New safety standard could be end of Aston Martin in America

"DCCARGEEK" (dccargeek) 04/14/2014 at 10:28 • Filed to: None

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On March 27, 2014 Aston Martin submitted a request to NHTSA asking that two car lines, the DB9 and the Vantage, be exempted from new crash standards (pole and moving deformable barrier test; FMVSS No. 214.) adopted in 2007, which go into effect September 1, 2014 (hardtops) and September 1, 2015 (convertibles).

On April 10, 2014 NHTSA published !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to the Federal Register. In that request Aston Martin describes a very sad state of affairs.

First, what is FMVSS 214 and how did it change.

On September 11, 2007, NHTSA published a final rule that upgraded Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side impact protection," (72 FR 51908, Docket No. NHTSA-2007-29134). Until the final rule, the only dynamic test in FMVSS No. 214 was a moving deformable barrier (MDB) test simulating an intersection collision with one vehicle being struck in the side by another vehicle. The 2007 final rule upgraded FMVSS No. 214 to add a pole test to the standard. The pole test requires all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kilograms (kg) or less (10,000 pounds (lb) or less) to protect front seat occupants in a vehicle-to-pole test simulating a vehicle crashing sideways into narrow fixed objects, such as utility poles and trees. The pole test requires vehicle manufacturers to assure head and improved chest protection in side crashes for a wide range of occupant sizes and over a broad range of seating positions.

Poor, poor Aston Martin

According to the automaker's request their goal was to have the two models updated to comply with the new changes by 2014, but those models were delayed. Along with sharing their planned good intentions they also "emphasize" that "two of the four cars we make will be in compliance" with the new standards. 50%? Not bad, but in grade school that's still an F.

Aston goes on to state 4 key reasons it is experiencing "economic hardship." While they list 4 reasons they are all the same reason – no money.

Global recession.(Ferrari laughs at this!)

No access to resources of a major OEM.

R&D money must come from operating cash, which is limited.

Lower sales of cars means, oh yeah, cash is limited.

Aston Martin isn't selling cars, which means Aston Martin isn't making money, which means Aston Martin can't invest in new cars, which means Aston Martin can't meet new safety standards.

Regulators give automakers years of lead time, and smaller automakers (less than 5,000 units) even more lead time, to ensure they can engineer new standards into their new models. But when an automaker can't afford a new model – they waive the Economic Hardship Flag and hope for a waiver.

Under the heading " Future Cash Challenges " Aston explains their planned updates to DB9 and Vantage were delayed because, again, cash is limited (see a theme?).

During 2012 Aston Martin secured a £150M capital increase into the business, the monies generated from this were to repay the short term borrowings utilized in 2012 and help fund the next generation of vehicles. This capital increase did not include monies for FMVSS 214 compliance for DB9 & Vantage car lines as the next generation of models were originally planned to be launched in August 2014.

What happens if NHTSA denies Aston's request?

Simple – for two-three years (hardtop 2016/ convertible 2017) Aston Martin will only be able to offer the Vanquish and Rapide in the U.S. It's important to note that in their request Aston points out that in the past NHTSA has granted similar requests from Koenigsegg and Lotus regarding a n economic hardship bridge to new safety standards.

It seems ironic to use the term economic hardship when dealing with such an extravagant automaker like Aston, Koenigsegg, or any of the other automaker that routinely build quarter-million dollar cars.

And then there were two.

I can't picture any business case where losing half of your lineup can have any positive results, especially when your financial situation isn't exactly good. Aston Martin says that the total number of non-complaint vehicles it will import (and hopefully sell), should NHTSA grant their exemption, is 670.

If NHTSA denies the petition, which I don't think they will, could this be the end for Aston Martin in America? Doubt it. At worst, if this request is denied, it could spook investors to the point where they get worried and put the automaker up on the market where some very rich person(s) in China would take majority stake in the company.

Do you think Aston Martin could survive in America on two models? Further, is the brand still relevant in America? If you ask me what they really need is a SUV and an entry-level roadster. While I say that in jest, I don't think I'm that far off.

