and love it! The V12 feels like a completely different car than the 4.3L V8 (fyi, mine had the RSC remap and RSC sport cats). There is ample power at nearly any rpm and the speed just feels effortless. The power is smooth and linear and builds without drama, except for the rush of the scenery passing you by in a blur. The controls are much less heavy than on my V8. Both the clutch pedal and the gear lever require less effort to move and both are silky smooth to operate. This makes it feel as though you have more control over the car and makes the car feel lighter.

Probably the biggest difference between the V8 and the V12 I've noticed so far is the throttle response. The revs build so quickly with the V12. I remember when I put my foot down on the gas pedal on the V8 there would be a delay before the higher revs were reached, even with the car in neutral. Not so with the V12. If you step on the gas pedal in neutral, not even all the way, with the V12, you need to pull your foot away pretty quick or you'll hit the rev limiter before you know it.

As for handling and road feel, I have to say they feel better too. The car not only handles better but somehow just feels more solid and better constructed than the V8. At the same time, the ride is less jarring over bumps. The smoother ride may be attributable to the Pirellis vs. the OEM Bridgestones that were on my V8.

The carbon ceramic brakes are unbelievable too. I decided to try them out and stomped on the brake pedal at about 40 miles per hour or so. The car stopped so fast that I actually felt a bit dizzy for a second afterward, like all the blood was drawn out from my head.

So, these are my initial impressions. I apologize for the stream of consciousness nature of the write up, but I haven't had time to collect my thoughts so that I can provide a better description. In addition, I've only had the car about 18 hours so far, so I haven't had time to really put it through it's paces, and I'd also like to take it easy until it's fully broken in. Anyway, as I am sure you can tell I'm very pleased with my purchase. It's admittedly more money than I thought I would pay for a car (at least at this point in my life), but I have no regrets. The car is fantastic IMHO.

Here's a quick pic of the car I took at a car meet this morning in Atlanta (the monthly "Caffeine and Octane" meet). So many great cars there, from brand new Lambos to original Model Ts. I hope to take better pics of the car some day soon. In case you can't tell, the color is quantum silver and the interior is black with white stitching. A pretty "safe" color combo I admit, but I'm a bit conservative when it comes to car colors so it suits me perfectly.

Cheers!

 

Wow congratulations! Enjoy.

I hope one day I can buy one too.

 

Ditto . . . on Both!!


Question - When I test drove one (only for 15 minutes) the gearbox seemed much smoother than the V8''s - Does that hold true, or was I imaging things?

Enjoy you car - looks great!!

 

Thanks guys. Yes, the gearbox does feel much smoother. I thought the V12 would just be a faster version of the V8, but it's really a different car.

 

Congrats! Good writeup, i really like the color choice. I always felt astons looked best in muted colors. Still have not had a chance to drive one, but I have run a carbon edition v12 in town and they are no joke, very quick.
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Headshop

 

Awesome...looks great! Enjoy and take some driving videos for us to enjoy!

 

Love the color. It plays well against the gray in the wheels. When I was reading your write up it brought back to my early experiences. I think it's awesome to have owned both V8 and V12. It really gives you great appreciation for both cars.

 

Thanks for the write up! I've written off the Vantage, because I, too, thought it was just the same car with a bigger engine. Seems as though I should reconsider. It will have to wait until my work schedule slows down, though. I think after the Jaguar XKR-S, this may be my next to test out (the only problem may be finding one).

 

yeah, everyone says it's in a completely different league to a v8....

 

looks good, enjoy!

 

Congrats....way to go.

 

Thanks again to those who posted. I have been pretty effusive about my new car in my posts. Although I believe the V12 Vantage deserves praise, I just hope my comments are not interpreted as me somehow disparaging the V8 Vantage. For the record, I loved my V8V and think it's a fantastic car -- anyone who owns one is quite fortunate. If a V12 didn't happen to be sitting in the showroom when I dropped off my V8 for service on Wednesday, I would still be driving and enjoying my V8 now.

 

Beautiful car!! Wish that I could make the same swap!!

Drove the V12V Carbon the dealer invited me to drive and really enjoyed the experience. I remember feeling like the braking was even more impressive than the accelaration. I loved the gear changes, the seats and yes how the engine fills the bay!!

 

Your color combo is ACE! congrats mate!

 

gorgeous car. love the color!