Aston Martin V8 Vantage S video review by autocar.co.uk

[@givemeajackson]

one of the most beautiful cars ever made, only topped by the pre-facelift regular v8 vantage (i think the back is even prettier there). if you want a fast track machine, you should get a caterham or a lotus exige, but if you want a fast but still comfortable piece of art, imo nothing tops the vantage. nothing!

[@samlawts1193]

+1

[@iantownsend5480]

As Clarkson put it, the coupe V8 Vantage gets 10/10 for looks. The convertible gets 42/10 it's just stunning

[@jamsee88]

Great video, Autocar!! The drift at 1:18 is brutal...

[@bairdy78]

Picked mine up two weeks ago, have clocked up 700kms and can report that the sport shift 2 in drive in automatic mode their is a noticeable annoying jerk every gear change which is quite annoying. Therefore I drive it in manual 100% of the time. Oh and it sounds f*****g magnificent.

[@scottsheedy4026]

i have ordered the colbat blue and after test driving it i cant wait to take collection of mine!!! Hurry up AM!!

[@justina9914]

Looks like a lovely little car

[@obhatti]

I love Astons, and this was a great review. Other reviewers/publications have complained about this gearbox being terrible, but this in-car video suggests otherwise. That's a pretty quick gear change, how much faster would you want this thing?! It's not a 458 Italia, and it's not meant to be. Also, screw the 911 Turbo! Great car, but too common! Astons have exclusivity!!! Granted, another 100hp, 110 lbs less weight and a real manual would be FANTASTIC! :D

[@juukame]

i typically don't like blue on cars, but this car wears that color blue superbly.

[@hosrom]

true, i wanna feel that i am actually driving, not just pressing the gas pedal and turning the steering wheel. heal and toe, balancing the clutch and rpm matching are what makes driving a car....well driving.

[@Njoydashow1]

I also noticed that in one section where they have an exterior shot of the car (2:10-2:17), the driver has on sunglasses and it doesn't seem to be the person commentating.

[@Lander76]

No paddle shift beats the mechanical nut and bolt feel of a good manual box

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

Lander F - No it cannot, but most kids nowadays cannot drive a manual anymore.

[@CALAMARI_BOYS]

Dual clutch transmissions are pretty magical though

[@justina9914]

Steve is such an amazing reviewer

[@theoneanton]

This must be a different gearbox to the V12 S as it's changes are actually rapid!

[@hotgirlsarehot]

Perfect looking car IMO.

[@silverarrowslk]

Great car .. Stunning but the number plate is even better AM V8

[@oversteerdawg]

@HesteBremse Most prefer paddles that are fixed. That way it doesn't matter if the wheel is turned, the up and down paddles are always in the same place. If they move with the wheel, they can swap positions.

[@RazvanRO]

@sdlausen I agree. It gives you the feeling that you are more in control, which you are.

[@hosrom]

No matter how much better, more responsive, quicker, smoother and advanced an auto/double clutch/sequential transmission is, i'd still go for a proper manual transmission anytime.

[@akamikeg]

@hosrom It's good to know there are still true drivers out there

[@jonny5777]

when it becomes legal to marry a car I'm sending this one a dozen roses

[@dynoroad]

@TheCruizer Driving a Ford T is quite different from driving a gt3 RS or a Caterham r500. The thing about a stick shift, is that for many people it is more rewarding because it is far more difficult to perfect. I prefer a manual box, not just because the fun factor, but also because I think it looks and feels better. I also prefer a sequential stick shifter over a paddle one. It's just more masculine aswell, when you slam the gears in (might hurt it) it's like pounding a super model. xD

[@wibble34]

Something about the external shots (and bumper cam) means I can't shake the impression it was all generated in Gran Turismo or something.

[@boredgunner]

Nope. This is pretty much a less powerful and slightly lighter V12 Vantage, but with worse brakes. Transmission is also different: the V12 comes with a six speed manual transmission (Sportshift didn't fit from what I've read). The Sportshift transmission is the reason why I'd choose this or the DBS over the V12 Vantage.

[@hosrom]

@fokGoogol I was referring to reliability, not performance. It gets better with time, but a lot still fail. Not saying manual transmissions do not go bad, but they are more or less bullet proof. Just had bad experience with such transmissions.

[@GibsonLesStrat]

I know that transmission is probably incredible, but I would still get it with a traditional manual transmission.

[@kusabing]

it is somehow funny how you combine the videos - you can see the plates are different from different angles...

[@TheIrishCreamPuff]

Hm I'm terribly sorry about that mix up. I do know the starting point for this car is $140,000. However, for some reason I was probably thinking of a v-12 vantage and not paying attention. However there are some new 2012 models, convertibles of course, being sold for over $170,000 and a coupe at $165,000.

[@tigerbalm666]

I truly feel that whenever some says. "You won't miss the manual gearbox..." they have lost that special connection between driver and car. A sports car is not about faster shifting or accurate blah blah....it's about the driver having a physical interaction directly with the shifting. No electronics will replace that feeling! Paddle shifters are a shame for real car enthusiasts. What's next, auto-pilot steering with no steering wheel? My suggestion to the car maker. "Get back to basics!"