Brian Silvestro > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 10:31

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But..but.. the DB9 is the most beautiful car on sale right now...

THERE IS NO GOD

JR1 > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 10:39

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Sounds like it is time for engine partner AMG to fly in and save the day.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 10:40

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DCCARGEEK > JR1 04/14/2014 at 10:46

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Geely! Then you'd have a Volvo + Aston mashup. It would be a Children of Ford reunion.

RazoE > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 10:50

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Just slap some bigger bumpers on it, and we're good to go! What's the worst that could happen?

oh wait..

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/14/2014 at 10:58

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Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 11:02

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What I don't understand is why low volume manufacturers need to comply to the same safety standards as the major manufacturers. Why can't there just be an exemption for the low volume cars that caries with it a higher insurance premium for only those cars and a waiver that is signed by the buyers (like a right to die form that is used in schools for field trips and such).

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 11:05

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?w=600&h=664

DCCARGEEK > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 11:06

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You raise a great point and one that I'm sure has been explored. Now I assume you'll want me to turn in a full report on why this hasn't happened, the government's position and cite at least three automakers?

In all seriousness, I agree with you 100%. The low-volume producers could easily be granted standing waivers from some safety standards. Automakers could still adhere to the standards if they choose, but lets face it - a guy buying Koenigsegg could care less about it's NHTSA crash rating.

No one walks up and says, "Well I really wanted a Veyron but the 4 star rating really bothers me."

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 11:11

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I know exactly why it hasn't happened yet:

But still, hot rod shops don't have to comply with safety standards. (Side note: Does the Hennessey Venom GT have to comply or is it low volume enough that it doesn't need to? Is that why he won't make the specific amount of them to officially qualify as a production car?)

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 14:17

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Here in Europe we have that, but even then there are many rules and regulations.

350zzy > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 15:10

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They probably use the crash data from the Elise.

SandZR2 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 15:11

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The Venom Gt is built off of a Lotus chassis so it did not need to be independently crash tested. I believe he is only making a specific number of cars to keep the model exclusive and therefore enticing to customers.

TheBaron2112 > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:11

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This is stupid.

The use of a pole test violates the Voting Rights Act of 1964, therefore, this is an illegal restriction placed on...

Oh, it's a different kind of poll?

Welp.

mr_gofast > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:12

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however rules are rules and the cars like koenigsegg and aston still need to meet the rules. Unless the car is specifically a show and display car..it should be crash worthy..irregardless of price or volume.

philaDLJ > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:12

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Hardship my ass. Fix it! And fix those stupid antiquated airbag covers, while you're at it. What is this, 1997?

Sorry, I'm only harsh because I love Aston.

jamisparker > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:13

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It would end up being another case of the rich not having to live by the same laws as the rest of us. Low-volume automakers are almost universally expensive, so the rich can have all the sports cars they want, while everyone else has to drive 4000LB bloat-buckets that have all the safety features.

Diesel > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 15:13

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We'll always have this, Brian.

As a coupe:

YYYYEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH

FriscoFairlane > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:15

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Just sell it as a "kit car" or add a 2,700 kg standard spare tire!

Kevin Harlow > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:15

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50% is a D in grade school...

golfball > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:16

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I'm still better at the NHTSA for killing off the Lotus Exige in the U.S. Nobody who owns one is under any illusion that it is anything but a death trap in a collision with something larger than a go cart.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 15:18

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I reject your reality and substitute my own.

Brian Silvestro > Diesel 04/14/2014 at 15:18

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You win this round, Diesel.

Brian Silvestro > All Motor Is Best Motor 04/14/2014 at 15:19

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I love the look of the Vanquish, don't get me wrong, but I think it's just a little too overstated. The DB9 is the pinnacle of perfect Aston Martin art.

