Aston Martin has taken the automotive world by storm with the unveiling of its spectacularly updated Vantage Roadster, an exhilarating drop-top that follows closely in the tire tracks of its coupe counterpart, which debuted last year. Get ready to embrace the thrill of the open road, as deliveries of the Vantage Roadster are set to commence this spring, marking the culmination of an extensive development journey. Enthusiasts caught their first glimpse of this stunning vehicle back in the summer of 2023, and it’s been well worth the wait! For those who are looking for the ultimate in luxury and performance, it’s worth noting that the Vantage Roadster won’t carry the 'Volante' badge, as that honor belongs to the flagship DB12. While pricing details are still under wraps, expect a substantial increase over the coupe's starting price of approximately €190,000.
The Vantage Roadster inherits an impressive lineup of technical upgrades, mirroring those seen in the coupe. We're talking about enhanced power, refined suspension components, and an eye-catching exterior that’s turning heads wherever it goes! Although the folding hood remains unchanged, Aston Martin proudly asserts that it still features the world’s fastest electric convertible roof, effortlessly opening or closing within a mere 6.8 seconds—quite the feat when contrasted with the Porsche 911 Cabriolet's 15-second wait. The roof tucks neatly behind the rear seats, although this efficiency comes at a price: boot capacity takes a dip from the coupe’s generous 350 liters to a more modest 200 liters. But let’s be honest—when you’re behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, it’s not just about practicality; it’s about the passion for driving. And Aston claims this Roadster elevates that thrill to a whole new level, encompassing all the performance and visceral sensations we love about the coupe.
At its core, the Vantage Roadster is powered by a breathtaking twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine engineered by Mercedes-AMG. The power output has been cranked up impressively to 656 hp and a staggering 800 Nm of torque—an increase of 153 hp and 116 Nm over the previous model. To squeeze every ounce of performance from this beast, Aston Martin has fitted larger turbochargers, reworked camshafts, and optimized compression ratios. With only a slight weight increase of about 60 kg compared to the coupe, the Roadster matches its hard-top sibling’s blistering top speed of 325 km/h—12 km/h faster than the previous version. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the outgoing Vantage Roadster. Power is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the rear wheels via a sophisticated limited-slip electronic differential. New Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires, specially tailored for this model, ensure that the power meets the pavement with authority. Additionally, the suspension has received a thorough overhaul, integrating retuned adaptive dampers, and front double wishbones. To manage braking duties, the Roadster boasts carbon ceramic brakes featuring impressive 410 mm discs up front, coupled with six-piston calipers. Although the weight distribution can’t quite reach a perfect 50/50 split like the coupe’s, an admirable 49/51 (front/rear) balance is still achieved.
The exterior of the Roadster dazzles with the same stylistic enhancements seen in the coupe. A strikingly reimagined front end introduces a fresh grille, revised bumper, and sleek headlights, while the rear adopts the updated bumper complete with additional vents for added flair. Inside, drivers will be treated to Aston Martin’s cutting-edge infotainment system, a much-anticipated upgrade over the previous setup, which often received criticism. Having experienced this revolutionary system in the coupe, we can confidently say it transforms the driving experience, with the Roadster’s 10.25-inch touchscreen offering intuitive gesture control and enhanced usability. Nevertheless, traditionalists will appreciate that crucial functions, such as climate control and powertrain settings, are still accessible via physical buttons rather than exclusively through the touchscreen. For audiophiles, the Vantage Roadster comes standard with an 11-speaker sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins setup specifically designed for enhanced acoustic enjoyment.
What are your thoughts on the newly unveiled Aston Martin Vantage Roadster?