Vantage (2005) Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Thread

[Amo]

Nice. Very nice. Just doesnt have the same wow factor that the DBS gave me.

 

[Bruce]

^^well I will also declare (as I have before) that I am not an Aston guy either ...I prefer both Porsche and Ferrari, but I do think Aston is making some really beautiful cars nonetheless.

Oh for sure, and I agree 100%.

Honestly, I think by and large, I much prefer the Aston's of the hey-days; you know, the DB7 (specifically the GT), the V8 Virage and that big 'ol hunk of twin-supercharged iron called the Vantage 600. I acknowledge that were technically inferior to the new age Aston's, but my enthusiasm for them is no less than great.

I also prefer Porsche to Aston, though I must say that I definitely prefer Aston to Ferrari.

 

[Tarek]

You're right, it doesn't touch the Zonda, it actually bitchslaps it in looks.

,Man u gave me a great laugh .

After all it's a matter of looks when it comes to looks,but we can't be much different when it comes about performance and dynamics

 

[Tarek]

though I must say that I definitely prefer Aston to Ferrari.

Always wondered about why u hate Ferrari? is it the looks?

 

[bmer]

,Man u gave me a great laugh .

Sometimes truth can be funny.

After all it's a matter of looks when it comes to looks,but we can't be much different when it comes about performance and dynamics

Well, we were talking about looks here.

Anyway back to the real topic. I'm anxiously waiting to see how much more sport-element they are able to put into this car. Can it seriously challenge Porsche?

 

[Tarek]

^Did usee the Zonda F in person? it's simply mindblowing,i'm sure u'll change ur mind

And about being able to beat lets just say a Scuderia or 997 GT2,i highly doubt it,the othr two cars are just too much of a dynamic machines!

 

[MBZFAN]

Purely from an "intellectual" perspective, for $265,000.00, the Ferrari 599 is the "correct" choice. It has the fabled prancing horse, substantially more power, faster 0-60 and avant GT styling.

Deep within my gut, back to my youthful dreams and visions of grandeur, I would select the Aston DBS. The car is electric!

 

[Bruce]

Always wondered about why u hate Ferrari? is it the looks?

Why I dislike Ferrari? Well, it goes a little like this:

When I was much younger, I was a huge Ferrari fan. And for the longest of time I had been, but when I saw my first 550 Maranello in the flesh I cannot remember being more disappointed in what I had seen. Not because it was all that bad, but because it had not exceeded my personal expectations. Prior to seeing the car, I had expected it to be something truly wonderful; something fantastic in all respects... But my first impression was very different. Rather than noticing it's positive attributes, I couldn't help but notice it's vast amount of downfalls. For instance, I almost blew a brain-chip when I saw what Ferrari had passed off as a proper paint job on the vehicle. I had expected it to be cleany finished, but it just wasn't; it was awful, bubbly, rippled and stretched to no-end. Additionally, I couldn't help but notice the vehicle's lacklustre quality; particularly in it's window sealing and metal gapping.

And it wasn't just that particular 550 - I've seen a few more since and it's always the same bloody thing. And I happen to feel the exact same wayabout the F355. I'm not going to doubt that it's a fantastic car (nor that it looks fantastic), but I'm am not overly fond of how the vehicle has/had been assembled.

In that moment, my dreams had essentially been crushed and I choose to disregard Ferrari as a dream car. Thankfully, I needn't to worry as my second favourite manufacturer at the time (Porsche) had yet to disappoint me. So, I more or less moved on, and never looked back at Ferrari.

There's little doubt that the newer generation of Ferrari's are much better in most every respect over their past iterations, but I was also greatly disappointed by the Enzo. Especially it's rippling paint job... After all, If I'm paying $600k for a vehicle, I want a proper paint job. I don't care how much weight it "supposedly" adds, It's just something that one expects. I'm glad to say that the Carrera GT did not disappoint me in this regard.

You do make a fair point about asking me if it's the styling though. Assembly and quality aside, I absolutely loved the design of the older Ferrari's. The 550 Maranello is and always will be a classic design, the F355 is stunning, the F40 is an absolute monster and don't get me even started on the 456. The 456 is actually one of the very few Ferrari's I would consider buying.

The newer cars however, yes, the styling certainly doesn't help. Don't like the F430, nor the 612 and am somewhat confused on whether I like the styling of the 599. There are certain elements to it's design that I like, while there are others that I really dislike.

Additionally, I should mention that (by and large) I was never a fan of Ferrari's design element when it comes to interior.

And frankly, I'm not only sick of hearing how good Ferrari's are, but how superior they are to everything else and how they're technological wonders. Yes, of course they are good sports car, and they're jam-packed with technology, but lest we forget about all of the the other sports car manufacturers who have proven themselves time in and time out. Needless to say, Porsche is one of those companies that never faults when it comes to offering top-notch technology and an awesome driving experience.

And last, but certainly not least, I disapprove of the company's general attitude. I think it's highly arrogrant that they choose not to loan cars out to magazines when the magazine wishes to test one of their vehicles' against a competetior, let alone the fact that they most always send a pit-team over to make sure that nothing goes wrong.

