The New V12 Vantage Now Has A Roadster Twin
Aston Martin will make only 249 examples, all already accounted for.
Hot on the heels of the DBR22 concept car that celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Q division, Aston Martin has unveiled the new V12 Vantage Roadster. Like its fixed-top sibling, which debuted in March this year, the open-top version has a short production life. Just 249 examples will be created, 84 less than the coupe. Those planning to reserve one now will be disappointed to know that all have already been sold.
Powering the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is a 5.2-litre V12 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the same combo that does duty in the coupe. With 700hp/753Nm on tap, the topless model can complete the 0-60mph sprint in 3.5 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the donor version. The top speed, however, remains identical at 200mph. The oomph goes to the rear wheels with a mechanical Limited Slip Differential doing its thing.
The Carbon Ceramic Brakes and the steering calibration are lifted from the coupe. But, the suspension has been retuned for better handling dynamics. Aston Martin has also worked to keep the bulk in check by equipping the roadster with a front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills made from carbon fibre, whereas the rear bumper and the deck lid are made from weight-saving composites. The open-top car also benefits from a lightweight battery and a centre-mounted exhaust system made from stainless steel that’s just 1mm in profile.
There are tweaks to improve the aerodynamics as well. For instance, the new front bumper with a full-width splitter helps generate more downforce, while the enlarged front grille improves engine cooling. Also, there are new sculpted sills and a restyled rear bumper with an incorporated functional diffuser. The rear wing, which comes with the Vantage by default, is an optional extra for the roadster. The V12 Vantage Roadster dons 21-inch rims, available in two finishes. Alternatively, one could have lightweight forged wheels, which save 8kg of unsprung mass.
Indoors, the roadster boasts Sports Plus Seats finished in full semi-aniline leather and boasting the brand’s logo quilt and perforation pattern. However, the options list includes a carbon fibre performance seat for the driver with 6-way manual adjusts. Get that, and the overall weight goes down by 7.3kg without compromising the passenger’s comfort. And of course, there are personalisation options available by summoning the Q division.
Aston Martin will start the production of the V12 Vantage Roadster in Q3 of 2022. Deliveries, however, will only commence in Q4 of this year.
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