When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
As you know I moved on from my 2012 XKR Convertible. So this is my opinion of that car to my C8 HTC. The only real comparison can be related to the 500HP of both cars as they are designed for different customers. My XKR was a great GT car and in my opinion a gentleman's cruiser. It's rounded lines brought me back to my XKE days only with a modern update. It was a smooth and comfortable ride and would bark at times with it's PAE open. Cabin noise with the top up was very minimal and the seats were very comfortable. I found the transmission to be smooth and it delivered the 510HP in a flawless manor. Keeping the rear tires in contact with the pavement was difficult at times but with practice achievable. Interior appointment was typical of old english styling and fit the customer set. Infotainment was adequate for its time and was in some cases ahead of others. Cargo space for two travelers was good and was made better with the extra space in the rear two seating area. So I enjoyed the ride and had fun when used. This car never failed to put a smile on my face during our many cruises and if anything I should have driven it more then I did.
So moving on to the C8 HTC it was a completely different experience. This car brought me back to sports car days of my youth. The big difference is a total redesign of the GM model. At mid-engine the 495HP is put down to the pavement at a unbelievable gripping rate and coupled with the DCT it is hard to imagine unless either driven in or riding in. Except for the exhaust tone or the tach you can't feel the shift (unless in track mode) . The ride is comparable to the XKR in touring mode but changes to a different animal in either sport mode or track mode. Handling is another surprise as it has outstanding grip and watching the G force gauge ( on the HUD) allows you to adjust your spirited driving. The wedge shape style again is just a matter of preference but a nice blend of Ferrari , Lambo and McLaren. The interior appears to be a 1st for Corvette and GM with an all leather interior for both the 2LT and 3LT package. Nice touch with contrast stitching and seat bolstering aimed at holding you in. The difference in the XKR seats is they have more padding . Once again styling is personal taste. Infotainment is a whole different story but the years of advancement from 2012 are reflected. To much to discuss in this summary but available on many youtube videos. Storage is above what is expected but getting the 2 golf bags in the trunk along with a airline carry on in the front is great (I do miss the back seat). The Hard Top Convertible is a step up and even having the back window open with the top up allows for a great exhaust tone with the exhaust in performance mode. So this is a small summary of my 2300 miles of driving my C8 HTC. There are other parts that I have not experienced yet but hope to find out as I get more seat time. The big difference is this car is becoming my daily driver where as I treated my XKR as a week end cruiser. So Just my opinion on this $85K rocket . Enjoy the ride as life is short.
Both are beautiful cars and you absolutely have to buy what you want for when you want it!
I've had my 2000 XKR for 11 years and loved it the whole time; but its time for it to move on. It doesn't mean I didn't love it and enjoy the time we had, but time to move on, let someone else enjoy it, and let me experience something else that I enjoy. You moving away from your 2012 XKR is the same way, you didn't dislike it, but were ready to move to a different experience. These are all toy cars, and it's absolutely about that car making you feel something. Enjoy the ride!
Jagtoes,
My friend and recent Pantera owner, picked up his 2021 C8 hard top converttible last Thursday, and I assume I will have some seat time in it.this week. Sitting in the passenger seat for a few minutes left me with some impressions. First, it's obviously oriented toward the driver as the passenger is sort of cocooned away from him/her and bundled up. Quality of the interior materials seems quite good. My one little gripe is the myriad of buttons (I would guess about 30) on the center console. I would most certainly have to wear my reading glasses all the time while driving to be able to identify each one as they are so close together and difficult for my 68 year old eyes to read. My friend bought his car in black which I think suits the car well as it hides the many plastic trim pieces, scoops, etc. and make the car look sleeker without all of the interruptions. I will probably drive it this Sunday, and I'll let you know driving impressions. I was a litle surprised at how muffled the exhaust sound was but that may be something he will tinker with down the road.
I'm so happy you're enjoying yours, after all there is no tomorrow. A couple rounds of golf are still in the invitation if you make it to Southern California. And believe it or not, as small as the Pantera is (probably 18-20" shorter than the Corvette, the trunk is large enough to carry two golf bags, I know, because I've done it. Best wishes and enjoy that wonderful 'Vette.
