wine, missing out entirely that 'just a three or four year old out of date model' phase. Yes slightly faster and improved versions will appear but cars like this are so good now anyway that the gains will be maginal for road use (as opposed to gaining a few tenths round the track) and owning the current car won't leave you feeling short changed. My short ownership of a little ClioV6 is reminding me that there are a lot of things more important to pleasurable ownership than outright dynamics! I will be keeping the Clio for ever and for the same reasons I will return to AM longterm some time fairly soon. Now the 997GT3 has gone when I see one I think 'I'm glad I had one of those for a while', when I see a V8 I MISS MINE.

The little grey cells are now plotting to test a V6 Clio, I was contemplating e46 M3 but mrs mikial was unyielding in her veto , she had a Clio once maybe she wont notice the V6 being different, she didn`t notice when I changed from a guards red gt3 to a 360 , I moved the registration number from one to the other to complete the illusion , she eventually asked what why I`d removed the spoiler ! Bless.

Sorry for the hi-jack Grant

[Pugsey]

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

No plans being hatched presently , I like the Aston Martin , this months Octane has a feature on all the DB models , after reading it I felt a swell of pride , it`s not ( the V8V) , as we know the most rapid out there but it suits me , I like the pitted rear wheel arches above the protected area , the crinkles appearing on the seats . I think this car might age well ,like a good Claret or a rare Port, the seating position aligns with the pedals and the steering wheel perfectly for me , other drivers let me in a flow of traffic and smile when they do , I read about other owners having problems with rattles or headlights misting , mine doesn`t have these maladies , so I think I have a car I want to keep , maybe give it to my son when sciatica stops me tumbling into it and I can`t reach the pedals !!

I like your thinking. Having spent the last few years jumping from one brief stay in the latest 'next big thing' to the next I must admit that, when I meet a guy who has owned his car for a few years and built up a history of good memories and a bond with the car, I find myself getting very envious. The V8 is the only car that I feel I could take this route with - the shape is already a classic and as you say it will mature like a fine wine, missing out entirely that 'just a three or four year old out of date model' phase. Yes slightly faster and improved versions will appear but cars like this are so good now anyway that the gains will be maginal for road use (as opposed to gaining a few tenths round the track) and owning the current car won't leave you feeling short changed. My short ownership of a little ClioV6 is reminding me that there are a lot of things more important to pleasurable ownership than outright dynamics! I will be keeping the Clio for ever and for the same reasons I will return to AM longterm some time fairly soon. Now the 997GT3 has gone when I see one I think 'I'm glad I had one of those for a while', when I see a V8 I MISS MINE.

The little grey cells are now plotting to test a V6 Clio, I was contemplating e46 M3 but mrs mikial was unyielding in her veto , she had a Clio once maybe she wont notice the V6 being different, she didn`t notice when I changed from a guards red gt3 to a 360 , I moved the registration number from one to the other to complete the illusion , she eventually asked what why I`d removed the spoiler ! Bless.

Sorry for the hi-jack Grant

You'd get bored with the M3 - I did. Yes it's a little quicker than the Clio but unless you're giving it death it feels like any other 3 Series. No sense of occassion. Millions of them around to. The Clio feels and looks special all the time - even when parked. There are less than 400 of them too! AND cheap as chips and if anything appreciating slightly now. I'm due to visit those very nice people at Sratton Motors fairly soon. If that's anywhere near you, you would be very welcome to try the little beast. It'll ensure I don't take the easy option and waft over in the X5!

[grant3]

Mikial, I agree about the M3, if you are going that route then wait for the new model, but what would tempt me in a simlar vein would be a nice used Audi RS4 in red, Mmmmmm.
Four doors & boot to keep the Mrs happy & that high revving V8, note that JB at Evo wants to keep his long termer when the contract ends, says a lot!

[mikial]

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Pugsey said:

mikial said:

Thanks for the concern Grant , I was unaccompanied at the time and I`m fine.

When you purchased the GT3 ( you too Pugsey ) did you buy the Asset Protector from the OPC ?

Mikial, I finance all my toys, er I mean business assets, with Lombard. Always take out, GAP or 'Return to invoice' insurance for a few pence a month. Seems like a good idea although thankfully never had to use it! Hope yours goes smoothly. Are you already hatching plans for a replacement? Or will you satisfy yourself with 'just' the V8.

No plans being hatched presently , I like the Aston Martin , this months Octane has a feature on all the DB models , after reading it I felt a swell of pride , it`s not ( the V8V) , as we know the most rapid out there but it suits me , I like the pitted rear wheel arches above the protected area , the crinkles appearing on the seats . I think this car might age well ,like a good Claret or a rare Port, the seating position aligns with the pedals and the steering wheel perfectly for me , other drivers let me in a flow of traffic and smile when they do , I read about other owners having problems with rattles or headlights misting , mine doesn`t have these maladies , so I think I have a car I want to keep , maybe give it to my son when sciatica stops me tumbling into it and I can`t reach the pedals !!

I like your thinking. Having spent the last few years jumping from one brief stay in the latest 'next big thing' to the next I must admit that, when I meet a guy who has owned his car for a few years and built up a history of good memories and a bond with the car, I find myself getting very envious. The V8 is the only car that I feel I could take this route with - the shape is already a classic and as you say it will mature like a fine wine, missing out entirely that 'just a three or four year old out of date model' phase. Yes slightly faster and improved versions will appear but cars like this are so good now anyway that the gains will be maginal for road use (as opposed to gaining a few tenths round the track) and owning the current car won't leave you feeling short changed. My short ownership of a little ClioV6 is reminding me that there are a lot of things more important to pleasurable ownership than outright dynamics! I will be keeping the Clio for ever and for the same reasons I will return to AM longterm some time fairly soon. Now the 997GT3 has gone when I see one I think 'I'm glad I had one of those for a while', when I see a V8 I MISS MINE.

The little grey cells are now plotting to test a V6 Clio, I was contemplating e46 M3 but mrs mikial was unyielding in her veto , she had a Clio once maybe she wont notice the V6 being different, she didn`t notice when I changed from a guards red gt3 to a 360 , I moved the registration number from one to the other to complete the illusion , she eventually asked what why I`d removed the spoiler ! Bless.

Sorry for the hi-jack Grant

You'd get bored with the M3 - I did. Yes it's a little quicker than the Clio but unless you're giving it death it feels like any other 3 Series. No sense of occassion. Millions of them around to. The Clio feels and looks special all the time - even when parked. There are less than 400 of them too! AND cheap as chips and if anything appreciating slightly now. I'm due to visit those very nice people at Sratton Motors fairly soon. If that's anywhere near you, you would be very welcome to try the little beast. It'll ensure I don't take the easy option and waft over in the X5!

Just back from Long Stratton , it`s about 20 minutes from me, that`s a great idea Pugsey , I`d be happy to meet up. Went out in a black Vanquish "S" with Kevin for a quick drive , 18 months old and a giveaway at £135 K, they have a new one at £184K , immense presence and very a familiar feel to it ( stating the obvious ) but it`s so different from the V8V, I liked it .

[mikial]

grant3 said:

Mikial, I agree about the M3, if you are going that route then wait for the new model, but what would tempt me in a simlar vein would be a nice used Audi RS4 in red, Mmmmmm.
Four doors & boot to keep the Mrs happy & that high revving V8, note that JB at Evo wants to keep his long termer when the contract ends, says a lot!

Agreed , I`m in no hurry Grant and will for a change try and be wise in the choice I make , not going to buy new ever again so that`s disqualifies the M3 but the Audi looks to be a worthy candidate .