With summer extending into winter here in Minneapolis (weather in the 40's) I thought I'd give the V12S another test drive after owning my 2015 GT for a while. The last time I tried driving a V12S was in 10 degree weather, pretty worthless with frozen pavement and all that power.

Today was warm enough to not be all over the road with no traction. So, here's my feedback:

The Sportshift III vs original Sportshift vs New 7 speed Sportshift. The 09 6 speed Sportshift and the GT Sportshift was very different, the older one seeming smoother on paddle operation, but the newer version much more refined otherwise in every way. The Sportshift II in the V12S is outstanding compared to the V8, with instant response from paddles and butter smooth shifts. I can't imagine why Aston did not change over to the new transaxle on the V8's. An amazing improvement.

Power: It felt like the V8 GT had a ton more low end torque. Not sure if there was something wrong with the V12 or not, but a surprising difference.

Noise: I felt my GT sounded much better (from the inside).

Sound System: I did not notice a significant improvement warranting a $6K upcharge from the Premium Sound to the B&O.

Seat: The V12S was hard as a rock - my GT is far more comfortable than the V12S and also my previous 2 vantages.

Suspension: Not sure, I tried the magnetic shocks on and off - smoother ride than my GT, but because little padding in the seat, was not able to instantly judge a major difference.

Steering: My GT has a weighted feel, the V12S much more like power steering light feel. I think I like the GT better.

Overall:

Made me feel glad I got the V8 GT more, really wished Aston would just offer Sportshift III across the line.

 

Very informative write up.
I have a new 2014 V8V with a manual transmission. Would the GT with 10 additional hp feel very different?
I have all of 430 miles on the car-purchased in late May of this year.

 

Mmmm...yes - something very wrong with the car if you felt that your V8 had more torque. Having come from a 4.7L V8V to a V12V and now a V12VS I can tell you that the V12's are night and day compared to the V8's for low end torque, and the S itself is a surprising step up from the regular V12. I found the V8 had quite a 'soft' bottom end (no Freudian slip intended) and really had to be revved to make meaningful progress (I can only imagine what the 4.3L was like), whereas the V12's are the exact opposite, requiring a delicate right foot away from standstill in everyday driving.

Also, very interesting comments re: the seats. I think they have changed them over the years quite a bit. I found the seats in my old V8V quite a bit harder and with thinner leather than the seats in either of my V12's. Sounds like they have made the V8 seats much more cushy now.

Also interesting re: the steering. Not sure what rack is on the GT, but I found the rack on my old V12V the sweet spot: nicer than the one in my V8V, and heavier than my current V12VS, sort of a more 'manly' feel which I thought best suited the nature of the V12.

 

The V12S's ASM3 is a very different transmission internally than the ASM1 and ASM2. I haven't driven an ASM1 or ASM3, but the ASM2 was fine in general, so I'd love to try the ASM3 sometime to see how it compares.

 

Something was very wrong, the V12S would destroy an old V12, and demolish any V8. They dyno close to 600hp at crank.

With that said, the GT is the best of the V8s IMO (even better than the GTS)

 

The salesman did think there was something very wrong with the power also. The seats were different than ones I've seen in other V12s... Maybe some lighter option ( the car had full red carbon options inside and out)

I had also a 420hp vantage as well as the 380. Big difference between the 380 and 420, not noticeable between 420 and 430,

 

Thanks
There is a white V12 Vantage/manual on eBay with 3500 miles. 2012.
Very tempting
Asking 129K
What would be a fair price?

 

AFAIK there is only one seat for NA. The lightweight seats have no side airbags and therefore cannot be delivered from the factory. Was this a new car at a dealer?

 

No used... Ad not quite up at Aston Martin Minneapolis 12,000 miles on a 2015

 

Saw that v12 on eBay, looks like a great deal, but that dealers 'certified' does not mean Aston 'certified'

 

Did the seat look like the one in your car or like this?

http://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/wp-...Roadster-9.jpg

 

It looks like an Aston Martin seat but without nearly the padding of mine... I found it weird as be found over the past few years the new seats are more comfortable, not less... They had perforated leather. The dash was red carbon, not a fan of carbon, but the red carbon bits actually looked cool.

 

Also I forgot, this was a Q car... Did not know full extent of the customization

 

was it this one? Beautiful car, I love the china grey/red carbon combo. $142k with 12k miles is way too much money though. bummer if there is something wrong with it. I'll be in the v12s market later this summer so just dreaming at this point

http://www.morriesluxuryauto.com/Use...MN/vd/31003622

 

^^ has standard seats, extra cost coverings.