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But the question is, should it be the end of the DB9 line, or should it be the end of the Vantage line with its underpowered V8 iteration and its now-redundant V12 iteration? I mean, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the "entry-level" V8 Vantage around even if its performance is a little underwhelming for six-figure sports car territory. Maybe this should be the replacement for the V12 Vantage instead of the DB9? Or maybe it should just replace both? Who knows -- that's how fragmented the A/M lineup has become (minus the Rapide whose mission is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the line).
As for the similar looks... I have no disagreement with a cohesive design language across a single brand -- in fact it makes perfect sense. But there's a threshold where "cohesion" crosses the line into "nearly identical," and in Aston's case, the very similar lines across the lineup only adds to the confusion about what model is supposed to serve what niche -- again, the Rapide excluded for obvious reasons.
I don't mean to argue that A/Ms aren't great-looking cars. I think they are, not to mention uniquely elegant in an often flamboyant exotic sports-car segment. I just wish they had enough imagination to vary the look a little more from model to model.
If it is to replace a model it'd be the DB9 range (size wise, that's where it's located), I wouldn't be overly surprised if we were to see a new or refurbished Vantage in the next year.
As for similarity in looks, I suspect that's a matter that'll yield very subjective answers, and I don't think your opinion is any less valid than mine. Personally, I think there are more than enough subtle changes to easily spot the difference between the models, but I understand the viewpoint of those who disagree with that.
If it is to replace a model it'd be the DB9 range (size wise, that's where it's located), I wouldn't be overly surprised if we were to see a new or refurbished Vantage in the next year.
As for similarity in looks, I suspect that's a matter that'll yield very subjective answers, and I don't think your opinion is any less valid than mine. Personally, I think there are more than enough subtle changes to easily spot the difference between the models, but I understand the viewpoint of those who disagree with that.
Agreed, most differences are very subtle in the cars, albeit, they are there. Unless your are a true AM fan, most can't tell the difference from one car to the next. LOL...Most don't even recognize it as a AM. Which, sometimes, is good!
If you're going to compare Aston Martin's entire lineup to variations of a single model in Ford or Porsche's lineup, then A/M might as well acknowledge what I basically accused them of -- namely, that their entire lineup is all variations on the same car.
They aknowledge that, as they are based on the DB9 architecture. You have 3 flavors of DB9 2 door and one DB9 4 door. They happen to have separate names, but they are aknowledgedged to be nothing more than flavors of DB9, and cannibalize each other no more than variations on 911s cannibalize each other or variations on Mustangs cannibalize each other.
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I agree with you to a large extent that Porsche splits hairs with the countless variations of its 911 model... but then again, it's not the only car Porsche makes.
Aston really only makes 2 cars (and offers a third to current owners in a bid to stay independent). The DB9 based lineup and the Vantage lineup.
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As for the rest of your post... uhm... OK, if you say so.
Seriously, is that the most intelligent response you can muster? Point out where it's logically flawed.
But the question is, should it be the end of the DB9 line, or should it be the end of the Vantage line with its underpowered V8 iteration and its now-redundant V12 iteration? I mean, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the "entry-level" V8 Vantage around even if its performance is a little underwhelming for six-figure sports car territory. Maybe this should be the replacement for the V12 Vantage instead of the DB9? Or maybe it should just replace both? Who knows -- that's how fragmented the A/M lineup has become (minus the Rapide whose mission is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the line).
It shoudl not be the end of the DB9 line. It's just one out of 3 2 door variations on it. And none of it replaces the smaller vantage line. It'd be like in the muslce car era that the big block Nova or camaro shouldn't have been made 'cause the same engine was in the bigger Chevelle (which was also avalaible in malibu form and in 4 dor and wagon and convertible)
It's like you guys suddenly forgot about cars in general.
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As for the similar looks... I have no disagreement with a cohesive design language across a single brand -- in fact it makes perfect sense. But there's a threshold where "cohesion" crosses the line into "nearly identical," and in Aston's case, the very similar lines across the lineup only adds to the confusion about what model is supposed to serve what niche -- again, the Rapide excluded for obvious reasons.
ONLY if you think they are actually separate cars. if you understand that they are variations on a model, just like the variations on Mustangs, or the variatons of Camaro and Chevelle back in, say, '69, they ypu[d have ZERO problem relating to the variations in the Aston lineup.
