It was inevitable this would happen, but the news is no less brilliant because of that fact - so what you're looking at here is the convertible version of the Aston Martin Vantage. Unlike its bigger, soft-top DB11 brother, this thing won't go under the name Volante, but will instead be called the Vantage Roadster. It is powered by the 510hp/685Nm iteration of the AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, in this case mated to an eight-speed ZF transmission; no word as yet as to whether an AMR version with the manual 'box will be forthcoming, so we can but hope on this score. Anyway, the Vantage Roadster is properly quick. It runs 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds and will top out at 190mph, these figures helped by the fact it is just 60kg heavier than the equivalent Coupe model, thanks to its lightweight Z-fold fabric roof. And, speaking of that retractable lid, like the car overall it is super-rapid - in fact, as you can lower it in 6.7 seconds and raise it in just 6.8 seconds, even on the move at speeds of up to 31mph, Aston is claiming the Vantage Roadster has the fastest full operating cycle of any automatic automotive convertible system. It also preserves 200 litres of boot space underneath it when folded away, so it's a fairly practical touring sports cabrio. Elsewhere, careful development of the underpinnings of the Roadster means it is 99.99 per cent as sharp as its Coupe source material in the corners, with the same host of chassis and suspension toys ensuring it's a thrilling drive. Indeed, Matt Becker, Aston's chief engineer, said: "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. And of course, there's the added dimension of driving a great-sounding sports car with the roof down." With the Vantage range kicking off at £114,850, the Roadster carries a bit of a premium with a starting ticket of £126,950 - but we can't imagine Aston will have a shortage of takers for this stunner, so those lucky customers will take delivery of their Vantage Roadsters in the third quarter of this year.