Nor may be the GT so stripped towards the bone as to be unrecognizable being an Aston. Oh, it has limited color choices (the 5 two-tone color options tend to be decidedly comely; the Alloro green along with yellow trim version is nothing lacking inspired). Unlike the base Vantage and also the S upgrade which provide both “Sport” and “Comfort” suspension options (not adjustable actually, they must be specified whenever you order the car), the GT is just available with the stronger option. Other than which, most of the niceties one involves expect leather-clothed chairs, glass key fob along with a (slightly wonky) navigation program make the quality. Most importantly, the 4.7-litre V8 is not detuned as is really often the case with regard to budget-baiting entry-level luxury versions.
As does the steering, Aston’s VH architecture has become 10 years old although with many upgrades as well as improvements which, within automotive terms, is pre-Mesozoic. But, charging into the switchbacks high above La, the GT felt not archaic. The old-timey hydraulic steering might be heavier than today’s Fancy Dan energy steering systems but this communicates every camber and crease about the Crests aging pavement. Critics may disparage age the Vantage platform, but all I know is which i was charging into Californian switchbacks way deep about the brakes with very similar elan as I would inside a 911.
Grip from the Bridgestone Potenza RE050’s 245/40ZR19 front/285/35ZR19 back was prodigious as well as more importantly there was a proper balance of it in between front and rear. Quite simply, even if the Vantage GT isn’t the fastest sports coupe on the highway, it will be one of the most manageable and, from this semi-experts vantage point (that is really in the driver’s seat instead of gazing longingly at posters about the back of bedroom doors) that’s much more important. Those looking to do simply impress dental hygienists using their wealth might be well advised to look the Vantage S as well as order that Comfort suspension.
The GTs navigation system (and, indeed, it is standard equipment) is really a little wonky, smacking of the last-minute add-on. But after that, that’s true of a few of the more expensive Astons too. And lastly, there’s simply something odd about Aston Martin handbags. Either every manually-equipped Aston I've tested of late may be abused by Shirley “Cha-Cha” Muldowney right before my road test or they're remarkably unhappy about not the smoothest of commences. Accompanying even the slightest of abuse may be the familiar smell of burned clutch, but with a scent all Aston’s personal.
It’s as if the merchandise planners mandated that actually the trannies friction material needed to be rendered exotic. The GT, despite those shortcomings along with only the single range of damping calibration caused by that reasonable price tag happens to be very much an Aston. I’ll go even more and proclaim it my personal favorite Vantage. More singularly focused compared to standard model, more attractive compared to S (again, that green and yellow livery is very fetching) and more balanced compared to V12, that bargain basement cost is not the reason to purchase the GT, just the excuse.