Cé hé sin > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:20

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Whatever about Aston, is there any logical reason why this safety test should exclude vehicles weighing more than 4.5 tonnes or the equivalent thereof? Is this a sort of first cousin to the kind of arseways legislation that will require vehicles in the US to have rear cameras provided they're small enough not to need them while those vehicles which most need them (large ones, frequently without rear windows) are exempted?

300hp30mpgrwdfor30k > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:25

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If we don't have any new Astons then we'll have to keep just the Aston's that we have. Which will continue looking just like brand new Astons for another 10-15 years.

PatBateman > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/14/2014 at 15:25

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STOP MAKING ME LAUGH. IT HURTS!!!

PatBateman > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:26

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AM not doing too well.

Time to buy a Vantage!

All Motor Is Best Motor > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 15:27

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Yeah but the Vanquish comes in Grabber Blue.

Brian Silvestro > All Motor Is Best Motor 04/14/2014 at 15:28

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I guess that makes my argument invalid.

Chris > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:28

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I understand its a catch-22 situation, but maybe if that hadn't been building the same looking car for the past 25 years they would be selling more cars now.

Patrick Frawley > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:31

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Kinda surprised that Aston Martin is having this kind of woes right now given the strength of the global plutocrat customer base. As noted and beyond the conglomerate support structure, Ferrari is having no problems; Lamborghini may even be doing better. Do Astons not sell in China? Are they passe among the fickle Hamptons/petroprince sets? Some kind of quiet production problems keeping down volume?

I still put a Vantage coupe way towards the front of my wish list, even if it is starting to seem dated. Wonder if a replacement is in the works.

Chris > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:31

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I understand its a catch-22 situation, but maybe if that hadn't been building the same looking car for the past 25 years they would be selling more cars now.

Garland - Last Top Comment on Splinter > jamisparker 04/14/2014 at 15:31

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Or you can get a kit car. There are a few companies that sell really well-engineered kits, such as Factory Five.

Old-Busted-Hotness > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:33

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Solution:

1) Remove the trunk lid

2) Upgrade the rear springs to theoretically carry 6,000 pounds

3) Re-certify as a heavy-duty pickup

4) Offer "bed covers" and "comfort springs" as dealer-installed options.

jariten1781 > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:35

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As long as motorcycles are legal crash test standards for low volume high powered vehicles boggle my mind.

Same with the rollover roof crush standards with legal convertibles...

Someone should lobby for two seaters with limited luggage room to qualify as motorcycles. Of course then you'd have to lobby for 'motorcycles with four wheels' to be exempted from the helmet requirement. Speaking of...does the Morgan 3-wheeler technically require a helmet since it's registered as a motorcycle?

RalphieDC > Diesel 04/14/2014 at 15:39

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That looks like an Accord!

SamfaKenessal > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:42

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What Aston needs is a strong, large-volume partner...like, I dunno, maybe Ford or something.

Delusion77 > Kevin Harlow 04/14/2014 at 15:45

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Depends where you go to school.

Justin T. Westbrook > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:46

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They better hurry up and sign on the Mercedes-Benz dotted line.

Justin T. Westbrook > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:46

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They better hurry up and sign on the Mercedes-Benz dotted line.

Justin > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 15:47

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They better hurry up and sign on the Mercedes-Benz dotted line.

BK > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 15:50

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is this how the European pedestrian crash standards are applied? Because those standards have killed previously swoopy cars (I commented on this recently with the new SL), but obviously a Ferrari still has a low pointy nose. There should definitely be different standards for low volume brands/lines.

Bergh223 > All Motor Is Best Motor 04/14/2014 at 15:52

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And didn't the entire 2013 run of Vanquishes sell out on the pre-order? I swear I read somewhere that they were all spoken for.

DCCARGEEK > Delusion77 04/14/2014 at 15:53

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Yes. It was an F at my school. School of Hard Knocks that is.

jedimario > Diesel 04/14/2014 at 15:54

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As a coupe:

DCCARGEEK > jariten1781 04/14/2014 at 16:02

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Morgan has walked this line of Motorcycle vs. Automobile back and forth for regulatory matters. They are very good at it :)

Thipps > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:08

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Ford still makes replicas......