[@sultanabran1]

Have to have a manual gearbox. It's not about how fast or how good these paddle shifts are, it's about driving. 1700kg or a bit less is way too heavy for a car that size though.

[@Ioanides001]

that sound for the engine is more relevant that the carbon ceramic brakes I guess. It probably cost more to develop that than to buy the brakes actually :-) Sounds awsome, looks great, I think a lot of customers might prefer this to a 911 turbo.

[@adulby]

@hosrom sadly in about 50 years the proper will probably be gone. I completely agree with you. But there was a time when people were saying "id go for non-power steering anytime" slowly technology extincts all lesser versions.

[@scootosan]

Hey Detroit take note, Mustang and Camero and Vette there is your sound track. And I prefer the paddle shifties

[@kezboy1]

im dissapointed to have read on aston martin site that this is only paddle shifter automatic. A car of this caliber should come in manual as well especially when its on other aston models. I hope aston martin changes this soon. besides that, fantastic looking car.

[@DavidBoy333]

I really love autocars reviews,,,,u guys do a really grea job..but isuggest u guys to speak up a little more next time:)

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Best exhaust engineers anywhere.

[@marksapollo]

Still think tho is the best looking Aston apart from the One-77, I have seen the DBS, and the DB9 coupe and convertible but I have also seen a V8 Vantage, not sure if it's an S, around my way and it's stunning. If I won the lotto I would get it :) An Aston is a lot more special then a Porsche I think.

[@dynoroad]

Sure, paddle shifters may be marginally faster than manuals (though not faster than sequential stick shifters, which are lighter aswell) but I personally think it's more fun being able to slam the gears in place, or just to feel the gear lever (may sound gay) when you're crusing on the country side. I just hope the car makers doesnt stop making them, because there will always be people who love to drive a manual. Do the opposite, try to improve the manual gearbox, maybe make a 7 speed :P

[@givemeajackson]

i hope the next v8 vantage will be made with the 4.0 twin turbo from amg's GT i think that engine would be perfect in a car like this.

[@JulioArrospide]

You predicted the future!!!!!!!! How?

[@oujunxian6704]

wow

[@jacquesbruno2436]

I have the future intention to buy an V8 4.7 The price between 60 000/ 65 000 euros. Is it a good choice ?

[@cgtman]

gorgeous car

[@richboy900]

Id rather that thing over a 911 turbo, looks and sounds so much nicer. And as its an aston its rarer

[@hosrom]

@hultii To be honest, the 993 is the best 911 series i believe ever made. Love the body design and it is the last of the air cooled. Would not mind a 911 C4S, a turbo....well....maintenance is too high :)

[@911SuperGT]

well its all good , best car i have ever bought , and the most expencive , got it for 121.000 $

[@kouznetsov]

nice camera work!!

[@jg353d]

Number plate changes... But anyway does this have a larger front wheel arch than the standard v8 vantage?

[@hosrom]

@terribleannoyance true, but my daily car is a manual, and i track it occasionally.

[@lordoftheriffs79]

every car has its own future owner, that is why there are so different in many aspects, others have 6,8 or 10 cylinders, others weigh differently, and priced differently... there is no winner in any car...

[@kebekebe8025]

LOVE this

[@osvch]

@JzAeroo Ahh you see ^^ Few minutes ago it's only 260p available, THX!

[@Federstahl]

Is it a dual clutch setup or an automated manual with single clutch like it used to be?

[@TheCruizer]

Why would you want a manual gearbox? Doesn't make sense, to go with a 100 y/o technology! You wouldn't drive around a track with a 1920's Ford Model T either, do you? It's time for the future and so much fun to play with cars with an e-gear. BTW: I'm always glad to see Steve testing these kind of cars! Thanks...

[@SomeCrazyFellow]

I think everybody is forgetting about the new Jaguar XKR-S :D

[@saavaa]

Yes, but will it blend ?

[@ianrkav]

@resinatedhuman It was one of the motoring mags. Also, Top Gear tested the old Vanquish and its gearbox kept packing in! I suppose these new ones are a big improvement but they're still not a double clutch. Steve Sutcliffe here knows his stuff though and he gives it a good review so I might be persuaded:-) Do you own an Aston?

[@anotherone10]

If there is an option for a proper manual, i'd take it :)

[@swazimilk]

Erm, did Motortrend got their Vantage S clip from Autocar? @@

[@motomidget11]

How about this versus a 911 carrera gts!!!! I would love to see that!! But right now im stuck in the middle of the two

[@911SuperGT]

im sorry , but u were a bit too late , i already bought another car brand , its The Cls 350 , do u like it ?

[@TheIrishCreamPuff]

I love the CLS!

[@hosrom]

@terribleannoyance You do understand that nothing will every replace a good old fashioned manual transmission right? Speaking of racing, correct me if i am mistaken, but LeMan winners (audi) were manual transmission diesel cars no? How many LeMan records and winners we made by Manual transmissions?

