Aston Martin has unveiled the new-generation Vantage Roadster. Here’s what you can expect…
According to the British marque, the technical and dynamic capabilities of the new Vantage Coupé ensured its performance is unmatched by any of its predecessors. “It is now seen as a true class-leading sports car,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin. And the manufacturer maintains that this is a feat it has again achieved with the new Vantage Roadster.
Hallmark continued, saying that no compromises to refinement or performance have been made when developing the Roadster and, as as a result, the drop-top model, just like the Coupé, offers a world-class driving experience…with the added thrills provided by al fresco driving, of course.
As a reminder, the front-mounted, 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 employed by the new Vantage is endowed with 489 kW and 800 N.m of twisting force, available from 6 000 r/min and 2 750 r/min, respectively. Power and torque are transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Aston Martin claims these figures allow the Vantage Roadster to sprint to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.6 seconds, a mere 0.1 seconds later than the Vantage Coupé. The top speed is rated at 325 km/h. The automaker claims the Roadster’s convertible roof is the fastest-folding currently available. The electronically operated soft-top can be fully opened or stowed away in only 6.8 seconds (at speeds of up to 50 km/h).
The Vantage Roadster is brought to a halt by a set 400 mm front and 360 mm rear brake discs, replete with six-piston fore and four-piston aft callipers. Customers do, however, have the option of specifying a carbon-ceramic setup, which comprises larger (410 mm) front discs and 360 mm rear items.
As standard, the Vantage Roadster rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in mixed-size, 275/35 front and 325/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 AML tyres, specially developed for the Vantage for summer driving. Winter items, coming in the shape of Michelin’s Pilot Alpin 5 AML rubber, are also on offer.
