Vantage GT3 details
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I know everyone will hate on me for this, but I think this car is just tacky. For me, the Aston brand is about subtlety, refinement, and designs that are "classic" right out of the gate. You know, that "power, beauty, soul" thing. Here, the garish tacked-on wing and kitsch-y graphics feels like something an aftermarket tuner would do. There's nothing wrong with that per se but Aston's brand is deeply confused at this point with an endless parade of low volume or one-off vehicles (DB9 zagato, V12 zagato, the new Lagonda, the Vulcan, etc.) that practically no one can afford and most not made for the U.S. market. I think they've discovered that there's no way they can be a volume manufacturer without a partner or corporate parent so they are turning to absurdly priced special editions as a business model (the "Q" division fits squarely into this).
Also agree that producing ultra-low volume cars that only a select few can obtain/afford and that can't be sold in the U.S. is unfortunate. Not sure what the point is. Headlines?
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Can't say I disagree with eric on the questionable taste of this car, and how many people will really track it? As for the confused branding, a quick study of Aston's history will reveal that they have a tradition of very low volume or 'one off' special editions going back decades. Although some of these could also be deemed 'tacky', I don't believe any have big wings, big splitters or orange graphics...
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Looks like a lot of parts directly from the GT3 race cars, which is pretty awesome. It's about time AM did something a bit nuts. Too bad this doesn't allotted higher production numbers and lower price to go head-to-head with cars like the 458 Speciale, F12, or Aventador.
I'm guessing the price is north of $500k. The GT3 starts at ~$550k if I remember correctly. Can't imagine a huge difference in price, given what's shared plus adding the amenities of a road car.
And I'll go ahead and say it... I want the hood from that car.
I'm guessing the price is north of $500k. The GT3 starts at ~$550k if I remember correctly. Can't imagine a huge difference in price, given what's shared plus adding the amenities of a road car.
And I'll go ahead and say it... I want the hood from that car.
I know everyone will hate on me for this, but I think this car is just tacky. For me, the Aston brand is about subtlety, refinement, and designs that are "classic" right out of the gate. You know, that "power, beauty, soul" thing. Here, the garish tacked-on wing and kitsch-y graphics feels like something an aftermarket tuner would do. There's nothing wrong with that per se but Aston's brand is deeply confused at this point with an endless parade of low volume or one-off vehicles (DB9 zagato, V12 zagato, the new Lagonda, the Vulcan, etc.) that practically no one can afford and most not made for the U.S. market. I think they've discovered that there's no way they can be a volume manufacturer without a partner or corporate parent so they are turning to absurdly priced special editions as a business model (the "Q" division fits squarely into this).
AM is definitely dependent upon some special editions to keep generating profit. 'Run-out' specials are fairly typical for most manufacturers at the end of model cycles, although perhaps not as much as for AM!
Interesting fact - the R&D for the 1-77 Project was for the most part entirely paid for via a pre-order of multiple vehicles from one client!!!!
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Stuart Dickinson
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Velocity Automotive Performance Limited
206 Maple Avenue
Oliver, BC
Canada V2A 4W6
Office: (1)250-485-5126
www.velocityap.com
Stuart Dickinson
Managing Director
Velocity Automotive Performance Limited
206 Maple Avenue
Oliver, BC
Canada V2A 4W6
Office: (1)250-485-5126
www.velocityap.com
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I know everyone will hate on me for this, but I think this car is just tacky. For me, the Aston brand is about subtlety, refinement, and designs that are "classic" right out of the gate. You know, that "power, beauty, soul" thing. Here, the garish tacked-on wing and kitsch-y graphics feels like something an aftermarket tuner would do. There's nothing wrong with that per se but Aston's brand is deeply confused at this point with an endless parade of low volume or one-off vehicles (DB9 zagato, V12 zagato, the new Lagonda, the Vulcan, etc.) that practically no one can afford and most not made for the U.S. market. I think they've discovered that there's no way they can be a volume manufacturer without a partner or corporate parent so they are turning to absurdly priced special editions as a business model (the "Q" division fits squarely into this).
