Andy Palmer, we like the cut of your jib.
"I've already gone on the
record saying I want to be the last manufacturer in the world to offer a
manual sports car," Palmer told Car & Driver. Palmer confirmed that the next Vantage, which is due in 2017, will offer both a manual and an automatic. While the DB11 features a twin-turbo V12 designed in-house, the next V8 Vantage will use an engine built in partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
What
you won't see in a future Aston is a dual-clutch transmission: Palmer
thinks they're too heavy and don't offer a considerable functional
advantage over a conventional automatic. Frankly, Aston could put a CVT
in its cars and we wouldn't care, so long as we could still get three
pedals and a stick. Thankfully, Aston uses the excellent ZF 8-speed auto in its V12 cars, a top-notch alternative if you're not interested in the old way of shifting.
Aston
Martins have always been about more than numbers, so it's great to see
Palmer promise to continue this spirit into the 21st century with
his declaration of allegiance to the manual gearbox. Keep fighting the
good fight, Andy. We'll be right there with you.
(Road&Track.com)
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