This will likely be the last V12 Roadster that Aston Martin makes.
Aston Martin has unveiled a convertible version of the new V12 Vantage, retaining the same 700hp powertrain. Revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, it was joined by the ultra-exclusive Aston Martin DBR22 speedster, which also made its debut at the event.
- Only 249 units of the V12 Vantage roadster will be made
- Weighs 60kg more than the coupe
- Gets a more understated look compared to the coupe sibling
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster: engine and performance
The V12 Vantage Roadster is powered by the same 700hp, 752Nm, 5.2-litre V12 engine as the coupe, the same engine that also does duty on the larger DB11 and DBS. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Although the roadster is 60kg heavier (with all the lightweighting options added, it weighs in at 1,850kg), it still dispatches the 0-100kph sprint in 3.5 seconds – just 0.1sec slower than the coupe. Top speed remains at 320kph.
The roadster fills an important gap in Aston Martin’s range, with the last open-top V12 Vantage having gone off sale in 2018 – although the V8 Vantage is available as a convertible.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster: design
The roadster’s fabric roof is the main distinguishing feature, but Aston Martin has also made a number of styling tweaks to give the open-top car a more understated look.
Bespoke 21-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot 4S performance tyres, and can be finished in either satin black or silver-on-black two-tone. Lighter forged alloys are available as an optional extra, cutting 8kg of unsprung mass.
The restyled front end (with 25 percent more grille area than on the V8-powered Vantage) and the beefed-up wheel arches from the V12 Vantage coupe return, maintaining the car’s distinctly muscular silhouette.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster: limited in numbers
This is expected to be the last V12 convertible the firm ever releases – just 249 will be made, and all of them are already sold out. This makes it a little more exclusive than the coupe, of which there are 333 examples. Aston Martin hasn’t officially detailed how much the roadster costs, but it will likely be the most expensive Vantage on Aston’s books.
Also see:
Aston Martin DBR22 to make public debut on August 19
Aston Martin revives Vantage name for track-focused car