I am very happy with this car and think it was necessary since there were alot of comparisons of the Porsche GT3/GT2 and the V12 Vantage. Of course the Vantage never stood a chance since it was not built to compete with the GT3's.
I agree that the Aston Martin badge is about class, quality and heritage and thats why these one-off limited production cars are exactly that - limited.
The One 77, Zagato, GT3 are to Aston Martin what the GTR is for Nissan.
They are hypercars that help bring stimulate the senses, push limits, show creativity exists and help increase brand image.
I think for these limited production cars the extreme the better.
Disclaimer - i love track cars, and functional tuner cars.
I agree that the Aston Martin badge is about class, quality and heritage and thats why these one-off limited production cars are exactly that - limited.
The One 77, Zagato, GT3 are to Aston Martin what the GTR is for Nissan.
They are hypercars that help bring stimulate the senses, push limits, show creativity exists and help increase brand image.
I think for these limited production cars the extreme the better.
Disclaimer - i love track cars, and functional tuner cars.
Last edited by biggynuts01; Feb 18, 2015 at 12:39 PM.
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It's "only" 250,000 pounds and it's already sold out... That's pretty lame. As soon as we hear about it, it's already not available. Way to go Aston on a car I'd consider in the future but making it unattainable before the normal folks even hear about it.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
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It's "only" 250,000 pounds and it's already sold out... That's pretty lame. As soon as we hear about it, it's already not available. Way to go Aston on a car I'd consider in the future but making it unattainable before the normal folks even hear about it.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
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This is the right direction for the brand. The car has to move beyond the traditional cues of design. It needs to embrace the more functional future. Mark my words this car has more in common with where things are going than the bright work of the past.
This and the V12 Zagato are the only cars I would trade my V12Vantage for.
This and the V12 Zagato are the only cars I would trade my V12Vantage for.
Last edited by black penguin; Feb 18, 2015 at 09:15 PM.
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Not feeling it. The "Vanquish" center console is hideous. Because of the way it's executed. The original Vanquish center console IN the vanquish I find very pretty, but in this case you can see they just got the dimensions of the Vantage's center console, the Vanquish's capacitive controls, and made a blobby carbon fiber piece on top. Not integrated with the design, and crude.
I like that they made the front quarter panels in carbon fiber, and joined them to the front fascia, eliminating the panel line in the front of the car. This is my favorite feature.
Everything else about the car I find of questionable taste. Aston Martins are supposed to be understated, not a monstrosity with bits tacked onto it. Looks after market.
Not that any of this matters since it sold out already. Haha.
I like that they made the front quarter panels in carbon fiber, and joined them to the front fascia, eliminating the panel line in the front of the car. This is my favorite feature.
Everything else about the car I find of questionable taste. Aston Martins are supposed to be understated, not a monstrosity with bits tacked onto it. Looks after market.
Not that any of this matters since it sold out already. Haha.
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It's "only" 250,000 pounds and it's already sold out... That's pretty lame. As soon as we hear about it, it's already not available. Way to go Aston on a car I'd consider in the future but making it unattainable before the normal folks even hear about it.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/a...led-2015-02-18
Last edited by ohTHATeric; Feb 19, 2015 at 06:47 AM.
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Complete GT3 Hash and Rehash
Read the Pistonheads Aston Martin file on this product...contributors are much closer to the data sources, have a huge national interest in its "success", plus a weird comedic streak that has already filled six pages re the GT3.
Personally if it comes to spending big time money I would opt for the new Ford GT recently shown/announced at the Detroit Auto Show. For specifics on this destination for your money see the Ford GT Forum.
From personal experience I would bet neither car has been priced at this time. WSD window sticker numbers are the last things done in a product's development, and even then it is subject to change.
Personally if it comes to spending big time money I would opt for the new Ford GT recently shown/announced at the Detroit Auto Show. For specifics on this destination for your money see the Ford GT Forum.
From personal experience I would bet neither car has been priced at this time. WSD window sticker numbers are the last things done in a product's development, and even then it is subject to change.