What's all this about?

The wondrous V12 engine. V12s have been a huge part of Aston’s history, and although many thought the era of the 12-cylinder engine was coming to an end, it’s still going strong. With a bit of jiggery and pokery, the British brand slotted the massive V12 into its smallest car – the Vantage – and now there’s a convertible version to make sure you can hear the sound of exploding petrol. Just 249 examples will be built.

Oooh, that looks good...

Doesn’t it? As with the coupe, the Vantage Roadster gets a widebody design and lowered suspension, as well as a wider track. It also has the same gaping grille and full-width front splitter, and a horseshoe vent in the bonnet, all of which help with aerodynamics and cooling. Unlike the V12 Vantage coupe, however, the Roadster does without the dramatic rear wing, although it can still be specified as an optional extra. Finally, Aston Martin has fitted 21-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two finishes, while a pair of optional lightweight forged wheels are also available.

I've just seen the inside... *Bites hand*

Spectacular, right? The basics have been inherited from other Vantage models, but the V12 versions come with Sports Plus Seats trimmed in full semi-aniline leather with the ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern as standard. But seen here are the optional performance seats with exposed twill carbon-fibre shells and manual six-way adjustment. They save 7.3kg over the ‘standard’ seats, you know?

So there’s an emphasis on lightening the car, then?

Oh yes. Like the coupe, the V12 Vantage Roadster comes with a carbon-fibre bonnet and a carbon-fibre front bumper, while the rear bumper is made from composite. And like the coupe, there are carbon-ceramic brakes included as standard, saving 23kg over steel brakes and improving ride quality and steering response as a result. Even the exhaust has been modified, with the V12 Vantage Roadster’s system weighing 7.2kg less than that of the ‘standard’, V8-powered Vantage Roadster.

Alright, enough bluster. What about this engine?

It’s identical to that of the coupe, which means you get a 5.2-litre V12 with twin-turbo technology, producing 700hp, 753Nm of torque and a stunning noise. In the words of Aston Martin, “with searing straight-line speed and the unfiltered howl, the V12 Vantage Roadster elevates the open-top driving experience to a scintillating new level". While the noise is assaulting your ears, the power is heading to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a limited-slip differential, which means 0-62mph takes 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 200mph.

When can I have one and what will it cost me?

“Later this year”, and “lots”. Aston Martin hasn’t said how much the V12 Vantage Roadster will cost, but we expect it to be significantly more expensive than the coupe, which is already pushing £300,000. But with just 249 cars being made for customers globally, it will at least be exclusive. Those who want one had better move fast.

James Fossdyke - 20 Aug 2022