Aston Martin has unveiled the new Vantage Roadster, a drop-top variant of its Vantage sports car, featuring the world’s fastest fully automatic convertible roof. Powered by Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the new Vantage Roadster accelerates from 0-60mph in just 3.7sec and is capable of 190mph with the roof raised. A choice of sport, sport + and track chassis modes are tuned specifically for the roadster, giving the driver control of its dynamic character and behavior.
While 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 (lowered in 6.7 or raised in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 50kmh/31mph). In fact, the roof of 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.
“Open-top Aston Martins are always firm favourites with our customers, so it’s very exciting to introduce the Vantage Roadster,” said Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer. “For many, driving with the roof down is the true definition of the sports car experience as it truly brings your senses to life. Vantage has always delivered the purest of thrills, but in Roadster form that adrenaline rush is set to go to the next level.”
“Convertible sports cars are often seen as compromised when compared to their Coupe 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,” added Matt Becker, Aston Martin Chief Engineer. “And of course, there’s the added dimension of driving a great-sounding sports car with the roof down.”
To celebrate the 70thAnniversary of the Vantage nameplate, Aston Martin is introducing the company’s iconic ‘vane’ grille as an option, available on both Coupe and Roadster as an alternative to the track-inspired ‘hunter’ grille featured on the Coupe from its launch in 2018. There is also a new range of optional alloy wheel designs in a choice of finishes. Enthusiasts will also welcome the manual 7-speed transmission being offered as an option on the Coupe, having initially only been available in the limited-edition Vantage AMR.
The Vantage range starts at $161,000 in the USA. First deliveries of the Vantage Roadster are scheduled to begin during Q2 2020.