VQ_powerrrrr > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:12

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Correction:

...a sking that two car lines, the DB9 and the Vanquish...

I think you mean the DB9 and the Vantage. Its in the beginning of the article.

VQ_powerrrrr > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:12

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Correction:

...a sking that two car lines, the DB9 and the Vanquish...

I think you mean the DB9 and the Vantage. Its in the beginning of the article.

ThatbastardKurtis > JR1 04/14/2014 at 16:12

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Mercedes Benz, Aston not only needs engines, but they need a life line as well.

You could see this coming after Ford divorced them.

VQ_powerrrrr > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:14

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On March 27, 2014 Aston Martin submitted a request to NHTSA asking that two car lines, the DB9 and the Vanquish,

Correction! I think you mean the DB9 and the Vantage.

Paullubbock > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:16

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Do you think Aston Martin could survive in America on two models? Further, is the brand still relevant in America? If you ask me what they really need is a SUV and an entry-level roadster. While I say that in jest, I don't think I'm that far off.

But the US already does. It's called the Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Focus ST (minus the roadster part) who have fiendishly ripped off much of the Aston look to enhance their new line up to great success while keeping things affordable.

Paullubbock > RazoE 04/14/2014 at 16:22

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Nice one but this is for side impact protection specifically into poles. Big bumper in the front is bad enough on a super car, but on the sides, ugh, just cut your losses.

DCCARGEEK > VQ_powerrrrr 04/14/2014 at 16:23

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Wow. Not sure how I botched that.

Thanks!

dave1827 > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:23

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Why can't the federal standards just be ratings and not mandatory for high performance/specialty vehicles? If a person wants to buy a high performance vehicle with poor crash test ratings and is willing to pay extra for insurance, I say let them. It's not like they're buying an Aston Martin because it's cheap.

dogisbadob > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:26

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Tome to harmonize and join the world and adopt the UNECE standards

Reborn Pyrrhic > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 16:38

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You are right about the god part.

Brian Silvestro > Reborn Pyrrhic 04/14/2014 at 16:39

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Probly.

Shinji F > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:51

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I don't care, I can't afford one, I can't drive one, I can't even touch one in person. So Screw you Aston Martin, you damn cocktease.

Now if you excuse me am going back to Forza where I can actually drive one.

Taylor Hedgie > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 16:53

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No thanks obamallama.

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Old-Busted-Hotness 04/14/2014 at 16:58

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Best idea EVER!!!

Reborn Pyrrhic > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 17:02

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Certainly

Autolegend86 > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 17:24

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GM and Ford are on the phone screaming at the NHTSA not to budge.

chuckjaeger > JR1 04/14/2014 at 17:28

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It's just a matter of time until MB takes the reins. I actually think this would be a good bit of business for them. BMW has Rolls, VW has Bentley and MB can swoop in for Aston and Lagonda.

Unlike Maybach they have a good looking line up of sports cars and some amazing brand cache (more than Rolls had when BMW took them over).

Personally, (with thos AMG powerplants) I welcome Aston's new Teutonic overlords.

GrauGeist > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 17:32

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It's a question of having ALL manufacturers follow the same rules. The small guys should be thankful to have a longer compliance period.

Lyle Petersminkle > Diesel 04/14/2014 at 17:37

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That's not cool :(

Expanded Horizons > Brian Silvestro 04/14/2014 at 18:53

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It is OK. I figured out a way to make this work.

1)Everyone agrees not to T-bone ANY Aston Martin.

2)Aston Martin drivers agree not to slide sideways into any posts or trees.

3)DB9 is still allowed to cruise the streets of America, and Canada.

4)All is well again.

Which reminds me: I saw this I think it is a DBS. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Brian Silvestro > Expanded Horizons 04/14/2014 at 18:55

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All of these points are perfect. You're a genius. That looks like either a new DB9 or an old DBS/9. Not sure though.

nrj > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/14/2014 at 19:11

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I agree with you. I'm guessing that the present rules do not permit exemptions because there is bound to be debate (i.e. prolonged litigation) about what constitutes "low-volume" and whether it would be appropriate to give preferential treatment to a profitable low-volume manufacturer over a larger yet financially-strapped corporation.

