I was looking to replace my 2009 Vantage V8 with a Ford Gt, but instead went with a V12 Vantage, Carbon Edition. I have a thread on that journey here, so no sense in me boring you with the details.


MY IMPRESSIONS ON THE V12

The V12 is more than just a V8 Vantage with a bigger motor stuffed in it. The car really has been transformed, it feels like a completely different league of car.

The paint on the carbon edition is amazing. Its crazy how good the surface is, especially since the paint on my last Aston was really very good. I love the front diffuser, the rear diffuser and the carbon vent strakes. I also really like the marmite hood vents. The car has a level of menace my last Aston just did not have.

Every proportion has been optimized, the wheels are pushed out and wider, the brakes are bigger looking, It lower, The rubber is better and it seems wider (i don't think it actually is).

Even my Mom thought it was far better looking than the last car.

Subtle changes to the interior are equally fantastic. I love the Alcantara centers on the seats and the steering wheel. I love the matte finish of the carbon door handles.



NOW THE REALY GOOD STUFF

I have not really driven it much or hard, but my first thoughts are:

On paper its no faster than my Audi TTRS, in reality they are very different experiences. More shove. You feel it low down. The engine revs and builds, it has the Song of a naturally aspirated engine. It loves to wail away.

The sound is more pronounced than the V8, both louder and quieter. I said earlier it sounds like a Vantage V8 being f***** by a Ferrari. I still think thats accurate. It has an ever present deep rumble that gets higher in pitch, more of a shriek like than the V8 ever does. Strangely, around town its not as loud, even with the fuse removed, open it up and it screams.

Aston really understands sound, in a way that no one else seems too. That has to do with exhaust tuning, but the engine has a lot to do with it. This engine loves to build revs and the gearing is perfect. You can wring it out without speeding too badly. What a companion, it eggs you on, begging you to push.

My favorite bit is the burbling you hear when you down shift.

The steering is fantastic. Is it pointier, I don't know. It feels like it is, but it could be a placebo.

The brakes are amazing. great feel, and they stop hard. Even in daily driving I can feel it.

The clutch is lighter. I also love the transmission. It makes much more gear noise and I'm grateful for that. The mechanical sound is a huge part of what makes this car feel analog in a digital world. The shifter works well for me, no complaints.

The ride is a revelation. Its far more focused and hard core and at the same time softer and more useable. I have no idea how the accomplished that.

I will post more thoughts once I get a chance to push the limits. At the moment I really cannot imagine a car I would want more. It ticks all the right buttons.

To those that claim its too slow, I say look past the numbers. The numbers are easy, designing something that transcends is an amazing accomplishment.



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVa_f...ature=youtu.be

 

Glad u love the car penguin looks like you got everything you were looking for buddy!

 

It really is a different machine, isn't it? Glad you are enjoying it, and I love your comment about the burble: I'm always letting off the throttle to hear that barrage of pops and crackles! Random thought to add to your excellent list: the throttle response in sport mode - rev-matching is a joy in this car, such a transformation from the V8...

 

Welcome to the Light. I had a 2008 V8 as well so I know exactly what you are feeling. In terms of comparison with the TTRS, keep in mind, those are paper figures, not real world performance. The V12V is limited off of the line by traction. It has more track focus and will dust the cars like the TT on big roads. There will be no end to the joy of driving that car.

 

Congrats, sounds nice

 

Glad you're enjoying the car, penguin. Your impressions are similar to mine after I swapped my V8V for the V12V. Just wait until you put the car through its paces. You'll be amazed at the level of grip through the corners despite the car being pretty heavy.

 

Thoughtful and insightful comments as always. For the 'ballers on a budget' out there (with a tip of the hat to Gekko ), I've found the cats on a v8 provide a huge improvement in the crackles and burbles dept and the tune combo certainly adds some grunt and throttle responsiveness. If there's one area that would have me casting an adulterous eye on the 09+ MY V8s (or the V12 if I could ever afford one) it's suspension and handling. That's the one aspect of the 06-08 MY cars that's been somewhat disappointing to me that would need $$$ to improve with mods.

 

Stunning car and great write up. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the car my friend!

 

Congrats, looks awesome

 

V12 vantage = My next car.

 

agree, v12 is a grate car by all standards.

 

congrats! it's a beast in a beauty.

 

Congratulations. Nice to hear that you're enjoying the car so much; not even a whiff of buyer's remorse!

A V12 Aston is truly something special. Maybe we pipe-smoking and slipper wearing DB9 owners on on to something? Without the white knuckles that you're sure to enjoy of course

 

Beautiful car!!!

BTW, if the V12V handles anything like the Vantage S (I'm pretty sure it does) you won't really have any white knuckle moments. I drove my car really hard on some mountain roads a few weeks ago and have never felt more relaxed behind the wheel. Now, if we could just figure out how to get the car to start consistently....

 

Any updates on whether they're going to Lemon Law your car?