Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Manual - One Take

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is proper manly exotic car stuff. Small body, huge engine, manual gearbox with a funky pattern, and everything else is a distant second place. Nevertheless, we've got a soft spot for this ode to the old school.

[@smilepermile888]

To idiots who say "overpriced and underpowered" "aston martins look the same", just keep in mind that *this car is pretty much the last ever production car to have a naturally aspirated V12 mated to a 3 pedal manual. Lambo stopped with their manual LP670 SV and Ferrari stopped with their ultra rare manual 599 ages ago. Just let that sink in for a minute. Let alone how beautiful this 2005 design looks. This car deserves the hype.*

[@joetaka7620]

I love how this is the most un-GTR car, and I am japanese. I like how it forces you to control so much more than any other modern day supercar. Whether that be re-learning to use the dog leg tranny, heal-&-toe etc. I wish the world still had plenty more naturally aspirated engines mated to manual gearbox + RWD...

[@smilepermile888]

Agreed, this probably will also be one of the last cars ever to have hydraulic pwr steering too

[@UnlinealHand]

All Astons look the same because they pretty much perfected their design. I forget what design principles they use specifically but Matt mentioned it on an episode of the podcast. There is actual math and engineering behind the design that they can't change it much from car to car, but I'm not complaining because they're beautiful.

[@TheSmokingTire]

+UnlinealHand rule of thirds. The entire lineup fits into the rule of thirds regarding proportion.

[@Patrick94GSR]

There's probably some Golden Ratio/Golden Section stuff in there, too.

[@randy438]

I really appreciate Aston Marin's huge balls to just give the finger to the rest of the other company's and make a true sports car. Only if I could afford one :(

[@michaeltaguinod7103]

I

[@nickflic3]

You mean government. They do it for their fans. The taxes must be unbelievable

[@dylanw890]

Amen brother

[@yibuntuenterprise1610]

Kokop

[@zackdl]

European, two doors, V12, AND manual? Irresistible!

[@cristobal2GR]

Zack Lewine needs DCT and all wheel drive and supercharger

[@dragospahontu]

American engines rev a lot slower and lower than European engines, but American engines are a lot more torquey

[@Stuka87]

The dog leg first comes from racing back in the 50's and 60's. Because you never use first in racing, so the car is quicker by changing the shift pattern.

[@Punisher9419]

Manual transmissions are the best for the experience. At the end of the day stats and figures are all dick measuring what really matters is how much fun you have and how satisfying it is to drive the car. The car does lack colour though but that's personal preferences, I like colourful interiors.

[@ethanmiller1050]

Hey Matt, really appreciate the extended video. I actually like the different take to this video, regarding commuting through the streets to get into the proper canyon roads. If it's at all possible to do some more videos like this, that'd be awesome. Thanks for providing amazing free content every week! :)

[@TheSmokingTire]

Never thought I'd live to see the day where someone actually requests traffic haha.

[@ethanmiller1050]

Aha it's not just the traffic, but also how the car drives on more of a day to day basis. Being at uni, it's not like I could afford any of these, but I enjoy seeing how they'd be to live with!

[@CarFan901]

I second that notion!

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

In general I don't like Aston Martins but this body style is easily one of the best looking cars ever made.

[@DJWerkz]

I live a few miles from the old Aston factory in Newport Pagnell, UK and am often passed by that glorious sound lol

[@Evanderj]

Man, that long uninterrupted hill climb starting at 14:08, tho!! Scenery, car, clouds, sound... I'm jealous. Thats the type of clean run that makes it all worth it.

[@azizhachimi8744]

You're a great car testdriver...with plenty of automotive and driving knowledge, not like those fools....Bravo MAN!!!

[@sarahdell4042]

I'm shocked to find myself wanting that interior!

[@IllPearce]

I wish more companies would take note and at least offer manual versions. Even if they need to be custom ordered. I would pay extra for a manual supercar. Or with at least a sequential gear box and clutch.

[@thatsurf1639]

Oooohhhh the noiseeee ❤️❤️❤️

[@ChaosphereIX]

Terrible colour choices, but this car is amazing. Something dreams are made of. We are all going to miss that N/A engine note in a few years. Nice analogue car built purely for the love of driving, and damn the stat warriors in the journos and on the internet...which mean little anyway when you are behind the wheel. Odd having the racing transmission pattern in a car that probably will see few track days, but it I guess it adds to the nature of the car. Aston, you are awesome as it seems you build cars for your customers, not just to make money...let's just hope you can keep the magic going in the future.

