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Not familiar with the McLaren marque but since there have been some comments about Aston Martins, herewith a few clarifications:
- When we say "V12 Vantage" or "DBS" it's necessary to specify if we're meaning the classic VH platform cars - early 2000's to mid-late 2010's, or the "New Generation" platform cars from mid-late 2010's onwards. It's a bit easier with the "non-S DB" (my words) as the DB9 is a VH car while the DB11 and now DB12 are New Generation. There's quite a difference in the architecture and mechanicals of these generations - the VH cars were developed under Ford and have some parts commonality there, while the more recent cars now have Mercedes-sourced engines and some have Mercedes infotainment systems as well. To my eye the VH platform cars have the classic good looks that we all associate with AM - the New Gen cars are a bit over-wrought IMHO.
- Somebody said that Astons were expensive to maintain - well, yes, if you take your car to the dealer for service. I do all the routine maintenance on all my cars myself - that goes for the XKR and will be the case for my new-to-me DB9 as well. Did I mention parts commonality? The AM enthusiast forums maintain lists of parts cross-referenced to Ford and the erstwhile PAG cars - Jaguar, Volvo, Lincoln, etc - which are typically a fraction of the cost of the AM branded part but otherwise functionally identical. Yes there will be a few AM-only parts and yes I may have to get specialist help for any issue that is beyond my competence, but I will then rely on an independent mechanic, not the dealer. I honestly don't expect to be bankrupted by my AM. Time will tell, touch wood!
I considered a DB11 Volante until I discovered they don't come in V12 spec. Now, the DB12 ALSO has a V8 Twin Spool. So sad. At least there was an option in the 11. No more V12s?
I considered a DB11 Volante until I discovered they don't come in V12 spec. Now, the DB12 ALSO has a V8 Twin Spool. So sad. At least there was an option in the 11. No more V12s?
Apparently the AM turbocharged V12 does not meet the latest European / UK emissions standards so will not be offered in their volume cars. They will be available in very limited production special versions with correspondingly “special” pricing. Considering that a new DB12 is now in eye-watering $300s territory (comparable to Ferrari Roma’s) I have no doubt that the special editions with the V12s would be out of the reach of mere mortals.
That said, the AM tune on the Mercedes AMG 4.0 V8 is now in the 700 hp range, so comparable to the erstwhile V12 turbo engine. But there’s still something special about a V12 and this was definitely a reason why I bought my car. (Bucket list item to own an Aston, and bucket list item to own a V12, so why not combine them!)
I am considering a 12C Spyder to replace my Rapide. Most likely end up in DB11 V12. I asked the service tech's at the Aston dealer on the McLaren. They service a few of them and did not think they were hassle or problem to fix.
AMG 4.0 V8 I am told can tuned to near a 1000 hp so the V12 doesn't have draw since same HP can be done in the V8. It's no V12 though.
I dunno, I've read issues with both and bringing a US car into Canada in not great for resale. I like the front on the MP4 better and do like the idea of the fold back top - that 650S car has accident damage:
09/20/2016
Damage Report
Accident reported
Damage to left rear
Damage to left side
Last edited by McJag222; Mar 23, 2024 at 04:52 PM.
