Aston Martin V12 Vantage in Red (pics)

[epb]

Originally Posted by clee1982

How "heavy" did M6 feel compare to M3? By the way, are they going to phase out SMG all together, and use DCT on all future M models (and traditional 6 speed)?

We drove M3s, M5s and M6s, but we didn't do any track work with the M6 - they used it exclusively for the skid pad/car control exercises (basically doing donuts in a $100k 500hp car for a couple of hours). The shorter wheelbase made it feel more nimble than the M5.

SMG is leaving the entire model line, but BMW's M Division has been looking to drop manual gears for a while as well - it took public outcry for us to get it on the M5/M6 (wisely, imo - I wouldn't own either the SMGs after driving them the past couple of days), and the Z4Ms didn't get SMG for the simple fact that it wouldn't fit. We'll likely need to throw a tantrum if we want them for the next batch, but I wouldn't join in the outcry this time around. You simply can't be smoother than having the clutch already in the next gear you want.

 

[JetBlast]

This thread is sex.

 

[xpress]

I LOVE this Vantage...

But the real question is... What does James May think of Aston?
read on!

http://www.topgear.com/uk/james-may/...dbs-2009-05-01

 

[clee1982]

Originally Posted by epb

We drove M3s, M5s and M6s, but we didn't do any track work with the M6 - they used it exclusively for the skid pad/car control exercises (basically doing donuts in a $100k 500hp car for a couple of hours). The shorter wheelbase made it feel more nimble than the M5.

SMG is leaving the entire model line, but BMW's M Division has been looking to drop manual gears for a while as well - it took public outcry for us to get it on the M5/M6 (wisely, imo - I wouldn't own either the SMGs after driving them the past couple of days), and the Z4Ms didn't get SMG for the simple fact that it wouldn't fit. We'll likely need to throw a tantrum if we want them for the next batch, but I wouldn't join in the outcry this time around. You simply can't be smoother than having the clutch already in the next gear you want.

So DCT > SMGIII big time then. I wonder when will they put DCT in M5/M6 then, maybe next generation at this rate.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by epb

You simply can't be smoother than having the clutch already in the next gear you want.

True, but this misses the point. For a lot of people, manual shifting is enjoyable because it gives them more control and makes them feel more engaged, not because it is smoother or more expedient. I'd gladly sacrifice some performance to make driving more fun. Who cares about a saving few tenths of a second to 60 m.p.h. when it feels like you're playing a video game?

 

[Asterix]

Drooling at my future mid life crises car.

 

[epb]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

True, but this misses the point. For a lot of people, manual shifting is enjoyable because it gives them more control and makes them feel more engaged, not because it is smoother or more expedient. I'd gladly sacrifice some performance to make driving more fun. Who cares about a saving few tenths of a second to 60 m.p.h. when it feels like you're playing a video game?

You're right that a lot of people feel that way, but that's a smaller and smaller portion of the peformance driving public. I like getting better as time goes by, and it's why I go to things like the PDC, but I think a LOT of Porsche's recent success comes from the fact that for the last decade they've made their cars easier to drive so even the most unskilled driver is flattered by it

Besides, there's more to fun driving than good heel/toe shifts. I still had a good time with the E90 M3 on the track, even if I wished I could have taken my M Coupe for a few laps.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by epb

You're right that a lot of people feel that way, but that's a smaller and smaller portion of the peformance driving public. I like getting better as time goes by, and it's why I go to things like the PDC, but I think a LOT of Porsche's recent success comes from the fact that for the last decade they've made their cars easier to drive so even the most unskilled driver is flattered by it

Besides, there's more to fun driving than good heel/toe shifts. I still had a good time with the E90 M3 on the track, even if I wished I could have taken my M Coupe for a few laps.

Eh. Different strokes. Few things are more satisfying to me than rowing through my own gears. I drove my cousin's new M3 a few years ago (the last generation model). He ordered it with SMG because it was supposed to make the car a better performer. It probably did, but it also made for a very sterile driving experience. I'd wanted to drive an M3 since I was a teenager, but I walked away totally disappointed.

 

[edmorel]

How many cup holders in the V12 model?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by edmorel

How many cup holders in the V12 model?

 

[johnapril]

A guy sure could waste a lot of gas in one of those.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by johnapril

A guy sure could waste a lot of gas in one of those.
Yes, lots.

 

[Johnny_5]

Matte Black...

This thread is so win.

 

[Toiletduck]

I just came in my pants

 

[BP348]

Originally Posted by GQgeek

omfg

++1