[DRM]

Thanks...

Nice. Very nice. How much does it weigh?

'Car weighs ~3700 lbs. 'Feels very light/nimble; and steering is "spot on" (no on center slack; and effort is much lighter than DB9 or Vantage).

 

[DRM]

Yes...

Awesome! I wouldnt buy it for the power, Ive got much quicker cars than a DBS will ever be.

As do I. This GT is destined for use as my multi-day roadtrip car; which I do several times per year.

 

[DRM]

Thanks!!.......

Does this mean that you are going to build a bigger garage? Or maybe part with one of your amazing machines that sleeps in there now? The DBS and Vanquish are just pure sex on wheels. Congrats on adding another gorgeous car to your collection.

It will be my 3rd car; and will be in my garage. Porsche is least driven and my ultimate "adrenilin" machine/track car; a neighbor will let me keep it in his garage (he has extra room). M5 will always be DD; and 'will remain so 'till it's wheels fall off, or I die, which ever comes first!!:hihihi:

 

[DRM]

Thanks!!.........and ??

This car is a BEAUT!!!!...pure ELEGANCE!!!

How would you compare it to an M6?

Compare how/what?? IMO, 2 entirely different cars.

 

[DRM]

Hi Ray!!.......

Great car Cant wait to see it on the track are you going to the next track day with evosport?

Thanks!! Unfortunately I have an unavoidable conflict with Evosports' next track date event. When I get the DBS, 'won't see any track time; that's reserved for Porsche.

 

[DRM]

Thanks to all!!......

'Glad you appreciated my account of this new GT from AM.:cheers:

 

[DRM]

Hello to you in Europe!!......

Great write up and congratulations on the purchase. It is a stunning car, isn't it?

I have to be honest, it was on my final list competing against the Ferrari 599. I have to say, I ended up going for the 599 and for the following reasons:

The DBS looks absolutely beautiful. It simply knocks you off your feet the first time you lay eyes on it. It has class, it has style ... it has what it takes to get your heart beating faster. Yet ... that feeling soon makes place for some doubt after you walk around the car a couple of times. See, for me an AM is everything about being a gentlemen and in this case, they put the gentlemen into a sports outfit. Nothing wrong with that but will you still be so excited a couple of years from now? The 599 didn't make me ask those questions. It looks stunning and it doesn't make you think ... is this the right outfit for this car because it simply is. The design is more functional, timeless. Having said all this I'm writing personal opinions here and we all know, taste is very personal but for me 1-0 to the 599.

The interior: very, very nice. The eye for detail is amazing and the seats provide perfect support yet they are comfortable. The choice of materials is nice and ... or is it not? Does Alcantara belong in a gentlemen's car? Again a matter of personal taste but here I am ... again starting to ask questions if this is all right and if this is not weird for an AM? The centre console (redesigned for the DBS) has too many knobs imo. It is hard to find your way around it. Looks nice but not as functional. It is like they wanted to wash the feeling away that this isn't a DB9 by putting in another centre console but in the end ... it is the "pimped" interior of a DB9 and that interior of the DB9 looks better if you ask me. None of these thoughts in the 599. The interior matches the exterior of the car. Not overdone and great, great seats. Driver's position is excellent even for tall people. 2-0 for the 599. Oh, one other thing that bothered me ... the rev counter going counter clock wise. No for me but that may be a British thing?

When you start the DBS ... boy what a sound. To be honest, that is something you never get tired off listening to. My God, what a sound track. Superb. The performance is there and the handling is much better than a DB9. I wasn't thrilled with the gearbox.

And this is when the score went from 2-0 to 10-0 in favour of the 599. In terms of handling and performance. The handling and performance gap between the 599 and the DBS is big. Very big. The 599 will outrun the DBS any day. You see, the DBS is based on a great GT (the DB9) but the DBS is still a GT (although a better one than the DB9). Yes it looks great, it rides and handles well, has good performance but I'm afraid that it may get boring after a while. The "package" doesn't seem 100% right and the 599 was simply perfect to me. That thing has blistering performance yet it is a great GT but when you want it to be more than a great GT ... just step on it and ... lovelovelovelove. For me, the DBS didn't have this.

