Hey Jay, I've never heard this before. Where did you see this? I always figured they just didn't want the "baby Aston" to be more powerful than the DBS.

 

Here are some links. I can't find the quote by Bez, but I remember him saying something about the car feeling to raw so they decided to go with the dbs setup.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10804011...s-spied-update

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10902041...ntage-revealed

 

Supercars.net also had the specs of the v12 and it too stated 600hp on the v12 concept (which is basically what the new v12 Gt3 is pushing).

As I always stated from day one (and people are now starting to realize) ... Aston has been sandbagging their cars from day one

 

I think it is safe to say that most Manufacturers leave HP on the table. I guess it leaves room for model extension or special editions. Porsche has been doing it for decades. I know that a 997TT will deliver 40-50 more HP from programming alone.

 

Yes, but Aston left way more than most

 

The whole "short wheelbase argument" is total BS. How do I know? The Vantage has a longer wheelbase than most other sports cars, many with more power or better power/weighty ratios...Z06/ZR1, 911, R8, 458, etc. AM could have made up for traction issues with bigger tires but they chose not to...most likely so as not to step on the toes of DBS owners/buyers.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking that not exceeding the hp output of the top-of-the-range DBS had to be a major factor in AM not going with the original 600 hp envisioned for the RS. Maybe Bez said something about too much power, but I just can't help but think that they didn't want to have the V12V outshine the DBS.

 

Makes you really wonder why they did not put the 600hp in the DBS....

 

True. Maybe that's coming in the next iteration.

 

Racer X, not sure if you missed this post?

 

I saw it. You were expecting a response from me?

 

Not expecting, just sounded like you were interested in customized sound levels for an exhaust, as well as some performance upgrades so I thought I'd let you know that we have those available if you were interested. Wasn't sure if you'd picked it up that's all

 

Actually interested in a full exhaust system, including headers, with the goal of reducing weight and increasing power to around 550 bhp. Is RSC working on headers also?

 

I've spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the DBS and with no disrespect, The V12V out performs it now. There is no doubt that a V12V will make it around a track faster than a DBS and even in a straight line. I will say that the DBS is more handsome and has a better presence but there has to be a reason that AM is switching their racing platform to a V12V with the same power as the DBR. As far as wheel base and other issues, I have had some hairy moments in very good conditions with my car. I was warned by other owners and even people from Aston to be careful. There are definitely traction issues as well. I would love to see AM address translation of power as well as power itself. I feel that this car could be a lot faster if it were set up differently. All that being said, there are very few if any cars that I would rather have. The car just feels better, sounds better and is more exciting to drive. If the top came down, I would never own another car.

 

I guess what I meant is AM didn't want the less expensive Vantage trouncing the DBS, which it likely would with 600 bhp.

As for traction issues, what problems have you had? I really haven't had too many issues, except perhaps taking a turn with a bit too much throttle or accelerating with cold tires. Are you talking about traction issues off the line? On the track? I've done some pretty quick driving on some twisty roads with the car in track mode without problems.

Also, do you think an extra 50-100 bhp would be unusable? I could see it requiring greater control over the throttle, especially from a start, but it seems to me like the power wouldn't be wasted.