I had opportunity to test drive an Aston Martin V8 Vantage on Monday. Interesting little critter. I walked away with mixed feelings. Cabin space is cosy, with good space behind the seats. Dash is more or less straight from the DB9 Impressions: Balance: WOW. There are a few cars that claim 50 / 50 weight distribution. This is the first car I have steered that actually feels like a true 50 / 50 balance. Front and rear ends work as one package. Low speed turn-in displays some understeer. Moderate speed turn-in is much better [in the same fashion as a 360...] Quite nice to balance on the throttle Steering: - has nice weight [as opposed to the DB9] but very muted when compared to say a 360 Gearchange: - overtly heavy and slow to use [ala HSV] Brakes: -overtly heavy. Suspension: - harsh. I actually went and drove a Carrera S back to back, as I remembered them being a little harsh. Not the case, AM V8 is harsh, Carrera S isn't. Performance: It doesn't feel as fast as they say it is. The power delivery is very linear from 1000rpm --> rev limiter, and as such, never really provides any impression of acceleration. In conclusion: Interesting little package. It is brilliant to push hard, but needs to be pushed hard. It is heavy to use around town. The heaviness almost seems contrived.... The bottom line for me.... It is an incoherant package. It is not as fluid to use as a 360 or a Carrera S...... Dingo will kill me, I didn't take any pics of it
same colour as this: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=248128&stc=1&d=1132381866
Thanks for your comments, always interesting to see what 'real people' have to say on a car rather than journos. Did you go into the test drive considering buying one? Luckily I have a few more from the one here in WA, and since its the same colour who would know the difference. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I didnt object to the heavyness of the stearing, and found the gear change got markedly swifter as it warmed up. It has a very Aston feel, that I don't object to, probably a good thing as I have bought 1.
Wanna bring it to Alice Springs next year and test it out properly? http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82077
Looked at (and test driven) a couple of 360s, an Exiege (std and 240r) and a CSL. At this point I'm better to keep my money working for a while, and I just fell in love with it. Also happens to be the build slot to get it here just before 30th BDay
dingo, Yes I did go there to buy. I even purchased the numberplate 45TON RMV thanks Cyco, I liked the steering weight .....and congrats on your purchase
Yes, just a little longer.... The 575 was only purchased as a stop-gap until Terry's 430 arrives. I am thinking I should probably sell it now, and buy myself a 355 and a 911 .....seeing as it appears Terry wont be sharing the 430
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek. What colour ext/int did u choose? or is that still till early
Dingo, Is that a convertible version of the same model in the showroom now? Looks magnificent from some angles. regards, Pete
The V8 Vantage isn't a convertible, I think they have a convertible (Volante) DB9 in gold though. I'll post a pic of it when I get home....
Exteriour will be Meteorite Silver (Darkest met grey - see attached). This has a Chanclor Red int, that I have thought about, but that hasn't been a firm decision on that yet. There will be a Vantage Volante, but not for another year or so. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've seen that car twice in the last two days. Definately getting a work out. Looks like it has been used on the 'Tedder Ave Test' a fair bit.
Cameron, it failed the 'Tedder Ave Test' today it broke down in front of Hard Coffee, and had to be towed away....
Q, it's English, of course it was towed away have always said the top speed of any Jag depends on the power of the tow truck taking it to the workshop
