looks like car is gonna be out soon. if its under 100k with some options, its a nice daily huh? http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21601
If the AMV8 is really less than $100, it's gonna sell like mad. I'd buy one, but recent Aston residual prices lead me to believe that I can lease a 997 for 24 months and then pick up a 2 year old DB9 for $120
if it goes for 100k, i defnitely would be interested in buying one down the road and i usually abhor Aston Martins
The V8 seems to make a lot of sense. A DB9 doesnt really have a usable back seat and the v8 will probably far more of a sportscar. Basicaly would you rather have a amv8, maserati coupe, merc sl, or a porche.
Without having driven an AMV8, or spent any serious time in a Maserati, based almost solely on outward appearance, I'd rank them in this order: - Aston Martin AMV8 - Porsche 997 Carrera S (If you add the Techart kit, this overtakes the Aston) - Maserati (If you add the Gran Sport package, this overtakes the non-TechArt 997 Carrera S) - The Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (But only if I'm really drunk and they knock $12,000 off the sticker...)
Wow, I was so impressed I went to the local Aston dealer today to talk about it... I'm really tempted to squeeze out some deposit money this spring and put my name down - maybe to use as a carbon fiber mule...
This is one of those cars that you'll have to see with your own eyes to truly appreciate. I hope Aston pulls through on this car since it has the potential to really make the company into a true player in this market. As for the DB9, I was fortunate to spend some time in one this past weekend while in AZ and it is an incredible machine. I was shocked at how good it was actually and the fact that I fit in the car comfortably was obviously a big plus. They can currently be had in the $160+ range so I would imagine that Emil is very close on his residual estimation after 24 months. Maybe even less?? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
As much as a fan of BMW that I am, the only 6 that I've ever seen that I liked was the one from Canyon Motors that we had at AutoRox. Even that car, with $6,000 wheels, $12,000 in fiberglass, and $10,000 in audio was STILL just "ok". Even the M6 is, well, just sort of "eh". I want it to be cool, but just put the V8 into the M3 and call it a day! I really, really, really hate to admit it, but the new Mercedes-Benz CLS that the guys from NEXT had was HOT HOT HOT! I would consider that before I bought a 6-Series...
Yesterday was the first time I'd seen the DB9 in person - they had 4 in the showroom. I think it's a gorgeous car and I'd like to try one out. One thing that surprised me was how sporty the seats are, and I'd dare say they look cooler than standard Ferrari seats with the large shoulder supports. Vantages seem to hold their value about the $100-120k range (at least in asking price), so $120 in 2 years is likely, and would be a great value. An interesting thing the salesman told me - I was explaining my biz and asking if/what types of carbon fiber stuff AM owners ask for, thinking there could be a market for DB9 trim. He said none, and that they had a CF interior paneling option on the DB7 they dropped for the 9 cause no one would ever buy it. It's a wood and leather car I suppose.
I agree with you on the CLS Emil. I "might" have a deposit on the CLS 55 with a delivery date this spring. After driving the QP, I made a decision to pursue the CLS as my next daily driver and placed a deposit. I liked the QP, but was frankly a little disappointed with how abrupt the shifting was. I saw my CLS in the flesh at CES in Vegas and have seen them around here in on the road in NJ near Corp Headquarters. It's one of the best looking MB sedans to come out in many many years. I say "might" with the deposit because I do, but until I have the car in my driveway...well you know what I mean. Let's just say I'm on the "list". ;-)
I havent seen a CLS in the flesh yet, but it looks like an enormous car IMO. Length-wise, is it on par with an E class? It looks bigger than an S Class from magazine/web pix.
It's bigger than the E but smaller than the S. The design is from the CLK in that it incorporates a coupe like structure in a 4 door sedan. The back seats are for only two with a divider to give it a front seat coupe like feel. The shape gives the impression that it's longer than it is because it tapers giving it classic yet modern lines. The only questionable angle for me is the rear, because of the tampering effect but from every other angle it's quite stunning.
The CLS does look sporty, love the lines.. I really hate the S class, tooooo boring looking and everyone seems to have one.
The QP did not have smooth shifts at all. I was disappointed there too among other things. Great car but not for a sedan. Way to much like a hardcore sports car.
