Drove a V12V yesterday
Discussion
Had a drive in a V12V yesterday as my garage HWM have one on loan from AM. I feel in love. It was in Tungsten which is the same colour as my V8. It was the first time I had seen one in the flesh and I have to admit it looked the business! The only thing was the wheels I'm not too sure about them. I asked if the bonnet vents could be painted to match body colour (aka concept version) but this has been banned by Dr Bez. Though there is nothing stopping you doing it yourself.
When driving the obvious impression is the nose has more weight, but I liked that. When you put your foot down it was just an instant hit of power. The car felt more planted but you had to hang onto the wheel.
It had the optional sports seats which were fantastic, if they become an option on the V8 i'm buying a set - they felt fantastic.
Why the car has a sport button beats me. Once pressed you are never going to turn it off. It remaps the throttle response and opens the exhaust baffles.
And what can I say about the sound - heaven, particularly when you first start it from cold.
Not sure I'd buy new at £135 + options, though there is very few to add in reality as it just about comes with everything. Second hand now that is different, lets wait 18 months and I'll be looking.
When driving the obvious impression is the nose has more weight, but I liked that. When you put your foot down it was just an instant hit of power. The car felt more planted but you had to hang onto the wheel.
It had the optional sports seats which were fantastic, if they become an option on the V8 i'm buying a set - they felt fantastic.
Why the car has a sport button beats me. Once pressed you are never going to turn it off. It remaps the throttle response and opens the exhaust baffles.
And what can I say about the sound - heaven, particularly when you first start it from cold.
Not sure I'd buy new at £135 + options, though there is very few to add in reality as it just about comes with everything. Second hand now that is different, lets wait 18 months and I'll be looking.
providence1 said:
It had the optional sports seats which were fantastic, if they become an option on the V8 i'm buying a set - they felt fantastic.
They are now an option on MY10 build V8 Vantage - see the latest spec and options at : http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/thecars/v8vantage/s...I must admit that I am tempted too as the current seats are the weak point in the overall package for me. That said they are almost £2000 to spec new so I imagine the retro fit cost to be eyewatering!
Edited by Adam2S on Thursday 13th August 13:29
From a new Stig / Top Gear Video
http://cupholder.blogs.topgear.com/2009/08/13/asto...
http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/stig-lap-v12-vant...
He recons you bought the right car Frank
http://cupholder.blogs.topgear.com/2009/08/13/asto...
http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/stig-lap-v12-vant...
He recons you bought the right car Frank
Edited by Alicatt1 on Friday 14th August 19:43
Had a go in the V12 Vantage yesterday. It is a superb car to drive. Where do I start. Whereas I always felt a bit cramped in my DB9 the V12 Vantage is a bit more roomy for tall drivers. The carbon backed sports seats are fantastic and offer very good support. Much better than my 997 turbos adaptive sports seats which I have never come to terms with. The steering wheel is in alcantara and relatively small so you have an optimal driving position. Clutch and gear change are smooth and the gears fall into place - again much better than on my 997tt. Torque is unbelievable and ever available. The car is surprisingly civilized to drive at low speed - not at all like a GT3 that feels hard and noisy. The suspension is hard but not bone shattering hard as in the GT3. But, don't be fooled. Press the throttle and the thing flies regardless of which gear you're in. Down the slip road of the A3 you simply just have took look forward as the likely of anything coming from behind is remote. I particularly like the size of the car. It is so chunky and very easy to place in traffic. Where my DB9 wobbled a bit over potholes and went into understeer in tight corners the V12 Vantage is planted and nails every corner.
Great fun to drive - can't wait.
Great fun to drive - can't wait.
Edited by clorenzen on Sunday 16th August 19:46
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