599 vs new AM Vanquish - Thoughts?

I must say that I have driven the new vanquish a few times and I'm not sure i get what it's supposed to be--certainly not a sports tourer as the sports is lacking imho--the performance on AM's never seem to match the numbers--I tend to go-- really 550 hp? -instead of how much power does this have? --and yes the interior is nice but kind of fancy jaguar nice not supercar nice?

 

The aston vanquish is for aston lovers with more money than brains. Because at 300k+ way better cars out there for a DD.

Now that car at 200k would be 100% worth the money.

Seems the only value with aston martin is the v12 vantage S.

 

Doesn't the new aston kind of have the performance figures of a 575? I'm sure the aston is a great car in it's own way but it really isn't on the cutting edge of performance regarding the engine and the drive train.

 

Aston is really out gunned at every level except paint. Thats going to change when they get those AMG motors in their cars.

 

I think the AMG deal is at best a band aid unless there is much more than simply a powerplant involved. They are not currently on the leading edge in their chosen market segments and adding last years Mercedes driveline will not solve that problem Imho. You can already buy a decent 2 door AMG v12 coupe. The reasons for choosing a aston Martin cl65 escapes me

 

+1

 

The AMG deal includes not just engines but the whole drivetrain including transmissions where Aston is not current. It also includes electronics infrastructure. Aston will also retain its own platform and not use the Mercedes one.

For Aston, this would appear to be a big step forward. Having access to some of the best engine technology around to put in their cars is a real plus.

These cars have an entirely different look and feel than a CL65.

 

And umbrellas.

 

They have come a long way since the cars they were making about 10 to 15 years ago. The first one has a brief interview with the aston ceo which is kind of interesting. I still don't believe that the performance of the aston justifies it's price tag but it is a great step for them to focus on other areas such as looks where they can compete.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55oLkV3ydqg]Aston Martin CC100 Concept - Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z57FtTJi_-U]2013 Aston Martin Vanquish - Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube[/ame]

 

It's not just about the engine and powertrain. The entire product, and the experience surrounding the product, is what people buy. In Aston's case, that needs upgrading. The cars were lazy, except the AM V12. That one was too twitchy and difficult to drive fast. The cars need to be developed better to be competitive today, and there has to be a sufficient value/prestige proposition around the ownership experience to attract people away from the alternatives.

 

With all respect, there are a lot of Aston buyers who think the experience surrounding the product is the best thing Aston has. It's the whole 'Power, beauty, soul' thing. Aston's objective and market positioning is not to beat Ferrari technically or on the track even. It's just to be sufficiently competitive technically and sell image. The driving experience of some of their cars is very good, like the Rapide for example. I drove a new Vanquish though, and the transmission on it was not up to snuff for a car of that level. The rest of it, including the interior was very good. I liked it.

There is no question though that they cannot compete technically on their own in today's market. The AMG deal was way overdue. But they have their supporters, and a lot of people think their cars are just drop dead gorgeous.

I have had four Ferrari's and now have a Vantage 4.7L 6-speed manual as a daily driver. I really love the car, it is loads of fun and feels very connected. I think it's the best car I have had since my 360.

However, it will soon be time for a change, and I find myself looking mostly at the 599 HGTE which will probably be my next move. I have passed on the Vanquish for now.

YMMV

 

Yes its more than just engines and yes Aston has its work cut out for it to compete- BUT- it has the hardest thing to get which is a strong brand. The rest can be done. A large part of that is an improved power train. How important is the motor? When you say "F12" what do you think of first. I think of "730 HP!".

 

F12--powerful, but step backwards in terms of looks. That's my opinion, but I am not the target market. I do influence plenty of people in the target market, though.

Aston needs to make money. For that, it needs to make more sales. and in order to expand its market, it needs to appeal to more than the core loyalists, without sacrificing its brand identity. Tough challenge, and I hope they succeed. I felt the Vantage was a lazy car when I drove it. I liked the AM V8, but it was cramped and poor value compared to a 911--it's a big premium to pay for looks alone. The AM V12 was way too twitchy and was completely overpowered by the engine. I found it much more relaxing and enjoyable to drive the Ferrari 458 at the same speeds on the same roads. AM needs to make wolves in sheep's clothing. Docile and fun, but ferocious at the drop of a hat. The ferocity needs to be controllable, however.