Had a chance to sit in the carbon black V12 I have been eyeing for some time now ... I was shocked that Aston took away the watch face cluster on the V12s ... I am shocked they would provide a cheaper black platic gauge cluster on the v12 instead of the much better watch face of the old v8.

Also the emotion control unit looks cheaper than the v8v unit (just black plastic, not clear crystal).

Everything else on the car is top notch quality compared to the v8...

Are ALL the v12v like that?

 

You get a spare KEY that is regular black plastic. I'm sure that the dealer is keeping the special key in a case so that it doesn't get nicked up. I don't use mine either. I think that the back trim is for the Carbon edition. My instruments look the same as my V8 did.

 

Yeah, I don't know what you mean by "plastic gauge cluster." My car's instruments are the same as the modern V8V's.

My car came with two crystal keys and two plastic keys.

 

I agree. I always thought the black-faced gauges on the V12V look cheap compared to the standard ones.

 

According to Grant's book update, the 2012 cars will have a few updates:

New standard features include:
- New more efficient Beam blade aerodynamic windscreen wipers are standard.
- The improved new Garmin satellite navigation system

New or improved options include:
- New brake caliper colours for the V12 Vantage include - red, grey and yellow (plus standard black)

 

I looked at this old pic of me driving and realized that my gauges are all black. Surprised that they're different from the V8V. Regardless, I think they look fine . . .

 

The gauges in the V12V are the same as the those in the DBS. This change had nothing to do with cost, obviously. The watch-face gauges were deemed not the proper style for the more sporting of the Astons. The watch-face style are still used on the other models.

I prefer the watch-face type, but 'thems the breaks'...

 

That's the only reason I don't buy a V12 vantage... JK lol

 

Yeah, I may need to sell mine now that I know of this.

 

[QUOTE=Racer_X;3339091]Yeah, I may need to sell mine now that I know of this. [/QUOTE

Lol I'll trade my V8 for your V12...

 

Here's the marketing blurb for the change in gauge design:

"The instrument cluster is designed with white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility."

 

Although I appreciate the generous offer, I think I'll pass.

 

007, you adding the Aston to the Gallardo or replacing the Gallardo with the Aston? If the latter, are you unhappy with any aspect of the Lambo? Curious as I've never owned (or even driven) a Lambo myself.

 

Interesting that the Gallardo is a bit cramped for those over 6'. I know that some of the older Italian cars were a bit small inside for taller people (the short legs, long arms configuration), but I'm surprised a modern car would have this problem. Of course, I'm guessing this is also a bit of personal preference because some like to be closer to the controls than others.

Actually going to a dealer launch party for the Aventador tonight. Hoping to get a chance to drive it some time in the next few weeks.

An F40 would be incredible. It's on my wish list, although not by bucket list as I don't see ever being able to afford one and still have much left over for retirement!

 

Now that's some class A rationalization! I think I'll tell my girlfriend that I need to buy an F40 because "it's a great investment for our future."

Thanks. I'll post my impressions of the Aventador if/when I drive it.