07 Vantage w/ 7K miles, I hope the clutch isn't going already?? The few times I run through the gears nearing redline, it makes a smell that lingers for a while. It doesn't seem to be slipping at all, I've had cars in the past that did that.

On a side note, I LOVE THIS CAR! My wife hated driving in the M3 when I drove it hard, she loves the Vantage. Tonight she said, "you have to do it again, I didn't have my window rolled down in time." LOL good stuff. The sound of this car is intoxicating.

Is this something worth taking to the dealer?

 

Another convert!!! I wouldn't sweat the clutch smell too much unless it's really bad. Ours used to do that if you pushed it a bit, or any time you had to reverse....

I'm in Vancouver at the moment so I'm guessing you're enjoying the mild PacNW winter as much as I am at the moment!!!

 

Having also come from a BMW (though only a lowly 328i ), the vantage clutch seems to create the burning smell much easier. I consider it my own punishment for indecisive shifting. I find that the V8V clutch can handle any RPM and engage pretty aggressively, but if your left foot lingers on the paddle from indecisiveness, that smell is pretty disgusting. The metallic scent of money grinding away.

Once you get used to the heavy clutch you will smell it less often.

I have yet to avoid it backing up a hill, the reverse gear is a pain to deal with.

 

does it smell like old socks ?

 

thanks guys, kinda lame that this kind of car makes that smell every time you get a little spirited.... Oh well.

 

I've only smelled the clutch once (when I tried an all-out 0-60 run). I don't think you should smell it just when you get on it.

 

Well, I knew what I was potentially getting myself into with the clutch. I'm not gonna baby this car, its gonna be a daily driver.

 

I daily drive my car too. Once you get used to the clutch and gas pedal, both of which are quite heavy, the shifts will be cleaner and more decisive. With this car it's really not how hard you drive it, or how high RPM you're engaging the clutch plates, but rather how decisively and aggressively you do so.

I was driving it pretty soft when I just got it, but smelled the burning clutch a few times just rolling forward from stop signs with an indecisive start. Nowadays I push it hard around Manhattan and haven't smelled it since.

One thing about hills though: when you come out of really steep underground parking lots, make sure you don't stop half way. A few times I stopped half way because up ahead I see a pedestrian is crossing the parking lot exit, then I see a car creep up behind me. A burnt clutch smell usually follows as I make sure I don't slide back into the car behind me.