29.10.2008
Such is the proliferation of single and double clutch paddle-shift transmissions it’s very easy to regard a conventional automatic as a soft and somewhat unfashionable piece of kit.
However, if you were looking for proof that there’s plenty of life in the old ‘box yet, you need look no further than Aston Martin’s new DBS Touchtronic.
Introduced almost exactly a year after the original manual-only DBS was launched, this new Touchtronic version is fitted with a six-speed torque converter automatic. Operated either via paddles behind the steering wheel, or simply left in self-shifting ‘D’ mode, it’s essentially the same ZF transmission as fitted to the DB9 Touchtronic.
Read the FULL ARTICLE
Then let us know your thoughts;
“Manual or Auto, which would you prefer on a DBS?”
And with Quantum of Solace bringing the Aston DBS back into the headlines;
“What’s your favourite Bond car?”
About Eds
Tell us what you think..
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11 Comments
Marty
October 29, 2008For the DBS, I’d have to say manual, though reading through the article nearly had me converted. Ahem.
My favourite Bond car has to be the Aston Martin V8 Vantage from The Living Daylights, simply because that was the first Bond film I ever saw, and the scene on the frozen lake with the Aston is ingrained in my memory.
That said, I’m waiting for a proper car chase in the DBS to change my mind…
Marty
October 29, 2008For the DBS, I’d have to say manual, though reading through the article nearly had me converted. Ahem.
My favourite Bond car has to be the Aston Martin V8 Vantage from The Living Daylights, simply because that was the first Bond film I ever saw, and the scene on the frozen lake with the Aston is ingrained in my memory.
That said, I’m waiting for a proper car chase in the DBS to change my mind…
crewzy
October 29, 2008my favorite…arrrfff
the next one
crewzy
October 29, 2008my favorite…arrrfff
the next one
Mark Williams
October 29, 2008Has to be a manual for me. I hope Aston doesn’t go the same way as Ferrari is allegedly heading in, and equip all it’s cars with paddle-flappers.
Think of it this way – two drivers clock 10 mins 14 seconds on a hill-course. One is using paddle-flappers. The other an identical car but with a manual ‘box. Both cut precise lines, clip all the apexes, perform a bit of show-boating for the crowd etc. The guy in the paddleshift flips a gear as and when he wants it and the car does the rest. The guy in the manual heals-n-toes and gets it right every single time. Doesn’t over-rev, doesn’t jerk the transmission. Perfect timing – just like the paddleshift would do.
Who is the better driver?
Mark Williams
October 29, 2008Has to be a manual for me. I hope Aston doesn’t go the same way as Ferrari is allegedly heading in, and equip all it’s cars with paddle-flappers.
Think of it this way – two drivers clock 10 mins 14 seconds on a hill-course. One is using paddle-flappers. The other an identical car but with a manual ‘box. Both cut precise lines, clip all the apexes, perform a bit of show-boating for the crowd etc. The guy in the paddleshift flips a gear as and when he wants it and the car does the rest. The guy in the manual heals-n-toes and gets it right every single time. Doesn’t over-rev, doesn’t jerk the transmission. Perfect timing – just like the paddleshift would do.
Who is the better driver?
Richard - DR
November 1, 2008Mark,
I’m with you all the way on the driving skill argument, but experience of both manual and Touchtronic DBSs suggest to me that the weight, size, chassis response and overall character of the car make it better suited to the Touchtronic ‘box than the manual. That’s not to say I wouldn’t miss a stick shift from time to time, but on balance I think Touchtronic brings more to the DBS than it takes away.
From what the guys at Aston were saying about different market preferences, I don’t think they’ll be ditching the traditional manual gearbox any time soon. In fact given AM use stick, torque converter auto and paddle-shift sequential manual transmissions they are probably more likely to cater for al tastes than most.
As for my favourite Bond car, well it’s got to be Connery in a DB5 hasn’t it? That or the Esprit Turbo (the one that got blown up, not the stupid submarine thing)
Richard - DR
November 1, 2008Mark,
I’m with you all the way on the driving skill argument, but experience of both manual and Touchtronic DBSs suggest to me that the weight, size, chassis response and overall character of the car make it better suited to the Touchtronic ‘box than the manual. That’s not to say I wouldn’t miss a stick shift from time to time, but on balance I think Touchtronic brings more to the DBS than it takes away.
From what the guys at Aston were saying about different market preferences, I don’t think they’ll be ditching the traditional manual gearbox any time soon. In fact given AM use stick, torque converter auto and paddle-shift sequential manual transmissions they are probably more likely to cater for al tastes than most.
As for my favourite Bond car, well it’s got to be Connery in a DB5 hasn’t it? That or the Esprit Turbo (the one that got blown up, not the stupid submarine thing)
deferg59
November 1, 2008I think AM should develope the sportshift trans for the DBS.
It just does not seem right that a sport GT has a automatic transmission.I love driving the new 4.7L V8,I can just imagine the feel of DBS with sportshift.
After chasing down a Vanquish with manual DBS at Gaydon,I would love to see what the DBS with sportshift would feel like.
Deferg59
bad_roo
November 26, 2008Connery in a DB5 was nothing, NOTHING, compared to Moore in half a Renault 11.
bad_roo
November 26, 2008Connery in a DB5 was nothing, NOTHING, compared to Moore in half a Renault 11.