Aston Martin’s line-up continues to grow with the introduction of the Vantage Roadster, the convertible sibling to the 2024 Vantage Coupé. The Roadster continues Aston’s 75-year legacy of open-top Vantages, a lineage that began in 1950 with the DB2 Vantage DHC and was revived in 2005 with the V8 Vantage.
Powering the Vantage Roadster is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the Coupé, developing an impressive 656bhp and 590lb ft of torque. The thunderous eight-cylinder powerplant sends its power to the rear axle via ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential with torque vectoring. The 0-62mph sprint is reached in just 3.5 seconds, and the Roadster’s top speed is quoted at 202mph – identical to that of the Coupé.
Aston Martin has gone to great lengths to ensure the Roadster’s dynamic capabilities are uncompromised by its open-top configuration. Adjustments to the body structure, recalibrated Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers and revised transmission mountings compensate for the Roadster’s more rearward weight distribution. Tellingly, the Roadster is only 60kg heavier than the Coupé, tipping the scales at 1665kg dry.
This meagre weight penalty has been achieved thanks to a lightweight aluminium structure, composite body panels and the innovative Z-fold roof mechanism. In addition to being lightweight, the Z-fold roof is also the fastest system on the market, taking just 6.8 seconds to operate at speeds of up to 31mph. Impressively, interior NVH is said to be comparable to the Coupé, too.
“Developing both the Vantage Coupé and Roadster simultaneously meant we were able to retain the outrageous dynamic capabilities and agile sporting character of the Vantage with no compromise upon removal of the roof,” explained Aston’s director of vehicle performance Simon Newton.
Aston Martin has taken the same uncompromising approach to the car’s styling, ensuring that it retains its visual appeal regardless of whether the roof is in its raised or lowered position. The side profile is characterised by an aggressively angled windscreen and a high waistline, while the bootlid deck slopes gently rearwards until it meets the integrated ducktail spoiler.
The roof has been elegantly engineered so that it can be neatly stowed behind the seats without the need for a tonneau cover. The Roadster boasts the same purposeful, wide stance as the Coupé, as well as its enlarged front grille that increases airflow to the engine compartment by nearly 30 percent.
Setting the Roadster apart are three new paint colours – Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire and Bronze Flare – alongside contrasting paintwork options for the roof and countless bespoke details offered by the marque’s Q division.
“This new Vantage Roadster is a sculptural masterpiece,” enthused Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman. “With the roof down, the soundscape becomes as dynamic as the design, blending simplicity, power and a visceral connection that transcends driving into an unmatched sensory experience.”
Aston Martin has paid just as much attention to the interior. The marque’s much-improved infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen integrated into the centre console. It is linked to either the standard-fit 11-speaker audio system, or the optional Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker surround-sound set-up.
Happily, the functionality of the central screen has been balanced with physical controls for essential functions such as gear selection, heating and ventilation. Traditional switches can also be used to control chassis settings, electronic stability control, exhaust, Active Safety System settings and Park Distance Control.
Vantage Roadster deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. For more information, click here.