[@whelk]

The orange highlights are hideous.

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

the orange highlights would look a lot better on a black car, but then people would be saying they copied porche

[@Audfile]

+whelk "hideous"? lol. I think it looks great.

[@Prodriver33]

yes, press car are often a bit crass as far as colour combos, I have seen some interesting things from bentley.

[@mir0z]

This is such a good comment. Pleased to see people still thinking like this about cars.

[@Davidcorner111]

Another insomniac night, about to fall asleep and Matt uploads s video...

[@downshifter90]

Your comment about the analog gauges, controls and manual gearbox along with refined interior is so true! In x amout of time it will still feel right and proper unlike the now hi-tec electronics that will feel old in 5 years.

[@Xsoul1000]

Very nice description Matt. This car is brillant in every ways: style, sound and timelessness...

[@paulcataldi4895]

Ahh, such a good video! I really enjoyed watching you drive this car. Based on just the video, it's incredibly apparent how well this Aston behaves with quick turns. Awesome. Keep it up, Matt!

[@frenchmoorgardenbuildingsl2157]

Another great honest review Matt, for sure a present and future classic. Loved the drive in those twisty's!

[@mir0z]

Awesome to see you enjoy this car so much Matt. Always been a big fan of the V12 Astons with a manual. One can really tell that you have to put in some effort to properly drive this car, which is superb to watch. Keep it up!

[@TexasRevving]

I still don't get why Aston Martin ever took away the manual option for this car. When it first came out, they came with manuals. There's one on Autotrader right now. 2012 V12 Vantage, 6 speed manual, 4,200 miles on it. Asking price is $122,900 ($100,000 less than the new ones)

[@TheSmokingTire]

That's the one to have.

[@TexasRevving]

Agreed.

[@arvidkarlberg5845]

because noone buys them new sadly, sales for automatic are just that much better

[@harveymorgan1749]

Damn 100k loss on 4200miles.

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

Most well-balanced and subtle commentary. Thank you !

[@gasolineculture9996]

First of all, great review! Really love the fact that AM are offering this. A very important car for real car nuts! The GT8 is amazing, but theres something mystical and truly amazing about that 5.9l V12!

[@ODIOPOWER]

Ty Matt for this video, is superb. On Piuma was a blast to watch, i can't even imagine how was for you to drive.

[@t0ny1189]

Badass that it comes in manual...being in complete control of 12 cylinders must be special

[@mattwasilewicz9677]

Does the interior of this car remind anyone else of an NES? Very retro colour scheme in this car, I kinda like it

[@DeliciousCornbread]

Absolutely, I'm glad I'm not the only person that was catching that vibe from the various light grays and black with the orange.

[@erikgonzalez2278]

This Vantage moves! I was very impressed very stunning car

[@ojingaj30]

Great vid bud! Looooovvve the sound of that V12!!!! I am/will always be an enthusiast of manual transmission👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@chuckdavis572]

"timeless" is the word you're looking for, Matt. And I agree, great car.

[@vinniejaidar5841]

I would love to see a 2016 Viper ACR one take at some point

[@bradr7244]

It seems like the longer you drove the car the more you enjoyed it, just takes some getting used to. What a sweet car.

[@AlikaSEOULROK]

loved the drive through the top of the canyon with all the clouds.

[@balintk.9373]

Such a brilliant paint scheme. Looks awesome.

[@mrexpatjohnny]

Matt, TG said it gears ago, and I think it still holds true today... This is one of the last true driver's supercars. It still has some electronic aids, but not so much that an average joe can push it's limits. It's the last of a dying breed. Hope they keep making it, as it's a glorious example of old meets modern!

[@thatsInzeyne]

First video i've truely appreciated torque from a video, the shove out of 2nd from some of those corners looked absolutely sublime. Would love to drive a V12 Aston!

[@r3nd3x]

Prefect review of the car, great job Matt

[@Phantom-ez4zv]

I love old school vintage heavy sports cars, never rode one but i would think it would feel firm, heavy but light, plenty of torque, and just about right. And it would be a blast for road trips and cruising.