And that whole thing about Ferrari choosing it's customers (pertaining to the Enzo) did not sit well with me. I understand why Ferrari felt inclined to make sure that the car remained exclusive, but I'm sorry, when purchasing a car worth $600k I don't expect to be treated like I'm a member of a golf-coutnry club.. And if we reach back into the late 80's, Ferrari absolutely screwed every customer who purchased the F40 as they had been expecting some 300 vehicles only. After realizing demand for such a vehicle, I suppose they thought it'd be ok to overstep that production figure by 1,015 vehicles?

My apologies for the long post (as well as it it's lack of revelance to the original topic)... And do take note, that is only a summary of why I'm not fond of Ferrari. I could certainly write even more relating to the subject.

I'm sure there aren't many that'll agree with my post, nor look fondly upon me because of it. But that's my opinion and I'll stick by it.

 

[Pagani]

I am very impressed at Aston for stuffing a tuned version of their premium engine into their smallest and sexiest car. This engine will no doubt clear the only reservation I have had about the AMV8, namely the lack of power. If this car does succeed in remaining south of 200K, I am sold.

 

[Pagani]

Oh, and whoever says that Zonda is ugly, seek a therapist. The car has an exterior that is the epitomy of what a super car should be, and has one of the most breathtaking interiors there are.

 

[Tarek]

To Bruce..

Well man u really left me with no room to argue,u r absoultely right about some points which i can easily say it applies to all italian cars as well.what i'm just differ about is i find thier newest cars like Scuderia ad 599GT are stunning ad the driving experience as i read from reviews are truely great.

Great post Bruce and thanx for taking the time and effort to explain to me

 

[Bruce]

Great post Bruce and thanx for taking the time and effort to explain to me

Thanks, and you're welcome.

I'm always glad to give further insight on any of my opinions.

 

[Zafiro]

 

[Alx]

Oh boy, LOL, what have i stumbled onto.... Geez ROB, thanks for getting me involved.... HAHAHA....

Ok, where to start... Firstly, not for better or worse, but simply because they are two COMPLETELY different cars, by no means is this a comparison to ZONDA/ASTON MARTIN. Two different levels on two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Going from the CL55 to the DB9 was an interesting transition guys.....

Do I love the car (DB9), ABSOLUTELY. As I also loved the CL55 AMG!!! Not just because I own it, but because it is the most exciting "GT" I take my word, I have driven many...

As the MB was a also alot of fun and just a great driving car, The DB9 brings forth a whole different feel.

The sound (Oh, the sound!!!), and the power from the V12 is amazing, the torque is astonishing.... the feel of hitting the accelerator at 120mph, and watching it go to 123, 127, 130, 132, 135, 139, 142... etc in triple incrimantes until you simply run out of room is a feel of a true sports car, no loss of power. Makes you feel like your driving on a track, I have had the car up and into the 170's. It accelerates the same way all the way through. Even on tight turns, its handling is so tight that it feels like a little slip and then regains traction almost in the same second, without losing power, transmission shift, or any form of comfort (as your heart skipped a beat).

As your heart grabs you, you realize a few things.... one how safe you feel; two how much control you really have behind the wheel ;three what a phenomenal sports car your driving, and one really important factor, at least for me.... As you look around the interior you realize what a GENUINELY LUXURIOUS car you are actually in, and how comfortable you feel. Everything is so plush and fitted that you almost dont realize all the action you have just went through a minute ago...

For me the biggest thing is luxury, and the look.... Power goes without saying, but most cars of this stature have plenty for everyday highway driving regardless.... Another factor I love is the way people stop, stare, take pictures, give thumbs up, and just respect what you are driving... It just makes you fel good, that people appreciate it as much as you do... Makes the money spent all worth it!!!

Mechanically the car is sound, i have put more mileage on the car in the time i have had it than the car has had since it was new prior to my posession. No real issues, just some little bugs that went away. Nothing that you wouldn't expect from a car that just sat around looking pretty in a garage.

Car runs strong, and feels strong everytime you start it up...

The CL lacked a bit in comparison... luxury yes, but the feel of comfort and power at higher speeds were not there, you didnt really feel safe driving aggressive and when it slipped on a tight turn, you better be able to get control quickly!!! Especially with some serious driving and manuvering on the highway, I have put the CL55 in a 4-wheel drift once across two lanes, and it was not fun.

Bottom line until you drive a car like this, you cant comment good or bad on it.... But i'll say this, it is the greatest GT ever too me. I have been to Canada with it and back and have had nothing but fun, and comfortable driving in it.... The best combination of sport and comfort in an equal balance... Perfect...

Just for fun.... Check out the TOPGEAR video posted on GCF regarding the DBS. Take the body kit off and 10 less hp. And there you have it... Incredible.

 

[SDNR]

^^ karma for you Alex -- that is like one of your passionate posts from "the old days".

 

[Merc1]

Video:

It's the fastest accelerating Aston road car ever - and Auto Express was there to record the VIP launch event. Take a look...:

Aston Martin | Video Features | Videos | Auto Express

I now want one. Who are they kidding, this will be built.

M

 

[Germaniac]

I am confused.

We get

V8 Vantage
DB9
DBS
and then a V12 Vantage - based on the smaller, cheaper V8 model - topping the lineup? Or does it fit elsewhere?

 

[Merc1]

Think of it as an extreme Vantage, nothing more.

M

 

[Merc1]

Some live shots from the press conference and styling styling studio unveiling:

























M

 

[Centurion]

Not that I wouldn't want to drive it but after having been in love with the DBS the latest few months I can't say that AM did a great job with this one.