Thanks again for the invite. A note on the center row of buttons. Unless you have very specific quirks in the climate control area you have very little interface with them. When I picked up the car I pushed the AUTO button and set the temp to 72*. I don't think I have touched the console since. Another feature is if the temp outside is cold (don't know what GM set it at ) but when you start the car the steering wheel heater and the seat heater goes on automatically. I assume the seat cooler does too in warm weather. The passenger seat works the same way if it detects someone is sitting in the car. As I said you can't compare the two cars as one is made to attract old men with old money while the other is for old men with retirement money. But the C8 is starting to bring in the kids in the 50's age bracket. LOL
@tberg Aston is doing the same with a lot of buttons on the center console. The new Vantage is just loaded with them.
I'm curious about your impression on the new Astons interiors. I feel the center stack seems less pretty and special than the pre-DB11, pre-current-Vantage interior but I have not sat in the current generations; just an early Rapide, early DB9s and early VH Vantages.
I'm curious about your impression on the new Astons interiors. I feel the center stack seems less pretty and special than the pre-DB11, pre-current-Vantage interior but I have not sat in the current generations; just an early Rapide, early DB9s and early VH Vantages.
I like somethings and dislike others. The interior's are more "normal" in that they do not use magnets on the latches and small stuff like that, but the power center console cover on the DB11 is pretty cool. I do not like the clockwise tachs now that they've gone digital. Vantage seats are really comfy and a good driving position. I love the leather tooling details on the DB11. Still smells like a special place to be. Some of the previous quirks inside and out are gone and more like every other car. The designs and detail are still impressive.
As in the Vette, the Vantage has buttons all over the place, but it must be people who are smarter and better driving than me know this is better? Personally, I like less buttons, Lotus has the Evora GT just right in that regard. DBX has the best thought out interior of the new Aston's. The speakers under the leather is just super cool!
Most dealers went Alcantara crazy on their Vantage orders and I am not so much for all Alcanatara; especially as the main dash material.
I've only driven the DB11 V12 out of the new stuff and it's quite impressive. Sounds a lot cooler than I thought and very powerful. Felt light and nimble. If I wanted just one car, that could certainly be it.
.........................
I've only driven the DB11 V12 out of the new stuff and it's quite impressive. Sounds a lot cooler than I thought and very powerful. Felt light and nimble. If I wanted just one car, that could certainly be it.
That's the other AM I'd buy, other than a Vanquish. Problem is, the V12 DB11 isn't available with a convertible. Since I won't take the V8, that let's me out (for now, unless they V12 a 'vert eventually).
That's the other AM I'd buy, other than a Vanquish. Problem is, the V12 DB11 isn't available with a convertible. Since I won't take the V8, that let's me out (for now, unless they V12 a 'vert eventually).
Go for the DBS Superleggera if V12 and Volante are both mandates. That's one heck of a car!
Great review, no surprises thankfully. You can predict this for sure, no regrets from the car you decided to move on from, and lot's of love for the car that you have now invested your time and energy into owning!
Honestly both those pictures look great, from one beautiful specimen of a car to another.
Not likely as I bought a 63 C2 back in 1964 and enjoyed it then. I liked the style then but now it looks to old for me. Then there would be the electric point as I'm to old for it . If I were younger I might consider the C9 electric version provided they had a 400 mile range and were able to recharge in less then 4 minutes. Other than that I'd rather burn dino fuel.
That's the other AM I'd buy, other than a Vanquish. Problem is, the V12 DB11 isn't available with a convertible. Since I won't take the V8, that let's me out (for now, unless they V12 a 'vert eventually).
This is a very nice DB9 Volante in the final body style for sale locally. Like a brand new car for 85K
Nice car and good price considering the MSRP. I also liked the AM style and even considered one prior to buying my XKR. The problem was no dealer within 100+ miles and fear of reliability issues and repair costs. So I went with the XKR as a lower cost alternative. Now I just bought a Chevy. LOL
Although I agree with you, a comparison of the external styling of the DB11 to my XKR just doesn't excite me enough to spend the money to buy the DB11. And neither does the interior. They're just too similar. Sure, the DB11 is nicer, but it should be considering the price difference when new.
My opinion
