GT8 & GT12 Intercooler Video
Discussion
A very enjoyable video just out from the Intercooler.
It’s interesting to see VH cars being reviewed by proper motoring journalists in the context of 2025.
Back in 2016 it was all, oh it’s 0.5 slower to 100km/h, it doesn’t have a turbo, it doesn’t have the latest in car entertainment, it doesn’t have lane keep assist electric steering blah blah blah.
Now in 2025, suddenly, none of that really matters, the pure joy and analogue nature of the cars shine through. They are just an absolute driver’s car. An event. An escape capsule for special occasions.
It’s interesting to see VH cars being reviewed by proper motoring journalists in the context of 2025.
Back in 2016 it was all, oh it’s 0.5 slower to 100km/h, it doesn’t have a turbo, it doesn’t have the latest in car entertainment, it doesn’t have lane keep assist electric steering blah blah blah.
Now in 2025, suddenly, none of that really matters, the pure joy and analogue nature of the cars shine through. They are just an absolute driver’s car. An event. An escape capsule for special occasions.
Edited by Davil on Friday 28th February 03:26
Davil said:
A very enjoyable video just out from the Intercooler.
It’s interesting to see VH cars being reviewed by proper motoring journalists in the context of 2025.
Back in 2016 it was all, oh it’s 0.5 slower to 100km/h, it doesn’t have a turbo, it doesn’t have the latest in car entertainment, it doesn’t have lane keep assist electric steering blah blah blah.
Now in 2025, suddenly, none of that really matters, the pure joy and analogue nature of the cars shine through. They are just an absolute driver’s car. An event. An escape capsule for special occasions.
totally agree. And this is why I have grown weary when everyone calls a vantage a GT car instead of a sportscar, and that a 911 is in a different league. Its all a load of rubbish. A vantage is as engaging and as dynamically capable as any of its contemporaries when you look beyond the numbers on a page.It’s interesting to see VH cars being reviewed by proper motoring journalists in the context of 2025.
Back in 2016 it was all, oh it’s 0.5 slower to 100km/h, it doesn’t have a turbo, it doesn’t have the latest in car entertainment, it doesn’t have lane keep assist electric steering blah blah blah.
Now in 2025, suddenly, none of that really matters, the pure joy and analogue nature of the cars shine through. They are just an absolute driver’s car. An event. An escape capsule for special occasions.
Edited by Davil on Friday 28th February 03:26
Loved the vid both incredibly special cars but the noise of that GT12 is other worldly what a thing! Only one for sale with European Prestige at an eye watering £330k but it’s totally unique and super rare….I’d give my left kidney for it!
Probably one of the greatest Astons ever made.
Probably one of the greatest Astons ever made.
cypriot said:
totally agree. And this is why I have grown weary when everyone calls a vantage a GT car instead of a sportscar, and that a 911 is in a different league. Its all a load of rubbish. A vantage is as engaging and as dynamically capable as any of its contemporaries when you look beyond the numbers on a page.
Ha. Yes. I think you also have a manual AMR? Terrible GT car, fantastic sports car. I actually went and rented a 992 911 last year in California to see what the fuss was about. I drove all around the Malibu Canyons. Awesome place, very sad what happened there.
It’s a good car. More akin to a good BMW than an Aston. Slower than the Aston once on the boil, steering a bit numb, not a lot of feel going on. Sounds like a vacuum cleaner. Silly tiny paddles. A bit low rent with the interior materials. Just not “special” feeling at all. It’s the accountant’s sports car. Sensible. Not a lot of excitement. A low risk investment. Quotable numbers to justify the outlay when talking to your colleagues. Easy to drive to and from the office.
The Aston raises your pulse when you look at it, when you breathe in the smell, when you fire up the engine then wrestle with the controls. It needs a lot of involvement from you and rewards you in kind. It has heft. It feels like man and machine. It isn’t transport, it is therapy. You either get it or you don’t.
