I'm first on the list for the Volante...very torn over swapping the Z8 or not, but want room for a couple carseats in back. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Fisker designed both, or at least refined them. Z8 is such a nice car, great engine/drivetrain. Undervalued in used market, sadly. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Aston Martins are nice. But don't you think that they're looking pretty much the same (front-engine, 2+2, same nose design, etc.)? How about a mid-engine supercar?
That would be nice... If Chrysler can suppose a super car, certainly Aston Martin could muster enough hootzpah to release something a little more aggressive... Not everyone is besides themselves over luxury...
Do we need another "supercar" in this world? The convertable AM is gorgeous as well. Maybe in AM's future a more sporting version or mid engine will come about. In the meantime I really like the looks of this and the Vanquish and really like that grille.
Agree. The Z8 is a glorious car, and often underestimated due, IMO, to its "unusual" instrument cluster location...
If you ever get a chance, check out the door-opening mechanism on the DB9. The door moves diagnoally ie. it arcs up as it travels out, yet it can stay put in any position. Very interesting, from an engineering (and curb-clearing) point of view. Fisker is building upon success after success, from BMW to Aston. Bangle, on the other hand...I read a recent interview in AutoWeek, and the guy seems to be completely unrepentant. I don't know if it's a defensive strategy or simply being deaf, blind, and dumb at the same time--but whatever it is, it should result in a public flogging.
I asked someone "in the know" at Aston, and he agreed the rear seats were mere euphemisms, or "intended for legless people." He said they are there because the designers prefer to have something to break up the surface and they are easy to work with, as opposed to a bench or flat shelf. I am not sure if I buy the explanation, but the source (ex-Newport-Pagnell, now at Gaydon facility) was very credible.
I know, but I was hoping there would be enough room for my 2.5yo and her brother on the way. The curve of the seats in the DB9 may preclude child seats. Anyone have any ideas? BTW, I'm south of Austin. Mebbe a rumble seat in the Z8?
It doesn't look to bad. Typical aston styling nothing groundbreaking.I like the coupe more than the convert though.
I thoroughly enjoy the exterior view of the DB9. However, it's function follows form - which is a cop-out. If you're going to make a 4-seater, make a 4-seater. Don't build a pretty car, then put useless seats in. Put useful seats in, then build a pretty car. Form will follow function - everybody's happy. Otherwise, just make 2-seaters. Sincerely, Long-time, but disappointed fan of Aston Martin
Wax, if you think of it as a four-seater, it is compromised. If, however, you look at it as a two-seater GT with leather-clad surfaces in the rear in the best Conolly-bound tradition, then form is indeed following function. Beautifully.
I can't get by the huge front overhang of the Bentley, and the weight...Pretty, but DAMN, my wife's & doesn't weigh that much. Fast yes, but Cabrio Bentley is a couple years off (clinic-ed on left coast last winter). Aston has more in back than Z8, more car than 645 (bleah), and what else is there? No 612 Cabrio, XKR is hoary, MB has no real 2+2 converts with style, and 911 has even less room, no V12. Wax, have you seen the Volante? I have friend at NAIAS, but he is so busy, I can't get scoop on rear room in Cabrio. LMK Lee+3
I have a deposit on the Bentley Cab but like you said it will be a while. Is the top on the Volante a soft top or hard top? From the pics it is a nice looking car. For me, no question over the z8. The BMW never did it for me.
Me too(deposit) Soft top, hard boot. Really need to drive one, looks nice, but is blast to drive, like sophisticated, well-balanced Cobra with nav/phone/bunwarmers. All alloy construction is advanced. I didn't buy one until I drove one, always thought my M5 was same deal, only 60k cheaper. I was smitten after drive. Tossable, actually more fun than my 360 Spider was. Maybe I'll keep it, hell I don't know. Grrrr. I'd like to take the wife and kids out for runs too...
I don't understand why all new design converts don't use a hardtop convert like the SL. I would have thought Benz would have forced the hand of Bentley and Aston etc. but it seems thats not the case. With the winter weather we get it would be much more appealing to me.