Sometimes a simple, easy to administer rule is the best way to go.

Plus the fact that the government already grants financial hardship does, in effect, constitute an exemption for low-volume sellers.

FromCanadaWithLove > Expanded Horizons 04/14/2014 at 20:41

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That's a DBS in Quantum Silver. Can I have it?

Expanded Horizons > FromCanadaWithLove 04/14/2014 at 21:13

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If you could catch it I don't see any reason you can't have it. Sadly :-( it's not mine, I only caught a glimpse of it as it went racing through the trees.

Reading this article made me even more sad that the existence of rare and wonderful cars like this is being threatened for any reason. Just look at her, gleaming in the sun. Why would you want to kill this?? It's monstrous is what it is. They should take a Vantage to their next hearing and sit the entire review panel down with it, then show them videos of what happens to cars before they have to get recycled.

Ok, how does Chrysler field a two-door convertible and Aston Martin doesn't?

AthomSfere > Kevin Harlow 04/14/2014 at 21:26

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For us, anything less than 70% was an F, no Ds. And tthat's the way it should be.

Binks > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 21:33

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Last time I checked... There are plenty of AM's at the Ford dealer. Tho they do have different names.

The Biebster's got a P71 (Formerly not Justin Bieber) > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 22:26

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crycrycrycry

Margatroid > DCCARGEEK 04/14/2014 at 23:44

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

suss6052 > DCCARGEEK 04/15/2014 at 01:07

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Um don't they already have to meet these same tests in Europe? What's so special about them for America that they DB9 and Vantage can't possibly meet our requirements? If they can't be sold here than they shouldn't be sold anywhere.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 04/15/2014 at 02:56

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I wonder how cheap used DB9s will get if Aston goes under and owners have to rely on third parties for parts.

If they go under $10K I'd buy one just for the looks alone. I'd drive it until it got too expensive/impossible to maintain. Then I'd bring it into my living room and showcase it as a piece of art. That room is really bare anyways with one small sofa and nothing else in there. And who the hell uses living rooms anyways these days? At least if there was a DB9 in there people would have a reason to go hang out in that room when I have people over.

Axel-Ripper > DCCARGEEK 04/15/2014 at 07:25

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You know, with the amount of low-run exotic sports cars wrapped around trees/poles, this seems like the one they'd REALLY want to have taken care of....

jgk3 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/15/2014 at 08:02

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Originally, the safety standards had a similar provision for low volume manufacturers. Then, in the late 70s or early 80s one of the progressive politicians introduced a bill to ban the exemption arguing that it meant that rich folks could avoid the standards that applied to everyone else. Since exotic car makers have no lobby, it passed and the standards have applied to all cars ever since.

webmonkees > jariten1781 04/15/2014 at 08:07

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Any why do horses get to avoid the offset test? Grandfathered in.

BigGatorChris > DCCARGEEK 04/15/2014 at 08:46

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So put an impossible to remove label on the visor reminding folks not to slide sideways into any poles and call it a day.

What is this government's obsession with stifling the free market?

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 04/15/2014 at 09:16

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They're around $60k as it is, and all they'll do is go down from there. And they won't get any less beautiful looking. I need to own one.

And you're right, no one uses living rooms for anything anymore, they're just places to put sexy cars.

DCCARGEEK > Margatroid 04/15/2014 at 09:38

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Yes.

Zachary Sharples > DCCARGEEK 04/15/2014 at 13:23

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Where do I begin here. The author of this article doesn't seem to know much about the subject that he is reporting on. IS Aston Martin still relevant in America? -Seriously? Considering that James Bond and Aston Martin are practically symbiotic brands I would have to say YES! (did you hear that Skyfall was a box office record release for the now 50 year old 007 brand!) Even the most uninterested of car people understand this iconic relationship!!! -Ferrari laughs at recession? RIGHT- Bet you didn't know that EVEN the mighty Ferrari brand has struggled for profitability at times in it's history! -Do your homework!