And again, this would only really be a problem if there were tens of thousands of them sold annually where you saw numerous ones daily and you had a hard time figuring out which car was yours when going to a shopping center. other than that, they SHOULD look alike with the minor differences for the trim levels they are. And th Vantage looks quite a bit differnt (like how easy it is to tell a Boxter/cayman from a 911, or how easy it was to tell an MG Midget from an MGB)
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I don't mean to argue that A/Ms aren't great-looking cars. I think they are, not to mention uniquely elegant in an often flamboyant exotic sports-car segment. I just wish they had enough imagination to vary the look a little more from model to model.
Why? Why do they need to be more different than they are? Why could they improve by making them look different? I could see the complaint if they started out like an Gumpert, but other than that, you'd run thevery real risk of uglifying them just to say "well, it's not the same as the perfect form we already came across." Way too many cars and trucks have lost the plot from when they were reasonably attractive because peopel couldn't leave well enough alone and someone said "well, we HAVE to change it."
Seriously, is that the most intelligent response you can muster?
No but that's the greatest amount of thought your post deserves in the way of a response. That goes for most of your hectoring rants where you treat people's opinions as if they're self-evident factual inaccuracies and then demand an accounting for their opinion. So here's my accounting: It's my opinion because it's my opinion. If you don't like it, BIOYA.
So what do you guys think? Looks pretty great to me, just like their other, newer models, why change what works right? A slight evolution, but staying true to the line up, I really like it.
The Vantage was taken back by AM after we threatened them with the lemon law. It was not a pleasant experience with Aston at all. They fought tooth and nail, even tho their techs ( from numerous out of state dealerships) all agreed, they could not figure out what was wrong with the car. Driving along...car just STOPS! No warning, no chugging, no alarms...just downright stops dead in it's tracks! Not fun when your doing 60 mph on a major highway! You never knew when it was going to do this...no pattern at all...and it did it to both of us. And it threw no codes. Got to the point where I refused to drive it. Can't tell you how many times we were almost rear-ended. We were first told it was our driving habits, then asked if we knew how to drive a manual, and the very last...it had to do with Tx weather! After the car had been with AM for months...they even shipped it out to Ca. to some top knotch facility...and them telling us it was fixed numerous times, only for it to stall over and over on us again... and we threatened with a law suit... did they took the car back. They offered us an unbelievable deal on a new DBS and we took it. Nice car...nice ride and performance was nice...but we still just weren't thrilled with it. I guess it just didn't scratch the itch...Nothing I can really pinpoint.
Another thing that did not sit right with us...AM Higher Ups finally admitted the Vantage had a problem and that a more than a few people were reporting the same problems in their Vantages. They finally did get our car to duplicate the problem while they were driving it...although still had no explanation. We were given all kinds of gifts and the offer on the DBS and asked not to discuss "the problem"...and told our Vantage would be shipped back and used as a test vehicle to fix "the problem". Less than 2 months later, our Vantage was put up for sale on their pre-owned lot. Some poor ******* was going to buy a pristine, gorgeous car...that was potentially deadly! DH still visits the AM forums and guys are still reporting the same problem, even with the new yr model and they still haven't a clue. So, in all, just left a bad taste in our mouth...too many other cars out there to experience to have to ever go back to Aston!
Very sorry to hear your story and sadly it isn't unusual.
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Originally Posted by Merc63
Ah, well, since I never wanted the Vantage, that issue would never arise... Like I'd ever be able to own one anyhow.
A lot of sports cars and exotics are tempermental, and some models worse than others. It'd be like saying, well, a lot of Ford Escorts had fatal head gasket problems, so I'd never own a Shelby.
No excuse for that treatment and when you drop that much quid on ANYTHING customer service should be top notch. Instead of making someone happy where they explain how AM is a great company and they stand behind their produce instead you have an angry customer sharing their story and won't buy another.
No different than the recent thread about the Lambo owner in China who destroyed the car b/c Lambo was completely unapologetic and unhelpful with the turd they sold.
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After the car had been with AM for months...they even shipped it out to Ca. to some top knotch facility...and them telling us it was fixed numerous times, only for it to stall over and over on us again... and we threatened with a law suit... did they took the car back. They offered us an unbelievable deal on a new DBS and we took it. Nice car...nice ride and performance was nice...but we still just weren't thrilled with it. I guess it just didn't scratch the itch...Nothing I can really pinpoint. 
Like I'd ever be able to own one anyhow. 