[@chackonix]

beautiful car!! beautiful roads! thanks Matt

[@danielhartman7891]

Man, I agree with so many things in this video. I wish more manufacturers would trying to bring about the awesome feel that vintage motoring has.

[@Mrnoodlezxd]

has to be one of the most beautiful cars made.

[@slaWterCH]

Great comment about this proper interior vs a silly display.

[@george1982ok]

That's a beautiful Aston Martin and I'm glad they are keeping it oldschool

[@DrPittenstein]

Stunning road from 14.10 onwards. I had the original V12V, would love to try this one.

[@swanauto47]

If I had a ton of money this is the car I would buy. Still sporting my 2007 Miata. Great vid!

[@fcamiola]

Nice point on the analog vs digital gauges, Matt. I think my F10 550i nails it perfectly - real analog needles set within a computerized cluster that can change color, etc

[@owenmcconney3249]

I really do love the timelessness of this car. The effort you need to put in to drive it properly, the interior feel, clunky(ish) suspension and other flaws aside, i think this car has a specialness that doesnt really come with most modern cars. It may not be the fastest, but I think to me what the car is makes up for that. maybe not in that colour scheme though ;)

[@bicyclist2]

This is perfect. It doesn't get much more perfect than this.

[@appleaday3868]

Car of my dreams (or the normal V12 Vantage). But you have to have things to work up to. In the meantime I will enjoy my N/A V6. Thanks for another great one Matt.

[@bentucker2301]

That car, those road. I'd be in heaven!

[@MrHav1k]

Videos like these make me want a manual.

[@mousiee7]

Love everything about Aston Martin. There is no comparison to this gentleman's car!

[@Mr.Meme01]

was nice seeing you actually just drive this car for a short bit at the end there Matt, felt like less of a review and more of a short drive :)

[@sergh8605]

Love the gray leather with the grey suede and the orange accents.

[@dragonballtorture]

This beast handles so swiftly. I like.

[@Ryno_916]

Love the solo reviews!

[@mcspikesky]

This is a wonderful review of this car.

[@danielf3x48]

Man I was happy you were able to stay on piuma. Love that road it really tests the car.

[@blitzy3244]

Piuma is my favorite road

[@alasdairkerr258]

Looks and sounds gorgeous.

[@dylanw890]

I absolutely love how you said that this car is like a mechanical watch becuase although it is not the most advanced technology, it will age well and there is just a sort of mystique and magic to it. I think of the manual as a person who prefers and equisite mechanical watch as opposed to a apple watch.

[@sfricke33]

Awesome review Matt!

[@giammariaspongano9244]

Aston Martin is the perfect mix of elegance and engine power. Is iconic.

[@koopatroopa187]

That car sounds so damn good.

[@CockatooDude]

That's a nice 928 I see in the back there. Also holy balls you were moving on those roads, it seemed so smooth too.

[@Nippledozer]

That's a super nice Rolex Submariner. I want that exact one

[@davidli3582]

Was expecting Dom Mazzetti in passenger seat.

[@outbacksteakhouseman7104]

Was thinking same thing

[@RickyJnum1FAN]

YOU WANNA DANCE WITH DOM IS THAT IT

[@quentonmillstid850]

That person doesn't exist. His name is mike

[@arup02]

Great road you went there at the end. Must've been nice!

[@buickgnx007]

Aston Martin I think is 1 of those companies that doesn't get full credit for being a luxury / super car in today's market, would like to see a review of ur Aston Martin, and see how they compare, great video!

[@urgetodrive]

7:00 and that's what I love about my Spyker. You actually have to "drive" the car. No power anything, no computers. Anyway...good video, I've been wondering about this V12 Vantage manual...I think I'd rather find a pre-loved DBS with 3 pedals or a Viper ACR (both are half the money of this bad boy).

[@ElijahBobingerDragonogh]

I've been watching his videos occasionally for alittle while now, and I definitely need to get me a pair of matte-finish sunglasses.

[@jjssousa81]

Dillon optics. He always use to plug them.

[@VerboseSlayer]

That's all you need in a car. A big fat V12 in the front and a manual gearbox, frankly, the fact that people keep trying to make anything other than manual V12's is embarrassing and futile, you don't get anything better than a manual V12.

[@Zach_A]

No no no, it's a Jaaaaaaaag. lol

[@caffey500]

Caugh** Hypercars

[@jamongkad]

And don't forget RWD!

