Karl,

It's great for you, and I'm sure you'll get huge enjoyment from the car. It's a great car, and I think it's worth far more money than you'll pay for it. Which is also great for you.

That doesn't mean it isn't bad for the marque.

 

The V8V is NOT the cheapest Aston when one adjusts the pricing over time. I don't know what the cheapest one was, but I posted this in 2012:

"In 1962, the price of a DB4 in the US was $10,475. According to the Consumer Price Index, this is equal to $80,300 in 2012. Obviously, that's quite a bit less than the price of a V8V today. In 1964, the DB5 tested by Road&Track had an as-tested price of $13,222, which translates to $98,660. The DB6, in 1966, was $15,495. That's $110,625 now, which is still less expensive than today's V8V. Even after the (NP) V8 came out, the price was more like a V8V's than a DB9, and far below the price of a DBS or Vanquish. In 1977, Road&Track's test V8 Coupe cost $35,250, which is $134,550 in 2012 dollars -- in the range of a new V8V today. Then, things changed. Just 5 years later, in 1982, a V8 Volante listed at $115,000, which equates to $275,660 in 2012. The Lagonda was $150,000, which is $359,600 today. The V8 Coupe, in '84, was $110,000, which is $244,900 in 2012. Today's V8 Vantage did not take AM into a new and "cheaper" market, just a market that they hadn't played in for a while."

The above notwithstanding, the drastic price slashing of a current model sends a terrible message.

 

How are you guys who are placing orders configuring your cars? Is there any chance of a discount on MSRP even with the reduced pricing? I went to the dealer but there is no pricing for the options, just checkboxes. There has to be a way to choose a different exterior color, also

 

The new, AMG cars, will begin to arrive in 2016. Until then the factory has to keep running. "Build out" is a fact of life in the new car business, the new car is coming and no one wants the old car. Many manufacturers attempt to solve this problem with special editions or "free" options. Aston has decided GT is the way to go. Many would have done it differently but this is the road that was chosen. Does it devalue the brand? How much is the brand worth, they sold about 350 Vantages is the US last year. At that sales rate the brand doesn't have much value to the manufacturer or dealer or one could argue to an owner. All involved need Aston to get to the new AMG enhanced models. If GT helps that it will be good for all concerned.

The dealers I have talked with say GT is being well received in the market. Let's all hope it works.

 

Perhaps this should be a new thread. How many enthusiasts considering F-Type R will now opt for an v8v? Is the allure of a new Aston Martin strong enough to tip the scales? Would love to hear from those in the market.

 

I honestly wondered why anyone would choose an F-type over a Vantage GT for around the same money. My dealership sells both brands and their staff was wondering the same thing. Actually, the Jag is a bit cheaper. But once you start adding options to either car, the price escalates very quickly. For example, the carbon grab handles for the Vantage doors are $3,190!

I guess if you want more gadgets, or a (very good) automatic transmission (vs. sport shift) you get the Jag. But if you want a manual gearbox and the prestige that comes with the marque (along with a prettier car, IMO) you want the Aston.

 

I think you take the Jag if you want the extra 120 bhp.

 

You miss the point. It's not because of the V12, it's because the V12V is closer to the $200K price point than the V8 versions. Aston should not be in the sub $200K market in general, which means the V12V should be the least expensive car they offer.

 

 

If you spec a V8V GT will every available option, MSRP is $147,082.50

 

Stuart, your image is missing an entire section titled Interior Functional which includes things such as Premium or B&O sound system, memory seats, heated seats, satellite radio, GT Technology pack, alarm volumetric upgrade, etc.

Additionally, we came across some other options that didn't even have prices associated with them. The most notable of these were genuine carbon fiber exhaust tips originally developed for the one-77. I'd hate to know how much those babies would cost although I must say they looked seriously cool in the picture we saw.

 

Sorry I didn't realize it had cut off the second page:

 

$1600 for painted brake calipers. That was a $600 option a few years back.

 

The interesting thing about that last page is that satellite radio is listed as standard but then mentioned again as part of the GT Technology Pack. We couldn't figure that out and the dealership is trying to get Aston to explain it.

 

only potential benefit I see of the price slashing and moving more units is like Porsche, the mass market lower end sales is the only reason we still get GT3RS's, GT2RS's, and all the other performance oriented 911's.

People cried foul in '99 with the Boxster and it helped turning around company, moreso when the Cayenne was released. Does the Macan devalue the brand? Maybe... but they will sell millions, make Porsche billions and cement the future of Porsche sports cars for years to come. It's a worthwhile tradeoff IMO.

Let's also not forget the Vantage is a seriously old platform these days compared to it's rivals. Aston sells a version of it cheaper and manages to avoid a redesign off for another 2-3 years. Makes sense. The V8 is more or less the same body and drivetrain as they released a decade ago.