2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Roadster FIRST DRIVE REVIEW

In this FIRST FULL episode of Season Six, MotoMan drives the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Roadster - which also happens to be the first Aston Martin on the show with a MANUAL TRANSMISSION! However, in the process of driving the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT Roadster, the state of California did not exactly provide the ample opportunity to test driving dynamics so MotoMan went in a completely different direction . . .
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NEW MUSIC including Son of a Rocket and Raw by Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com & Jahzzar

[@Bruningable]

A car with a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual transmission in freakin' 2016. Fantastic.

[@tnewland2383]

Analog. I don't own any other kind. I see the trend; that's why I snapped up a '15 GT roadster in Skyfall Silver, 6 SPEED, to go with and complement my '90 VW Vanagon GL (4 speed), '65 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa (4 speed), and '64 Shelby 289 FIA (4 speed). It's the ONLY way to fly! BTW, good job on capturing the essence and character of the car so accurately. Your review (among others) influenced my decision to buy; thank you! Aston for me is a car where I just want to drive and I really don't care if my trip winds up taking me anyplace necessary or important. Cheers!

[@darkstarVIII]

I've had the pleasure of owning a 2000 Honda S2000 and as a sport roadster I can say it was very rewarding to drive. Cars driven well that are analog provide a sense of connection to the road and certain gratification when driven spiritedly. ive also had two Mitsubishi Evolutions one and 8 and the other a 9. Even with more power and awd I still rank the s2000 much higher than either one.

[@BENZ007]

Oh man......that sounds awesome, I love it, great video, and great audio!!!!! What i wouldn't give for a drive in that.

[@thedefinitive6296]

I honestly prefer analog. All this new tech does help in many ways, but I also feel like it puts a lot of barriers between the driver and the machine. For someone who wants to actually drive, that shit is maddening. I think most days when you're just doing mundane boring life stuff, all that tech is fine, but on a nice day on a nice road, you want something you can feel and connect with where it's just you and that machine bonding. There's a place for both in the world.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

I have three 911's. A '15 Turbo S. a '97 Turbo S and a '73 Outlaw. Even though it is by far the slowest, when I want to have fun I'll hop in the '73. If I do everything right the driving experience is just more rewarding, If I do *ANYTHING* , and I do man anything, wrong we spin out and slide off the road. No middle ground. What happens is entirely up to me. Though it's slower than the '15, when I want to go fast it's the '97. Her AWD system is the kind that pulls through and out of corners faster. Not the kind that will keep me from killing myself if I do something really stupid. Which I do quite often. Of course both the '73 and the '97 have manual transmissions. Just the way God and the baby Jesus intended. The '15...well she's absolute driving perfection. She does everything better than the other two. In no category do either of the others even come close to this magnificent beast. And as amazing as this car is I just don't feel the same connection with her. Her AWD system and traction management (even when shut off) while keeping me on the road when I do something stupid also keep me from doing anything stupid. And where's the fun in that? And no matter how flawlessly the Porsche PDK transmission performs I just get more from working three peddles with two feet for a perfect rev match and gear change from a manual transmission than a click from a paddle.

[@MrMlbfan6]

Is the 97 the 964?

[@NuclearGrizzly]

carlos ortiz No, a 993. Second to last year for an air cooled 911 and the last of the air cooled turbo cars. And yes, I know that she's tripled in values in the past 2 years :-)

[@MrMlbfan6]

+NuclearGrizzly the 993? That car was ugly

[@NuclearGrizzly]

carlos ortiz Yeah...right...lol

[@MrMlbfan6]

+NuclearGrizzly out of all the 911 is the ugliest

[@trefoilstripes4652]

I don't know why i love this show, but i digress.😄

[@vhockada]

It's funny but when you watch enough of him reviewing it gets rather annoying, but I digress what's important is the sound of the engine right lmfao

[@NikoBell12]

+Veh Scorpio If you watch enough of anyone they'll get annoying. There's always a negative nancy...

[@vhockada]

+NikoBell12 when I meet the love of my life, she'll never annoy me no matter how much I listen to her I promise you with all my heart. I'm no negative nancy sweetheart, this guys job is to get views and do entertaining reviews and in order to do that he has to not annoy people as least as possible.

[@TtoTheRock]

I prefer analog driving. I own a nismo 370z and love the fact that I drive the car not the other way around.

[@Pete762]

looks like the car put some lipstick on haha!

[@ZarlockGE]

Very nice, and good to see MotoMan back with good camera quality. ;)

[@stevelester7759]

Analog. Look at the 993, NSX, there is no debate they are the most desirable. I drive an AP2 S2000 and the Vantage is the only car above it that interests me because I can get it in a 6spd and it's midship.

