Testament to the uncompromising design, engineering and execution of this scintillating open-top two-seater, Vantage Roadster shares the Vantage Coupe’s absolute commitment to driving thrills. Powered by Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre twinturbo 503BHP/685Nm V8 engine and mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, Vantage Roadster accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and is capable of 190mph with the roof raised. Weight increases by just 60kg compared with the Coupe thanks to a light Z-fold roof mechanism and optimised exterior and chassis revisions throughout.
Careful development of structural shear panels and chassis components ensures the Vantage Roadster retains the strong dynamic ability and sporting character achieved in the Coupe, with no compromises to feel or refinement. Sharing the same Adaptive Damping, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Electronic Rear Differential, the Roadster benefits from specific dynamic refinements, including a bespoke tune for the rear dampers, Adaptive Damping System software, and ESP calibration.
As you would expect from a dedicated sports car, a choice of Sport, Sport + and Track chassis modes – also tuned specifically for the Roadster – give the driver control of its dynamic character and behaviour. Working in harmony with Sport, Sport + and Track powertrain modes retained from the Coupe offers the ability to progressively increase the car’s overall responsiveness and excitement, meaning the Roadster has a tremendous breadth of ability and feels equally at home on road or racetrack.
While the Vantage Roadster mirrors the Coupe’s exceptional tactility, pace and cornering performance, the design of the body is very much its own. The tautly tailored fabric hood features a compact powered Z-fold mechanism that ensures rapid operation, lowering in 6.7 or raising in 6.8 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph. In fact, the roof of the Vantage Roadster has the fastest full operating cycle of any automatic automotive convertible system. An impressively low stack height pays the double dividend of allowing Aston Martin’s award-winning design team the latitude to create a seamless rear profile with minimal impact on the Roadster’s luggage space. Indeed, with a boot capacity of 200-litres, it is possible to stow a full-sized golf bag and accessories.
A lower driving position creates a more immersive experience, intimately connecting the driver with the car and the road ahead. Controls like the sport-orientated gearshift paddles are optimally positioned. Likewise, the gear selection buttons are uniquely placed in the centre console, with the Aston Martin Audio System, eight-inch LCD screen and integrated satellite navigation all impressively reconfigured around the driver.
The Vantage range starts at £114,850, with the Recommended Retail Price of the Vantage Roadster starting from £126,950.
By Adam Gray, Motoring Editor
