What's going on?

Aston Martin has taken the covers off this beauty at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It's the Vantage GT12 Roadster.

Hang on, wasn't the GT12 sold out?

It certainly was, but this doesn't appear to be a cynical move by Aston to capitalise on demand for the limited edition carbon supercar by producing a run of open-topped versions. This is a one-off creation commissioned by a customer via the 'Q by Aston Martin' service.

Isn't that something to do with Bond?

Only in name. It's Aston's customisation service to wealthy clients that, until now, effectively meant some special paint and trim. This is the first time it has done a whole car. As Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO, said: "The Vantage GT12 Roadster is a hugely exciting project. Not just because it's sensational to look at, but because it vividly demonstrates the expanded capabilities of Q by Aston Martin. By incorporating the exceptional engineering capabilities of Aston Martin Advanced Operations within the Q by Aston Martin bespoke commissioning service we have a truly formidable creative team."

Right, so what's new?

Well other than the uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine under the bonnet (600hp, mated to the paddle-shift SpeedShift transmission), it's all about carbon fibre. There's a substantial new all-carbon body kit that's, presumably, as much about the aerodynamics as it is the appearance, complemented by lightweight centre-lock alloy wheels and even a restyled bonnet. No word from Aston Martin on the weight reduction, but the coupe version of the Vantage GT12 loses 100kg.

And inside?

This is where Q by Aston Martin usually works hardest, and though the GT12 Roadster's cabin has been customised, it's quite restrained, mixing classy dark brown leather upholstery with even more carbon fibre.

Any word on the price?

No, Aston won't divulge it. 'A lot' should be a good estimate... David King, Vice President and Chief Special Operations Officer, says of the Roadster: "Aston Martin has a growing reputation of building ambitious commissions for customers, perhaps the best example being the spectacular CC100 Speedster Concept. We have also become world leaders in ultra-low volume projects with cars such as the One-77, Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan, while the Vantage GT12 and Vantage GT8 show how far we can take our series production models.

"The GT12 Roadster is the first project to combine all of those skill sets in one magnificent car. In just nine-months we took a customer's dream and realised it, with a fully-formed, exactingly engineered and fully road-legal one-off. That is the essence of the Q by Aston Martin service".

Shane O' Donoghue - 24 Jun 2016