Again, I think the DBS is one of the nicest cars on the market at this moment but it is the mix of ingredients that didn't really work for me. A great GT but looking at the exterior you expect, want it to be more but it isn't.

And ... last but not least: something else I was worried about is the fact that the gap in reliability between the DBS and the 599 may be as big as the performance gap between the two cars. So ... at the end of the day the choice was easy for me.

But again, congratulations on your order as you will have one stunning vehicle (GT) in your stable.

I hope the wait won't be too long. When do you expect to get it?

Cheers,

M

First, congrats on your new Ferrari!! Thank you for your detailed, and well thought out post. As you stated, most of your comments are "subjective"; and therefore not worth debating. That said, I'll be the first to agree 599 GTB performance envelope is the best in GT class. I had the pleasure of driving one while visiting Phoenix, Ariz. recently; and 'was certainly more than impressed!!

However, I'm not in the camp that believes a natural comparison of DBS to 599 is relevant. 'Best comments I've heard/seen about this is Autocar's DBS review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOKDP6AOU5A&feature=related . Also, I already have 2 highly modified, extreme high performance cars; a sedan and a sports car. My desire to add a premium GT was driven by "overall" driving experience desire; especially since new GT will be primarily used for multi-day roadtrips, over 1000's of miles of Western U.S. 2-lane country roads; which I indulge in several times per year.

There are a few other things that "sold" me on DBS:

1) I'm 6'4" tall, about 265 lbs. Despite my height, 'have relatively short arms. DBS fit me exactly perfect. 'Gearshift and all controls felt like the car was built especially for me.

2) 'Have spent considerable seat time in DB9 (including it's 6-speedM "SportsPak" edition). 'Came very close to ordering one, but there was always "something" that held me back. DBS is an entirely different car. Just compare "spec sheets" on AM's website, and you'll see many substantial differences. To me, actually driving them is like "night and day".

3) I've done my homework on potential reliability issues. Because of my now 4-year long high interest in AM, I've gone by the dealership on numerous occasions; interviewing the service dept. mgr and AM master tech. Except for SMG equipped Vanquish (horrible tranny), DB9 and V8 Vantage are considered "bullet proof". As with any "high strung" car, there's always some "niggly" things. But warranty claims are minimal.

4) As is my usual habit, I intend to keep this car a very long time and drive it a lot (easier to rationalize cost!!). I'm impressed with AM's 3-year, unlimited miles warranty. I'm even more impressed they offer (at additional cost, of course) a factory extended warranty, covering bumper to bumper, 'same as initial warranty, ALL the way out to 10 YEARS, UNLIMITED MILES!! 'Think that says volumes about Prodrives' confidence in the engineering/QC of their cars.

I expect to get an allocated build date from this dealer sometime late this year, or early next year. From "order in" to delivery takes about 3 months; so 'will take delivery somtime next spring. I'm OK with this. 'Will give me time to decide from 40+ external color choices, and an endless array of interior material combo's (A HUGE, but fun challenge). Also, I'm already aware of highly probable "enhancements" coming for '09 model year; which I'll benefit from.

Hey, enjoy your new Ferrari!! :cheers:

 

[Sebring NL]

Congrats both you guys.

Fantastic cars. I love the DBS although I am yet to see the first in this country. The warranty is indeed unbelievable!

@ M-Individual
The 599 obviously is the car every performance-orientated car owner wants. Its the best normal-useable car ferrari made in years IMO. I must say the fit and finish and paintjob are much better than on for instance a 430 or 360. Also, you did a good job on the rims, as I don't like the other ones very much.

I'll happily drive anywhere to belgium ( I live in south-west Holland) to see it when you have it !

Wout

 

[Tiptronicsoldier]

Both sweet cars, and I would love to own one. Its a bummer being 6'4'' and looking for a car. Its surprising you can fit into a british car since they are notorious for being on the small side.

 

[slickM]

In terms of price...can you compare the 599 and the DBS?

I hear the Ferrari's are going for almost 500k...is this true?

