Aston Martin has revealed the new Vantage Roadster, which will be joining its coupé sibling that was launched in 2018.
The open-top two-seater shares the coupé’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo 503 bhp/505 lb-ft V8 engine. Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and is capable of 190 mph with the roof raised.
Adding 60 kg and eliminating 150 litres of boot space, the fabric-clad hood features a Z-fold mechanism that enables a lowering/raising time of approximately 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. As a result, Aston Martin claims the roof “has the fastest full operating cycle of any automatic automotive convertible system”.
The introduction of the Roadster also sees a range of new options introduced across the Vantage range. For example, to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Vantage nameplate, Aston Martin is introducing the company’s ‘vane’ grille as an optional alternative to the apparently track-inspired ‘hunter’ grille featured on the coupé from its launch. There is also a new range of optional alloy wheel designs in a choice of finishes.
“Convertible sports cars are often seen as compromised when compared to their coupé equivalents, but the Vantage Roadster remains absolutely dedicated true to its mission of delivering precise, agile and expressive handling dynamics combined with stonking straight-line performance,” asserts Matt Becker, the British brand’s chief engineer.
“Vantage has always delivered the purest of thrills, but in Roadster form that adrenaline rush is set to go to the next level,” adds company boss, Dr Andy Palmer.