I just drove a new manual 09...and honestly, I hated the transmission. I just dont know how something so vague made it into such a great chassis. I had a hard time just driving the damn car (I nearly daily my gt3...so I do have a bit different expectation level) normally. That said, I then drove a sport shift and loved it. I had an M5, and think the sport shift is just fine in comparison and actually smoother most times. I hope I drove a beaten up manual though, and that was just not nearly as much fun as I thought it would be.

-Drew

 

I have stated many times that the sportshift is certainly not perfect but if you drive in traffic it is a wonderful compromise. It does take some getting used to as there are some quirks but overall I am extremely pleased with the decision over the manual. BTW, this is my first car that is not a manual so I was really concerned I would not enjoy it like I have my previous toys but the fun factor is still there for me! So much so that I had the opportunity to purchase a friends P-car with 6 speed for a really good price and I took a pass.

Adam

 

The DB9 is not meant to have a manual really... the drivetrain slack, combined with the vague gearbox override any sporting pretension you would get with a 6sp/sport pack. Best to get it with the Sportshift.

Vantage remains up in the air, both gearboxes equally attractive to different buyers.

DBS now available with sportshift, reviews should be out soon.

 

I wonder how much variation there is from car to car. My 07 is a ss and I chose that option as all my other cars are manuals. I like both but 90% of my driving is mountain twisites and i find the ss a great option. Not as fast as Fcar shifter but the hypershift at 5500rpms and up is pretty good.
I very much enjoy mine.

 

i have a manual shift and i've driven 7000km with it now.

suddenly the clutch started slipping by itself, the smell of clutch was horrible the whole drive on the highway. At the end i could hardly even drive it in the garage because it slipped hard !

That can't be right, i never drove it heavy on the clutch, never really dumped it, so i don't get why it would be worn at 7000 km !

it will have to be towed to the garage tomorrow. I was able to get the salesman on the phone (i have his mobile number) and he said ofcourse it's a case of warranty...

some of my friends said maybe there is oile coming on the clutch and making it slip or something ... ?

i have to say something's not right... I hope this isn't a realistic case of aston martin driving, because i'm not planning to change clutches every 7000 km... !

anyone else would care to comment on this .. ?

 

that doesn't sound right to me !!