V12 Vantage S. Forget the manual. The flappy paddle is better than most let on. Drive it like a manual and the gearbox is very good. Drive it like an automatic and it will remind you with every shift that it’s not one. The 55HP difference in Vantage V12 to V12S feels more like 100HP. Love the looks of the DBS…

Best : Aston Martin V12 Vantage S. Yes, the flappy paddle one. No, the tranny isn’t as bad as leadfooted journos have led you to believe.