Autocar is a British weekly, for those who aren't familiar with it. This video is worth seeing. He even likes the gearbox!

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/v...best-aston-yet

Interesting. First review in which the reviewer wasn't critical of the gearbox. May need to drive the car and see for myself!

I have to say, I have spoken to 2 people who have driven this car with a very different opinion than the articles that I have read. I can't wait to drive it.

The only dislike for me is not the gearbox, but the lack of a front lift. Apparently, the way the suspension is designed, a front lift option is not possible. My concern is bottoming out as the carbon is expensive to replace.

I agree on front lift, almost all super cars have them these days. I too was surprised by the reviewers politeness towards the transmission. Perhaps all it takes is a good software reflash of the TCU

The nose on my McLaren was a 27K option. The lift was a no-brainer. Having said that, I drove a V12V for 2 years with out any issues. It is always better to have the lift but the AM has pretty good clearance if you don't lower it. There is a steel flange that marries to the CF front that is lower and protects it from hard surfaces while you are going slow.

One other thing to keep in mind. My V8V had an after market CF front lip that lowered the comers by 2.5 inches. I scraped that a dozen ties entering drive ways. My local body shop sanded it and sprayed it with clear and it looked brand new. So if you have a "minor incident" it is fairly easy to remedy.

Agree you don't need a lift on the V12V. Just go slow and attack grade changes at an angle and you'll be fine.

I live in a rural area with a long gravel laneway off a gravel road and I have never had an issue with front splitter clearance on my V12V (wait, did I just jinx myself?)