Aston Martin is not the only car maker to struggle through the strict demands of EXPENSIVE safety testing required for approval in America. Many Many others have had similar issues. REGARDLESS of cash flow or as you suggest relevance! Do you know how many european vehicles cannot be sold in America due to logistics, safety compliance, and flat out ROI for the companies that produce them?

Lower car sales / production is not a dissuading factor for those that choose Aston Martin!!! IT's EXACTLY WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE TO OWN AN ASTON MARTIN! Consider that for every 10 Porsche 911's - EXACTLY 1 Aston Martin is built! Aston Martin understands that it's customer DEMAND exclusivity! Take all 100 years of Aston Martin and total every single model produced and the total still equals less than 1 year of a Ford Mustang! YEAH, don't confuse exclusivity with a perception of lack of success or demand for Aston.

Lamborghini has Volkswagen group to fall back on for access to Major OEM research and development. Same with Porsche. Same with Audi. Ferrari and Maserti have Fiat to leverage costs against. Look at almost every other luxury / exotic brand car and you get my drift. The ONLY exceptions are the Hyper cars like Bugatti, Pagani, McLaren... Those cars typically double or triple the cost of an Aston Martin.

Make no mistake- It's NOT an easy business model to make limited run Exotic cars with high build quality and high performance and do it all on your own. Without additional help through "auto grouping" it's a tough road! Volkswagen SAVED Lamborghini in recent years. Ford SAVED Aston Martin in the early 2000's!

Finally to the uninformed, author of this article... IF you indeed have found any Koenigsegg for a quarter of a million dollars you should jump on that deal immediately!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 04/15/2014 at 13:28

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I thought of something after I posted my comment - a convertible DB9 would be both pretty and functional in the living room! How awesome would that be for guests to have a glass of wine in the DB9? They could still talk to people outside the car with the top down.

DCCARGEEK > Zachary Sharples 04/15/2014 at 13:33

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You are right.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 04/15/2014 at 13:33

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That would be awesome! It's the ultimate furniture piece!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 04/15/2014 at 13:38

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Let's each buy two of them if the prices tank hard.

One cabrio to be a furniture piece.

One coupe to drive. Once the engine goes we'll just throw an American V8 in there to keep it running without bankrupting us.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 04/15/2014 at 13:49

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You've really thought ahead on this one.

Should we be writing this stuff down?

Smoak on the Water > mr_gofast 04/15/2014 at 14:02

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You used the non-word "irregardless" and therefore your point is invalid.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 04/15/2014 at 14:29

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Write it down in your car psychology journal!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 04/15/2014 at 14:39

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Hahaha yes, I should write a book on this stuff.

Rx_37 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/15/2014 at 15:33

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McLarry > Zachary Sharples 04/15/2014 at 17:31

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Woah now, pump the brakes... You don't need to berate the author for every perceived lack of insight. Perhaps I should reply to you with "BUGATTI IS OWNED BY VAG, TOO!! DO YOUR RESEARCH, YOU UNINFORMED CLOD!" - that just wouldn't be very nice, now would it?

Exclusivity or not, Aston Martin is clearly struggling a bit...You make it sound as though they want it this way for the sake of their brand image, then bounce back to saying how Ford saved them in the early 2,000's.

getchapopcorn > Kevin Harlow 04/16/2014 at 06:21

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D grade where I went to school was 70-77

Mike_Smith > Kevin Harlow 04/16/2014 at 13:06

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Maybe in today's "nobody fails, everybody gets an award for something, we need to coddle the hell out of our spoiled and overly entitled children" environment. When I was in grade school, 65% or lower was an F.

Mosqvich > DCCARGEEK 08/14/2014 at 10:53

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So, I'll be able to get a Vantage GT for less than $99k?