I’ve owned 7-8 Aston Martins over the years (ranging from a DB5 to a modern V12 Vantage Roadster). And the GT8 is the one that I will never sell (my son wants to inherit it eventually).
It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
I recall following a gt8 at full chat during a cars and coffee run and how I smirked on how raucous it was. It’s definitely a type of car that never can be repeated! I guess the trade off between the two would be straight line speed vs turn in grip, tough choice to make.
Edited by CitySlicker on Wednesday 5th March 17:05
RobDown said:
It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
So true Rob. RobDown said:
I’ve owned 7-8 Aston Martins over the years (ranging from a DB5 to a modern V12 Vantage Roadster). And the GT8 is the one that I will never sell (my son wants to inherit it eventually).
It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
Out of interest, was your V12VR a manual? Every now and then I wonder how the GT8 would compare to my V12VSM, purely from the standpoint of which would be more fun/enjoyable to own and drive. It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
LooneyTunes said:
RobDown said:
I’ve owned 7-8 Aston Martins over the years (ranging from a DB5 to a modern V12 Vantage Roadster). And the GT8 is the one that I will never sell (my son wants to inherit it eventually).
It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
Out of interest, was your V12VR a manual? Every now and then I wonder how the GT8 would compare to my V12VSM, purely from the standpoint of which would be more fun/enjoyable to own and drive. It makes me smile just watching the video and thinking about the noise it makes. But it backs it up with some great steering weight, good handling (set-up is different to the standard V8). And of course it’s a manual so it’s involved (one downside of the GT12). Old skool analogue at its best
I had the pleasure of watching that the other day. Great video.
It's funny how time changes perspectives. I recall at the time that the GT8 was considered too loud. Now it's an attractive feature.
The VH Vantages are definitely coming into their own. I am biased, of course, but I think the V12S (including the V12 AMR) are the sweet spot being really usable, having all the road feel you'd hope for, a good ride, fast but enjoyable at low speeds, loud when pressing on but quiet enough through villages, etc.
But the GT12 remains iconic to me.
It's funny how time changes perspectives. I recall at the time that the GT8 was considered too loud. Now it's an attractive feature.
The VH Vantages are definitely coming into their own. I am biased, of course, but I think the V12S (including the V12 AMR) are the sweet spot being really usable, having all the road feel you'd hope for, a good ride, fast but enjoyable at low speeds, loud when pressing on but quiet enough through villages, etc.
But the GT12 remains iconic to me.
Beckson said:
The v600's came after the GT8 and 12 right ?
Now need a solid review of a manual v600 roadster...
Yes that’s correct. If I remember correctly there were seven examples of coupe and roadster produced. So fourteen cars in total and I think they were the last ever cars of Gaydon V12 Vantage production. Don’t see them come up for sale very often but there is one coupe currently available. BRM. Now need a solid review of a manual v600 roadster...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17853410
nickv12 said:
I had the pleasure of watching that the other day. Great video.
It's funny how time changes perspectives. I recall at the time that the GT8 was considered too loud. Now it's an attractive feature.
The VH Vantages are definitely coming into their own. I am biased, of course, but I think the V12S (including the V12 AMR) are the sweet spot being really usable, having all the road feel you'd hope for, a good ride, fast but enjoyable at low speeds, loud when pressing on but quiet enough through villages, etc.
But the GT12 remains iconic to me.
Agreed on all points!It's funny how time changes perspectives. I recall at the time that the GT8 was considered too loud. Now it's an attractive feature.
The VH Vantages are definitely coming into their own. I am biased, of course, but I think the V12S (including the V12 AMR) are the sweet spot being really usable, having all the road feel you'd hope for, a good ride, fast but enjoyable at low speeds, loud when pressing on but quiet enough through villages, etc.
But the GT12 remains iconic to me.
Was lucky enough to find a bit of UK road at the weekend where track suspension mode was fine...this + track traction control makes the V12 S an absolute riot!
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