[@ianrkav]

@PangeaSoftwareInc Is the gearbox DSG or a robotised manual?

[@solarbox]

@luimarco It's the Ascari track in spain I believe.

[@Blueball0120]

Look awesome!

[@MKitson]

Good review!

[@theGoogol]

@hosrom : Ah, yes... The more components, the less reliable. They'll probably improve on that in time, as you say. :) Personally .. I'd take the paddles in (newer) cars like these only because I'd assume they'd be more reliable than they were not long ago. Assumption is a mother, though :D In drag racing, however, I'd prolly never go for an AT. =_=

[@frenchtoastmafia4]

God I want one of these cars.but alas I am only a teanager with a limited budget but I swear once I get the money to a find one in the US and b have the money get there I am going to buy one of these beautiful cars over any other car that costs s hundred grand

[@oOoironhideoOo]

@peanuts2105 a superb car needs to be exelent on every aspect i did not see Steve going crazy with the paddle shifts like Clarkson with a 458 Italia ...

[@BlackenedNL]

little beauty!

[@DrZsbl]

@swazimilk All the car magazines were there.

[@fakeheadphones]

@hosrom Manual gearboxes are just sooooo 80's!

[@ianrkav]

@resinatedhuman DB9, and now the updated version the Virage, are beautiful cars. I love that deep throaty V12 rumble too. My friends brother here had a DB9 which he has just changed for a DBS. Ok for some I guess:-)

[@theGoogol]

@hosrom : I agree on the satisfaction but I'd have to disagree on the 'not quite perfected'. New automatic transmission are far superior to manual shifting. If manual was faster in any way Formula One would be using manual trannies. Modern day paddle shifters (in supercars) do extremely well with shift times measured in milliseconds. Torque transfer with McLaren's SSG is done almost seamless (so you'd hardly experience any deceleration during shifts).

[@orionsrustrepair]

Is that the Ascari race resort track?

[@iantownsend5480]

It's funny people used to moan about this guy, now he's gone people want him back

[@hultii]

i would have the 911 turbo instead of this even tho this one looks very good but the performance of the 911 are far superior

[@osvch]

Hey AUTOCAR where's HD?!

[@911SuperGT]

yes i know , it costs 80,000 $ in saudi arabia , thats where i live , but i bought it from lebanon for 121,000 , cause i needed the car for lebanon and i didint have the choice :(

[@EdgarEmigholz]

Why would you take this over the V12 Vantage?

[@Marcoshary]

Great car!

[@inuyashaspet]

So is this series pretty much the "My First Astie Martie~" line?

[@edmaluf]

Is this a double clutch transmission?

[@pretty00lights]

4:20-4:24 different license plates?

[@HesteBremse]

Watched it second time now - i like the car and the review, but it seems a bit old fashioned that the Shift paddles dont´ follow the Steering Wheel.

[@seckinboy]

What's the difference with roadster is it louder?

[@TheIrishCreamPuff]

Why would a CLS 350 be $121,000? In america it's roughly $80,000.

[@JzAeroo]

@osvch There it is.

[@Pepe00ad]

Kerb Weight (Coupe) 1610 kg (3549 lb).....

[@JohnyTechReview]

it's weird to have a car this caliber .. with not better break...

[@geforce5700fx]

@saavaa that is the question !

[@anish4]

@hosrom manual transmission is also lighter :)

[@wfangnxd117]

wow - that noise....THAT NOISE

[@silskyline]

@aerlingus18 yes, ascari circuit, in ANDALUCÍA, spain

[@hosrom]

@fokGoogol It is so much more satisfying for me to drive a manual, any car. Those new transmissions are not quiet perfected yet anyways, there are more issues with them than a manual (as long as you shift correctly and dont burn the clutch).

[@hosrom]

@fakeheadphones Maybe so, but that was the way a car was designed to be driven.

[@100littlecurses]

If I had money, I'd take this car. Only thing they could do better is give it a 6-speed.

[@fakeheadphones]

@hosrom I guess the world is changing, and automatic boxes are trying to keep up with the times.

[@DocWolph]

Yeah...a "proper" manual. I'd like my engine Carbureted, an LRA, and four wheel drum brakes, too. Face it, you can't beat an Auto-man for perfromance and general usefulness.

[@hosrom]

@terribleannoyance You missed my point, look at the transmissions in those cars, not the strategy or engine, power etc. We can argue all day about this, but we all have opinions. Sure, as i stated before, it maybe smoother, faster and more economical, but id still stick to a manual transmission. If i were to buy a car, and i had to pay for a manual transmission over the auto/double clutch, i'd pay extra for the manual, because only with a manual tranny do i feel like i am actually driving.

[@MrUpgraydde]

Pretty car, still though, at that price how can you not buy a ZR1 and pocket a few bucks for gas and speeding tickets?

[@MrNoahthefox95]

I can't wait until Clarkson gets his hands on it...