[@taylorc9480]

Love your show MotoMan

[@MotoManTV]

+chris taylor Thanks, Chris . . .

[@lexluthor1166]

Glad to see a proper car back on the show, Great looking and sounding but a vantage is not where my money would go, Cant wait for the AMG engines !

[@Kaan2005]

What's the difference between this 2016 V8 Vantage GT roadster and the 2016 V8 Vantage GTS roadster?

[@ReidG_RN]

Thought I'd chime in here and give my humble opinion. Personally, I much prefer an analog car over the new & upcoming digital-feeling cars. I used to own a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium, and the car felt completely boring and computerized and felt like it was trying (and somewhat succeeding) to exclude me from the driving experience, making the car feel a bit sterile. So, for that reason, among many other reliability issues, I sold it for an '07 Mustang GT with the 5-speed manual, and, with a design that dated back to the 2005 model year, it naturally feels more analog, and has allowed me to fall in love with it because it requires that I'm involved in driving the car at any given moment.

[@MotoManTV]

+RCGCarReviews Interesting - reliability issues with a recent Ford. If I may ask, what were they?

[@ReidG_RN]

Oh, gosh... It's a long list. Some of these may fall under the "fit and finish" category as well, but here goes: interior & exterior trim pieces coming loose/falling out of headliner, headliner that had to be replaced twice due to premature sagging/wrinkling due to the glue used, extremely squeaky rear suspension, especially when passengers were in the rear seat (this issue was never really solved, just constantly had to be greased to quiet the squeaking somewhat), transmission in the beginning states of going out starting at 30k miles and getting progressively worse over time (seemingly common issue with Ford's 6F35 gearbox, especially with clutch plates that burn up which I believe was the issue with mine), a major issue with the fuel system that would cause the engine to shudder and occasionally die at random (yes, in traffic, too), as well as a few electrical issues that would occasionally cause the car to have a complete electrical meltdown. In somewhat defense of my particular car, it was the very first production run of the very first year of the re-designed Fusion, so that may have something to do with the issues, but it still doesn't justify the extent of the issues I, along with other 2nd gen Fusion owners, was experiencing with them.

[@LambChopBoys]

+RCGCarReviews I'm feeling you guys, i have a raptor and its been in the shop more than I've driven it. Not even joking.

[@SpaceG95]

I don't have it any more. But my favorite cruiser was my 93 Acura Legend LS coupe. Driving either around the Capital Beltway or dodging deer dipping through the woods. Plus it drove great in the Maryland snow. Damn I miss that car.

[@MotoManTV]

+SpaceG95 LOVED the 91 - 93 Ac back in the day . . .

[@jonaha.2431]

I like analog and digital cars all the same both have they're own advantages. I drive a Mercury Grand Marquis, great drivers car! Ha

[@StephenButlerOne]

I have a gtc, just got back from a run though snowdonia and over Llanberis and it felt very analog on some snowy roads. Good fun and teat way to kill a Saturday afternoon. That Aston GT looks stunning, but the red should be orange, if it's going for the BRM of yesteryear look.

[@soboy55]

Excellent review. My 1992 Miata is analog, as was my 1976 Spitfire and my 1970 MGB. My 2017 BMW M240i is not, although it is a wonderful motorcar and an absolute joy to drive. My friend's 2005 Boxster S is analog. Not sure if a 2021 Boxster is. Drive by wire is NOT analog.

[@knut761]

As an American I love English cars, too bad they are so expensive.

[@peoplehavetherights]

They are when they are new, certainly. They are to maintain as well. Yet the price of my V8 Vantage and Jaguar XJ8L cost me less than one new SUV. That doesn't drive worth a darn.

[@brandonbergeron4668]

Seems a bit expensive for an older platform with a plain interior (relative for its price point/segment) and a niche engine with high power band with low usability. It does sound nice, I just feel like you would have to absolutely be looking for an Aston to want to buy this over the competition. I guess you get exclusivity in the US which is a plus for it.

[@tnewland2383]

It's not expensive when you consider this: very high quality materials, handcrafted, attention to detail, and exclusivity. Plain interior? Are we looking at the same interior? Can you say leather door jams? Engine is torquey down low, absolutely sings above 5000 RPM and sounds fantastic even at idle. I'm not the first to declare: "This is an incredible bargain in this class". I haven't regretted buying the car for a second. I'm even getting mid 20 MPGs on a road trip. The only thing that gives me pause is minimal yet adequate boot space. Forces one to pack light! Cheers.