 

[M-individual]

First, congrats on your new Ferrari!! Thank you for your detailed, and well thought out post. As you stated, most of your comments are "subjective"; and therefore not worth debating. That said, I'll be the first to agree 599 GTB performance envelope is the best in GT class. I had the pleasure of driving one while visiting Phoenix, Ariz. recently; and 'was certainly more than impressed!!

However, I'm not in the camp that believes a natural comparison of DBS to 599 is relevant. 'Best comments I've heard/seen about this is Autocar's DBS review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOKDP6AOU5A&feature=related . Also, I already have 2 highly modified, extreme high performance cars; a sedan and a sports car. My desire to add a premium GT was driven by "overall" driving experience desire; especially since new GT will be primarily used for multi-day roadtrips, over 1000's of miles of Western U.S. 2-lane country roads; which I indulge in several times per year.

There are a few other things that "sold" me on DBS:

1) I'm 6'4" tall, about 265 lbs. Despite my height, 'have relatively short arms. DBS fit me exactly perfect. 'Gearshift and all controls felt like the car was built especially for me.

2) 'Have spent considerable seat time in DB9 (including it's 6-speedM "SportsPak" edition). 'Came very close to ordering one, but there was always "something" that held me back. DBS is an entirely different car. Just compare "spec sheets" on AM's website, and you'll see many substantial differences. To me, actually driving them is like "night and day".

3) I've done my homework on potential reliability issues. Because of my now 4-year long high interest in AM, I've gone by the dealership on numerous occasions; interviewing the service dept. mgr and AM master tech. Except for SMG equipped Vanquish (horrible tranny), DB9 and V8 Vantage are considered "bullet proof". As with any "high strung" car, there's always some "niggly" things. But warranty claims are minimal.

4) As is my usual habit, I intend to keep this car a very long time and drive it a lot (easier to rationalize cost!!). I'm impressed with AM's 3-year, unlimited miles warranty. I'm even more impressed they offer (at additional cost, of course) a factory extended warranty, covering bumper to bumper, 'same as initial warranty, ALL the way out to 10 YEARS, UNLIMITED MILES!! 'Think that says volumes about Prodrives' confidence in the engineering/QC of their cars.

I expect to get an allocated build date from this dealer sometime late this year, or early next year. From "order in" to delivery takes about 3 months; so 'will take delivery somtime next spring. I'm OK with this. 'Will give me time to decide from 40+ external color choices, and an endless array of interior material combo's (A HUGE, but fun challenge). Also, I'm already aware of highly probable "enhancements" coming for '09 model year; which I'll benefit from.

Hey, enjoy your new Ferrari!! :cheers:

Hey DRM,

It is obvious that you have done your homework and ... you know what you are talking about. I checked out the link to the Autocar DBS review. Interesting but Chris seems to have similar observations as I did on certain items (I don't know if that is a good thing if I start thinking like an automotive journalist ).

Anyway, you and I both agree that the DBS is a magnificent car and it seems to be the perfect product to serve your needs. You will have loads of fun with it as it is a damn' sexy looking thing.

Let me be clear about one thing: the fact that it was in my final choice of 2 cars says it all. The DBS did make my blood pressure and hart beat rate go up and if it wasn't for the 599 ... I would have been on the list for one just like you are.

Now I'm on the list (order confirmed by Ferrari ... Oeefff) for a 599 and I hope to get mine around the same time your DBS will come in. We are both lucky and in a luxury position that we can start wondering about colours and interior specs and that is ... mind breaking. I can assure you. It has been a roller coaster for me. Right now I think I have it figured out but I'm sure that this can change. I'm going to Modena in September for a Ferrari driver's training with 599's and I'm sure I'll see other things I like there which will make me change my mind again. But, overall it is fun and I'm secretly hoping they will come out with the Modificata version so I can change my order and be one of the first with a 599 M (or whatever they will call it).

Anyway, enjoy the wait and be patient. You have a lot to look forward to.

PS: and meanwhile I'm enjoying my beast every day which I intend to keep even after delivery of the 599.

Cheers mate cherrsagai,

M

 

[M-individual]

In terms of price...can you compare the 599 and the DBS?

I hear the Ferrari's are going for almost 500k...is this true?

