Hi everyone, first post here. I have recently been bitten by the AM bug. I checked out an 07 Vantage in my area and it took 24 hrs for the adrenaline rush to wear off. Seriously. I have NEVER experienced that before with any car. However, MA has absolutely horrific roads due to pot holes, frost heaves etc..... My question is: Can the ride quality be softened so the car takes bumps better? I don't care if handling suffers as a result as I do not drive my cars that hard. Are there any aftermarket adjustable shocks for the Vantage or are newer years more forgiving over bumps?

Thanks

 

Welcome!

I imagine there are, but you'll probably find that those who modify the ride actually go the other direction and make them stiffer. Ask yourself why you felt that adrenaline rush. The shocks were part of that. You were feeling the road instead of floating across it. You felt the confidence hitting gas in the corner because the car didn't lean. You were realizing what it is like to actually drive a car. That's what puts a smile on your face every time you drive it.

 

Druid, thanks for the reply but the adrenaline rush came from the incredible beauty of the car, not the ride quality. I sold my C6 Z06 because I couldn't take the bumps anymore here in MA.

 

Even if you went to an adjustable shock system, I doubt that it would make the ride any more compliant. Any aftermarket suspension is likely going to stiffen the ride.

Even if you could find a shock system that would soften the ride, it's not going to ride like a luxury car. A 3500 lb car with a soft suspension system is going to bounce around on the bumps and feel floaty. It's not going to ride like a heavy car, such as a Cadillac.

Also, the tires are limited in the Vantage and you're pretty much stuck with the OEM performance tires, which are going to give a harsher ride.

I think you need to look at a different class of cars. Maybe a M5, S4, or Mercedes CL? Also, I haven't driven the Rapide, but I'm sure it gives a softer ride.

 

I would expect that the convertible suspension set up is a little more compliant than the coupe's, since it is less stiff. At least that's the way it is on the first few model years of the DB9. You have to check to see if the part numbers between coupe and convertible are the same.

 

i am no expert but you could get smaller size rims with bigger tires, that should cushion a little. if you have 19" try 18"'s with bigger tires

 

18" rims is a good idea, coupled with a softer/quieter riding tire (the Bridgestones stink, IMO). The Vantage came with 18" wheels for a while, so there are OEM 18s available. And as far as aftermarket, you can buy a set of real nice OZ 18 inch 1-piece wheels for around $1500 and then get yourself a set of soft/quiet tires like General UHPs for around another $600 (235mm/275mm) or maybe even 255mm all around, since the OZ wheels are 18x9 and therefore you could swap tires front to rear.

 

I see a Cadillac CTS-V Coupe in your future. Don't laugh. I love my Aston but if ride is an issue then take a look at the CTS-V Coupe.