[@peoplehavetherights]

Absolutely. They built fewer of the Vantage cars of this era than Chevrolet built Corvettes - in one year. I'm sure newer cars will have all sorts of bells and whistles inside to satiate the modern buyer but that interior simplicity is what drew me to having one. The onus is on me to learn to drive it.

[@ErikThureson]

Good work!

[@russh.7363]

Good lord! How many times is this man gonna shift gears?!

[@rexbry1]

Does this come with bumper to bumper warranty ?

[@MBvolcom92]

What a car, not a big fan of the red highlights though. When can we expect videos on the new E-Class?

[@MotoManTV]

+Marius Going to be a while . . .

[@fewcarsgarage]

Skyfall silver? Going to buy an Aston Martin just for that.

[@DMN3901]

Holy shit this channel blew up in subs..

[@dwightjones2424]

I love your reviews. However this one is hard to focus on your words as the background music is overlaying too loudly. That said i love your reviews.

[@3ducs]

Why did you get out of the car to put the top up? Only takes a couple seconds with my '16 MX-5, that beautiful Aston should be in the same league. ;)

[@Britishshooter]

+3ducs You don't have to get out, it is automatic. He could just have sat there but he got out to remove one of the cameras mounted on the body which would have fouled the hood.

[@DinanEX]

I would prefer to have my car be analog for my weekend warrior i.e. bmw m3 cal (if I could get one) however I might prefer to have that for track use...that being said this Aston would do me very well with exception to the red color schemes (I somewhat understand why Aston added these things but it's not for me). As for my daily digital vehicle I'm driving a bmw 435i with the 8 speed auto (now I'm looking to get the golf r in a 6 speed for my daily digital analog because I'm just weird like that).

[@DinanEX]

Also I live in northern CA but I'm moving to colder climates with snow, and I hate having digital products for the weekend car.

[@overman19870]

Hi Motoman, could you please test the 911 GTS and compare it to the new turbo model?

[@MotoManTV]

+Rachid Rezgui We are going to be featuring the 991.2 on the show . . . stay tuned. The 991.2 'Turbo' & 'Turbo S' will come later.

[@shaned1500]

I like the lipstick

[@ambivalence7240]

god that steering wheel is ugly.

[@HToWnRePPiiN]

Right! That'd be the first thing I'd change, probably the only thing but damnit bro the sounds that car makes.

[@spdrasr3]

So a Ford Mustang GT has more HP and TQ? Just saying

[@hisajabness6946]

I prefer balanced. Not too much to take away the fun and not too little to be like riding in a donkey cart.

[@easycozee]

4.7L v8 for 420hp..... that engine efficiency duh

[@pjwolf]

that Aston Martin V8 make an awesome sound. why does the car need to wear a red lipstick ?

[@Castellan_Chris]

Stingray Z06 is the fastest car for the money. It would smash the Vantage so bad, in any performance test the Aston owner would pull a PPK out and shoot himself in the head after. The thing is Aston's have road presence, where Porsche's and Vettes do not. They have a certain coolness about them. Lambos and F cars especially in loud colors make you look like a douche. But a Aston makes you look like you have class and taste. Its not all about performance and numbers. What I am curious about is if they improved SportsShift. Thats always been Aston's biggest problem is their shit transmission. With current Vantage depreciation its exciting to think that this car might be only 55-60k 3 years later.

[@peoplehavetherights]

While they did try to improve the SportShift automated manual, where they failed was not fitting a dual-clutch arrangement to it. While the first gen S.S. shifted "okay" as an automatic so long one puts your foot down, soft throttle inputs confuse the thing. I'd also guess that the S.S. 2 version was only little better. Another "need" for those who want lots of acceleration is a low mass flywheel and a dual plate clutch conversion. These are available but hang on to your socks money-wise. I think that the C7 was horrific looking, and the C6 Z06 was a great looker, but "never switch off the traction control" was what Chevy reps told magazine testers before releasing them into the general public roads. Sometimes too much power is simply too much power. They also had overheating issues.

[@alexanderorban8971]

First off, you are a weird dude. second, Analog for sure! Driving is a life time skill that I am constantly trying to improve. analog vs digital is almost like the Apple vs pc debate. if you don't enjoy fixing your own pc and continuously learning about your OS and drivers then get a mac. same theory goes for automobiles.

[@HToWnRePPiiN]

That steering wheel reminds me of granny panties.

[@paulregis7069]

Steering wheel looks wayyy too basic come aston.... it doesnt look like someone whos 6'3 and over could fit in it tho

[@peoplehavetherights]

You won't. It's pretty limited in fore-aft room to slide the seat back due to the location of the fuel tank, battery and electronics, and short wheelbase. All that mass centralization sure pays dividends when on a tight technical road though.

