In past years I have heard consistent bagging on the AM auto transmissions. Has anything changed for 2011, and if not, what are the problems with the auto transmissions?

As far as the manual trans, any niggles; and what is the avg lifespan of the clutch? Thks.

 

wow. 115 views and no responses. I did a search on this forum and found nothing... hmmm... maybe it's nothing but personal preference? From what I read a year or two ago, the auto was not a hearty recommendation, unlike the P-car's new PDK. Hmmm...

 

There are three different systems used by AM, the DBS uses a conventional ZF auto, but the Vantage uses either a 6- or 7-speed Graziano automated manual. Its the automated manual from the Vantage that gets most discussion

There probably isn't much to say about the DBS auto, its a ZF auto after all.

Clutch life on the manual transmissions depends massively on the way the car is driven, they can last 60,000 miles, or as little as 3,000 with someone that is completely clueless

 

As far as niggles on the 6speed for the DBS , there are none. The shifting is smooth but vague/not sharp, but it some how suits the character of the car. It is by far the easiest 6sp car that I have driven till date.

 

Good enough. Thanks, folks.

 

It all depends what you want from the car, the manual turns the DBS into more of a sports car, the auto makes it more GT, both are good in their own way. The auto has manual paddle control and a higher gear ratio than the DB9 for a more aggressive sporting feel, but good as it is (nice blips on the downshift) it's still an auto and for me it would be manual every time. Neither has any major issues reliability wise. My advice test drive both, plus the V12 Vantage for comparison!

 

Thanks A.M.L. I'm sure the V12 Vantage is a great car in its own right, but I'm strictly interested in the DBS. Cheers!