What is it?


The Vantage Sportshift is a V8 Vantage with a clutchless manual gearbox. It's a development of Magneti Marelli’s ubiquitous clutchless manual, which also features in the Vanquish and the Ferrari F430, among others. But Aston’s engineers have tweaked it to suit the character of the Vantage’s 4.3-litre V8. Gears are selected using steering wheel-mounted paddles, and there are three shift options. Sport offers a maximum shift speed of 240 milliseconds, which sounds fast until you consider that an F430 swaps cogs in 150 milliseconds. Comfort is designed to offer slower, smoother shifts and there’s also a fully automatic mode. What's it like?


Aston has designed some creep into the transmission in a bid to make the Vantage easier to manoeuvre at low speeds. In first gear, the car will creep forwards at up to 4mph, even if no throttle pressure is applied. This system works well, but other aspects of the gearbox’s behaviour still need work. In automatic mode, the shift from first to second and from second to third is accompanied by an awkward jolt. Automated downshifts – such as when the car approaches a junction – are also accompanied by an uncomfortable shunting motion. Aston’s engineers promise improvements to the system’s calibration before the Sportshift goes on sale in March. They are also considering altering the software to prevent the gearbox automatically changing up at 7000rpm, which could prove an irritation to track day enthusiasts. Sadly the transmission also does nothing to alleviate this car’s biggest problem – poor low to mid-range torque. A couple of detail improvements have also been introduced across the Vantage range. New Recaro seats are designed to accommodate those of a wider girth (Americans) and there’s a natty mobile phone holder, but that’s about it. The Vantage’s aesthetics have sensibly been left well alone. Should I buy one?

There will be a £2995 premium for Sportshift, raising the Vantage’s price to £86,930. Pricey, yes, but not for an Aston – especially one as gorgeous as this. If Aston can solve the gearbox's early problems, it will be a welcome addition to the range – especially as there's no other auto option. Alistair Weaver

 

 

 

Pictures of the Long Awaited Sport Shift Gearbox

 

Picture 2 of the Sport Shift

 

 

Absolutly stunning car but I'm not sure I would go for this option.

 

I kind of like it in white. I'm glad I didn't wait for the sportshift option though. I love the 6 speed.

 

CJA- do you find that even with the 6 speed it lacks the low end grunt that everyone talks about? Is it enough for you to maybe think about sending it to Prodrive??

 

has prodrive released a price list or if the modifications will be available in the US?

 

Thanks for sharing. Looks amazing. Can enyone make the wheels black with photoshop?

 

Quite honestly, I don't look at this car as a pure performance car. There are plenty of other cars that will blow its doors off. I look at the complete package. Its looks are stunning, the handling excellent, the sound is intoxicating, and each time I get in, it puts a huge smile on my face. Sure, it could use a little more power, but overall the car is great.

As for sending it to Prodrive, I probably won't do it. If I crave more performance, I will end up getting a more focused car to go along with the Vantage. I was looking for a GREAT daily driver; and I've found it.

Chris

 

I really wanted the sportshift option but already spec'd my car out before the sportshift announcement came out. I really like the 6spd though, I just wanted to switch it up since I've never had paddles on a car before.

I'm considering sending my car to prodrive. I love the Vantage and it's great in every way but it could use like 50 more hp. I'm spoiled though because of my 600hp Porsche. I'll wait for some feedback first from other prodrive customers before I consider doing it. I would just get the Engine and suspension and save some money by not getting the wheels or comestics which I don't think are necessary but costly.

 

great article, meanmachine, do you have larger pics of those you posted? if so can you post them? thanks!

 

Sorry, I dont have larger pictures because those were the largest I could fint at Autocar.