Aston Martin SportShift Gearbox Ownership Experience | V8 Vantage S

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses their experience with an Aston Martin, highlighting its unique driving characteristics and quirks. Initially struggling with its heavy steering, analog feel, and complex gearbox, they eventually grew to appreciate the car's raw, engaging nature. They explain the complexities of driving the car, from shifting gears to maneuvering on bumpy roads, and the challenges that come with it. Despite its difficulties, the car's distinctive driving experience, powerful V8 engine, and luxurious feel make it a memorable, rewarding ride, even though it's not for everyone. The speaker also compares the Aston Martin to a manual car and shares maintenance insights.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Aston Martin car initially felt difficult to drive, with heavy steering, analog controls, and a complicated gearbox, but became more enjoyable over time.
• 😀 The car's sport shift gearbox requires manual input, such as lifting off the throttle slightly for smoother gear changes, but it creates a unique and engaged driving experience.
• 😀 The driving experience of the car is very different from modern, smooth gearboxes—it's slower and more analog, making it more involving but also requiring more thought.
• 😀 Some drivers may find the car challenging to drive in certain situations, such as maneuvering around roundabouts, due to its lack of automatic clutch disengagement.
• 😀 The car is described as more of a GT (Grand Touring) car than a sports car, with a focus on comfort and gradual acceleration rather than high-speed handling.
• 😀 In sport mode, the car has sharper throttle response and faster gear shifts, but it’s not ideal for all situations, particularly highway cruising where a smoother driving experience is preferred.
• 😀 While driving, there’s a constant need to think about which gear to be in and how to engage the car’s transmission, making it a more mentally engaging experience.
• 😀 The visibility in the car is limited, especially when trying to see the front end, making maneuvering more difficult, particularly in tight spaces or on country roads.
• 😀 Despite the car’s challenges, its driving experience is often described as an achievement, with a sense of accomplishment when a smooth gear shift is completed.
• 😀 The Aston Martin is compared to a luxury item, such as a tailored suit or a Rolex watch, highlighting that it’s not necessarily the most practical or easy-to-drive car but one that offers an exclusive and unique experience.
• 😀 Although the car’s maintenance can be expensive, especially with the need for clutch replacements, the overall driving experience and uniqueness of the car are still highly valued.

Q & A

Why did the driver initially dislike the car?

The driver initially disliked the car because it was difficult to drive due to its heavy steering, analog feel, and the troublesome gearbox, especially when navigating a roundabout.

How did the driver's opinion of the car change over time?

Over time, the driver grew to love the car, appreciating its unique characteristics despite the challenges in driving it.

What makes the Sport Shift system difficult to use, according to the driver?

The Sport Shift system is difficult to use because it requires the driver to manually disengage the clutch when approaching a roundabout, and it's tricky to find the right gear quickly during such maneuvers.

What specific steps does the driver take to operate the car smoothly when pulling away?

When pulling away, the driver puts the car in drive and lets it reach second gear before moving off. They also recommend pressing both paddles at the same time to coast into junctions and avoid jerking the car.

What is the impact of the exhaust valve on the car's sound?

The exhaust valve affects the sound of the car by keeping the exhaust tone high-pitched at high revs. Disabling the exhaust valve by pulling fuse 15 enhances the V8 rumble at lower revs, making the car sound better.

What is the driver's view on using the Sport Mode?

The driver believes that Sport Mode should not be used all the time. While it sharpens throttle response and gear shifts, the driver prefers not to use it when cruising on the motorway for a smoother experience.

How does the car's gearbox affect driving in terms of engagement?

The gearbox's slower shift speed keeps the driver engaged, requiring constant attention to gear selection and throttle position, which ensures the driver feels connected to the car at all times.

What analogy does the driver use to describe the car's driving experience?

The driver compares the car's driving experience to wearing a very expensive tailored suit—while it may not be suitable for every occasion, it makes the driver feel powerful and special.

Why is the car described as being more of a GT car than a sports car?

The car is considered a GT car because, while it has plenty of speed, it is not ideal for aggressive country road driving due to its stiff suspension and heavy feel. It's better suited for relaxed cruising on smooth roads.

What is the main downside of driving the car on bumpy roads?

The main downside of driving on bumpy roads is the car's stiff suspension, which leads to a rough, uncomfortable ride. This makes it less ideal for navigating uneven terrain compared to other vehicles like the Alpine 110.