[@RealAnthonyJones]

+PrankTube stay out of grown folks conversation with that automatic hypercar nonsense

[@RealAnthonyJones]

+PrankTube stay out of grown folks conversation with that automatic hypercar nonsense

[@ninefivve3820]

Sounds so good

[@NoBrakes23]

3600 IS heavy, and I'm always whining about how heavy cars are, but that seems svelte for a V12 Aston. It's also lighter than a lot of modern stuff.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

I love that Aston still keep the dogleg, got to ride in an 80s V8 vantage and the dogleg was so confusing lol

[@5serieslover]

That interior fabric is tremendous!

[@shodancat1000]

Matt should drive my turbocharged '93 Thunderbird SC w/ manual (yes, turbocharged, not supercharged.)

[@TheSmokingTire]

If you're in LA or can come here I'm down

[@Dolby109]

I raced one of these a few years ago (Turbo 3.8 Thunderbird) at the track.

[@fredwilliams7893]

Super coupe?

[@shanejohnson6594]

An old school british sports car. Definitely a market for this car just not sure how big but it doesnt matter. Great car

[@FLOWSNHOES]

Does it have an unlimited bumper-to-bumper warranty though?

[@Kevvedajsel]

BUMPPEERRRRRR

[@Kevvedajsel]

TO BUMPPEEERR

[@Kevvedajsel]

WARRANTY

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

lolol literally just watched that before this video.

[@lolyermad]

link???

[@fahadazad3263]

A true drivers car. Good review Matt.

[@JeSuisBacon]

This video on the back of the Chris Harris upload was a match made in heaven.

[@babapg]

Thanks for this video! Aston Martins V12 are so beatifull! Much reaffic today :(

[@d.j.9961]

funny, Rite after apologizing 4 his road choice, it seems, he picked the perfect, pictures road! Great choice Matt!!! the scenery & that Ashton Martin!

[@loganlake4522]

One of the few episodes where you can really feel how fast he is going on the road

[@boriz_]

something about the last road really seems to show the speed, maybe it's how narrow it was but definitely a blast to watch after all the traffic

[@alexsheremet9769]

honestly my favorite new car. nothing like it left around these days. saddens me to think that its probably the last of its kind

[@dixinears8004]

Sick video!

[@jefferyjackson1807]

That reflection of the grey leather trim on the windshield would drive me insane.

[@zachcharger0666]

Awesome Aston Martin!

[@Patrick94GSR]

My gosh it sounds amazing!! I feel like I would get super confused by the dog-leg 1st gear, but then would probably get used to it, then would get back in my car and keep putting it in 2nd to start out. I bet the car has plenty of torque that it could start out in 2nd gear without much issue.

[@ObtuseRubberGoose628]

In the future this will be a classic. One of the last V12s with possibly the last dogleg manual transmission. I'd have this over a duel clutch v8 italian anyday.

[@hordan369]

i love Aston martins, so beautiful.

[@hordan369]

Id take an aston over a mustang

[@jamesavickers5961]

Nice one Matt thanks

[@carlosb6205]

Thanks, Matt. You've confirmed THIS is the car I'll be saving up for for my 40th birthday......a DECADE away.

[@Paj3Ron]

I think the boys at AccuAir would do a great job with the suspension improvement, Matt.

[@maestroadam]

At 16:39 those look like some serious drops on your right! I was getting sweaty palms!

[@TheJordanGraff]

The most imperfectly perfect supercar

[@bronzeconfirmed6531]

Beautiful

[@BESIMXCARS]

I think its the perfect Aston Martin, in my opinion. I also love the orange lipstick on the front of the car

[@cupofmozzarella]

I like that you wear your watch on the 'wrong' arm. Not many people do that lol.

[@mathewbrady9526]

I honestly find it amazing that you have roads like that at your fingertips whenever you want. The one-takes when you go into the tighter stuff actually make me think about moving there sometime in the future. Wonder how those roads compare to the mountain roads in NC/TN? I really hope to see another canyon video in your Vette sometime.

[@jaycrzy5737]

have you checked either out since then? i’ve been thinking the same thing. this has to be amazing to have on demand like this

[@Contract32Killa]

Jesus even with that massive v12 it looks like that things lugging all that weight. Sounds like such a heavy rev.