Prices in the US for a 599 are crazy. That is correct. Here in Europe there would be a price difference of about € 40k between the DBS and the 599 (without going crazy on options though). So not a world of difference (but a world of difference in performance).

M

 

[Mike S.]

Dan - very nice review and an awesome car!

I've been infatuated with AMs for a long time and the DBS really turned my head the first time I saw it.

Can't wait for more information once you take delivery.

Congrats!

 

[gbogh3]

Congrats Dan, I knew the trip and the story to getting the 3rd car would have an exciting ending.

I can't believe how prefect the trunk is..... I mean just the right size to "wedge" a cooler full of beer into and not have it move at all through the canyons to the BBQ! SWEET. :hihi: cherrsagai

 

[Laidback]

Nice and congrats Dan and a well deserve machine:cheers:

'Glad you appreciated my account of this new GT from AM.:cheers:

 

[sandiego]

Beautiful Car! What colors for the interior and exterior are you going to pick out?
By the way, is All German Auto goin' to have to change their name to "Mostly German Auto"? I'm sure they might want to have a look at your ride given all the work they've done on the M5!!!!:hihi:

 

[DRM]

Yes...

In terms of price...can you compare the 599 and the DBS?

I hear the Ferrari's are going for almost 500k...is this true?

'Dunno about Europe or elsewhere, but in U.S., you cannot simply walk into a Ferrari dealer and order any of their models. U.S. dealers reserve their very limited allocations to their long standing customers. It's commonly referred to as "The Club"; which you gain entrance to by purchasing their "consignment" cars; at big premiums over MSRP. For 599, it ranges from $150k to $250k over MSRP, depending on options, mileage, and local market conditions. So yes, a current or previous model year, used "consignment" car, will cost a non "Club" buyer $400k to $500k. A "consignment" car is one sold by Ferrari dealer to a "Club" customer, at or only slightly above MSRP; driven by that customer for a few K miles, then returned to the dealer to be sold to someone who's willing to pay the big mark-up. 'Dealer shares in the mark-up profit by charging a "consignment" sale fee. It's quite a "racket", really, and driven by supply/demand forces.

MSRP for a DBS is $265K (unlike Ferrari, there are minimal "options"; AM already includes everything in their price (even extensive CF use, endless choices of exterior colors and interior mixing of materials/colors/design). AM dealers usually try to get a $10k to $25k premium, again depending on supply/demand in their local market. My dealer isn't doing that.

All that said, I'd be the first to agree that Ferrari is entitled to the "mystique" factor their cars command. If I had decided 599 was the best choice for me, 'would have paid the freight and joined the "Club". But, after actually driving both cars, 'fell in love with how DBS "came to hand" for me, and exactly fits my GT desires, for long roadtrip needs.

 

[m6ontheway]

Both of you guys have two of the most desireable cars!! Having to make the choice between those two is a problem I wouldnt mind having. Best of luck to both of you!!

 

[DRM]

Ha, ha

Beautiful Car! What colors for the interior and exterior are you going to pick out?
By the way, is All German Auto goin' to have to change their name to "Mostly German Auto"? I'm sure they might want to have a look at your ride given all the work they've done on the M5!!!!:hihi:

AGA did/does all the work on my Porsche, too. But no, DBS doesn't need any mod's, and will only see AM dealer for service. It's a requirement to preserve AM's generous 3-year, unlimited miles warranty. AM also offers an incredible factory extended warranty, bumper to bumper, 'same as initial 3-year warranty (at extra cost, of course); out to as much as 10 YEARS, UNLIMITED MILES!! That says volumes about Prodrives' confidence in engineering/QC of their cars. I'll be signing up for that, as it fits with my typical habit of keeping cars for a long time.

'Going to have to pick from 40+ exterior color choices, and an endless array of interior materials/colors/designs. It'll be a hellava challenge for me to decide, but there's plenty of time; and it'll be FUN!! I like the fact AM doesn't consider any of this extra cost "options"; whatever you want is included in MSRP. 'Fair to say they do really build the cars, individually, to order.

 

[Cosmos]

What color are you thinking of?