[@FooFahFoeFum]

I smile allot when I see a 40+ year old midget trying to inform us how a 3640 pound sports car is giving him a hard on. Guess what, until Aston Vantage (uses more alu & magnesium) and lowers its weight to 3000 pounds and widens its track to 78 inches width I'll keep my 72 Datsun 240z.

[@kanob6440]

Looks goofy

[@fickfock8169]

a car called Aston martin?!! lol

[@minibus1351]

i'd argue theses v8 vantage manuals will hold their prices in the long run. I don't imagine maintenance costs would be affordable, but holding on to one or buying a used one today might be worth it.

[@johnduncan8776]

Analog all the way. I own an Aston Vantage roadster, 87 Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-type- all manuals. Ever so much fun to drive!!

[@JoJoJoker]

Did you try one with that Sport Shift deal? Curious how the newest automated and only current automated manual performs. As far as sheer value goes, one can buy a VERY nice 2011/12 911 Turbo S for less than this. The problem with Aston is their life cycle. While that's an "old" 911, it has better tech and was released after this Vantage.

[@MotoManTV]

+Joel deSanto Only Astons we have driven with the auto is the Rapide and the Vanquish. The Rapide had the newer of the two - the 8 speed. Have a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5KrkHupqtp8i5o

[@KMURRAY1841]

How do you feel about hardtop vs convertible? Styling preference.

[@niptodstan]

Jump to 2.20. look at the leather seam on the seat by his right shoulder. dreadful fit. you'd get better on a Hyundai.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

I know that this may seem strange but whether a flat or cross plane, I prefer the sound of a V8 over a V12.

[@edgval7241]

The steering wheel, red mirrors and front and the MMI system are fugly and useless

[@AndreasLawson]

Did you like this car? What's the suspension like; GT-like or sports car-like? Does the short wheel-base compromise the ride quality too much, or is it acceptable. How does the steering feel; electro-mechanical or old-school? Mid 4's to 60 is about the same as a C450; but does it feel fast enough anyway? Does the weight affect the handling--F-Types feel heavy in the canyons; does this? It's a roadster; is there cowl or scuttle shake with such a short base? the platform is old, but does it feel stiff enough? Could one drive it every day? I can't really tell what sort of car this is. While I appreciate your style and am a big fan, on this piece you didn't paint a complete picture I thought. I really would not know whether I'd want to test drive it or not. Where 3 years in the UK, Hethel? Cheers mate!

[@MotoManTV]

+AndreasLawson Did I like this car? I wanted to marry her. DEFINITELY more GT like. Yes, the shorter wheelbase does indeed compromise ride quality - which I kinda mentioned in the episode by brining up the Rapide. Steering is most assuredly old skool and that is a good thing. Believe it or not, does not feel heavy in the canyons or pushing through corners. SUPER rigid - which is why I did praddle on about the age of the platform. I did drive this one and a coupe every day for two weeks. Other than a TERRIBLE infotainment system, I would have no trouble dailying this . . . then again, keep in mind, I have dailyed an Elise in and around London (in answer to your question) without issue so I am a bit on the oddball spectrum. Hated the color on the inside - would have gone with a lighter shade with more contrast to the exterior.

[@fastboi8093]

I like this guy's personality

[@outforaripper]

Do you ever see me or lots of my friends bombing tuna canyon on longboards and doing slides to slow down for the corners?

[@MotoManTV]

+Michael Melone See you guys ALL the time . . . In fact, there is a short clip on Facebook where I mention it in front of this very car: facebook.com/MotoManTV/videos/10154429356044881/?video_source=pages_finch_main_video&theater

[@AnythingWithMotors]

Vantage Roadster or Boxster Spyder or Ferrari 360 Spider???

[@tvanb]

the slowest 911 goes 0-60 in 4 seconds (pdk, chromo)

[@natebarry5553]

Its not meant for straight line speed

[@tvanb]

Nate Barry I didn't say it was, but the presenter had the facts wrong.

[@fastboi8093]

The best Aston of all time

[@Gitohandro]

Not 911... Corvette z06

[@FiredEmpire]

This car is hideous as sin

[@Edgedable]

lay of the cheetos and fruit punch 😊

[@timobac1]

Cool review! I love that you're rocking the Pocket Square, but to be honest: This one looks like an old newspaper ;)

[@MotoManTV]

+Timo B. British Monopoly . . .

[@timobac1]

Well that explains a lot :)

[@gcuesta]

Great Review!

[@brucec43]

Reviews of ridiculous cars perhaps 200 people on KZbin would ever be in the market for is probably not a great way to build your subscriber base.