Most in depth description of the sportshift and how to use it correctly, why has it taken 20 years for such a video, so much negativity on forums about its performance when it is down to user misunderstanding how to get the best out of it, makes me want a sportshift more for its quirkiness. Great video. Thanks.
While it may sound like you are listening to a driving instructor don't let that fool you, Les is a legend behind the wheel! I will never forget the Sportshift video guide for the V8 Vantage when that system was unveiled, Les tearing around Millbrook like James Bond on a mission!
A great video. "Mechanical sympathy"........something that 99% of drivers seem to lack. It's a real shame that so many "car enthusiasts" hold onto every word Mr Clarkson says. He pretty much ruined the Vanquish reputation in one silly TV segment. Mr Clarkson is no fool and I'm sure he knew full well how to get the best out of a single clutch automated manual, but then that wouldn't make for good TV, would it?!? Oh, and totally off topic......nice to see Tolworth Tower in the background towards the end of the video. I used to work there over 25 years ago and we had a flat just off the A3. Our address was Surbiton, but it was a bit too close to Tolworth for my liking lol.
You are spot on about the Clarkson video. He was always great fun to watch but would make a parody out of certain aspects of a car for entertainment purposes.
Love this video! A much misunderstood 'box. Les is a bit of a legend! I hope to one day buy the fifth gen Quattroporte Duoselect...and an Aston when I really make it!
The keys is a smooth and positive take-off from standstill. Best not to keep rolling forward a low speed which is when you get clutch slip. Either stop or go. Leave gaps in slow traffic and move forward in small chunks rather than a continuous crawl - it all helps preserve clutch life which is very durable when used correctly.
Great explanation. I intended to buy a manual due to all the negativity towards sportshift but was pleasantly surprised during a test drive and genuinely enjoy the experience it adds. Is there any issue using your main brakes to hold the car on a hill start rather than the handbrake? In a regular manual you obviously need your left foot for the clutch but you can left foot brake with sportshift.
Very interesting video, I wish I could afford this beauty and enjoy this wonderful engine and gearbox team ! But what about the notoriously unreliabilty of this transmission ? Is it related to the wrong use of the transmission ? Or is it "natural" ?
Yes, we wanted to put right those rumours. There were gearbox issues with very first cars back in 2001 but these were quickly resolved. The car continued in build until 2007. These days, if used correctly, they are very reliable and enjoyable.
Most in depth description of the sportshift and how to use it correctly, why has it taken 20 years for such a video, so much negativity on forums about its performance when it is down to user misunderstanding how to get the best out of it, makes me want a sportshift more for its quirkiness. Great video. Thanks.
Completely agree, it was a video that needed to be made. Sportshift is so often misunderstood but is actually great fun once you get to grips with it.
While it may sound like you are listening to a driving instructor don't let that fool you, Les is a legend behind the wheel! I will never forget the Sportshift video guide for the V8 Vantage when that system was unveiled, Les tearing around Millbrook like James Bond on a mission!
100 hundred percent, Les is an absolute legend!
best tutorial ever for a sportshift
What a brilliant video. Learned so much!
Thank you, we hoped it would be useful!
I've just bought a 4.7 L V8 Vantage with Sportshift I, and this Video was very helpfull, thank you!
Delighted this was useful - it is a great gearbox when you know how to use it!
Brilliant video I have picked up some good info there, don’t suppose there is one on SSII please!
Oh and the car is just gorgeous
Thanks Kevin, we will add that to the list of videos for the future!
@@HWMAstonMartinLtd legend thank you!
Really helpful. Thank you v much.
Delighted you found it useful!
What an absolute gem
Thank you!
A great video. "Mechanical sympathy"........something that 99% of drivers seem to lack. It's a real shame that so many "car enthusiasts" hold onto every word Mr Clarkson says. He pretty much ruined the Vanquish reputation in one silly TV segment. Mr Clarkson is no fool and I'm sure he knew full well how to get the best out of a single clutch automated manual, but then that wouldn't make for good TV, would it?!? Oh, and totally off topic......nice to see Tolworth Tower in the background towards the end of the video. I used to work there over 25 years ago and we had a flat just off the A3. Our address was Surbiton, but it was a bit too close to Tolworth for my liking lol.
You are spot on about the Clarkson video. He was always great fun to watch but would make a parody out of certain aspects of a car for entertainment purposes.
Love this video! A much misunderstood 'box. Les is a bit of a legend! I hope to one day buy the fifth gen Quattroporte Duoselect...and an Aston when I really make it!
Thank you - absolutely agree, Les is a legend!
This dude is the goat 🐐
He absolutely is. He is an incredible track driver.
Been awhile since I’ve driven the vanquish (2007)… I can’t remember what the clutch slipping feels like, or about when the clutch clamping happens.
The keys is a smooth and positive take-off from standstill. Best not to keep rolling forward a low speed which is when you get clutch slip. Either stop or go. Leave gaps in slow traffic and move forward in small chunks rather than a continuous crawl - it all helps preserve clutch life which is very durable when used correctly.
Great explanation. I intended to buy a manual due to all the negativity towards sportshift but was pleasantly surprised during a test drive and genuinely enjoy the experience it adds. Is there any issue using your main brakes to hold the car on a hill start rather than the handbrake? In a regular manual you obviously need your left foot for the clutch but you can left foot brake with sportshift.
Yes, fine to use the foot brake to do this. The main thing is to avoid riding the clutch. If you are not pulling away or driving, put it in neutral.
Very interesting video, I wish I could afford this beauty and enjoy this wonderful engine and gearbox team ! But what about the notoriously unreliabilty of this transmission ? Is it related to the wrong use of the transmission ? Or is it "natural" ?
Yes, we wanted to put right those rumours. There were gearbox issues with very first cars back in 2001 but these were quickly resolved. The car continued in build until 2007. These days, if used correctly, they are very reliable and enjoyable.
@@HWMAstonMartinLtd thank you for your answer 😃
Then I wish all the more I was more wealthy to be able to buy one ! 😍
@@homere-d-allaure Fantastic! We look forward to welcoming you to the world of Aston Martin!
Thank you.I am now going to sell my v8 vantage and buy a classic Vanquish as I am now getting the state pension.Cheers John
It is a wonderful car - enjoy!
What is so hard about using 2 feet with auto boxes instead of using a handbrake which may not holds hill? I could never understand this.
Load of bollocks.
We must defer to your superior judgement.