|
|
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is a 2-door, 2-seater convertible first unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November of 2006. It is based on the Vantage model, Aston Martin's smallest production car.
The compact and sporty Vantage is the biggest selling Aston Martin model to date, with production of over 3000 units of the hardtop version last year. The V8 Roadster is expected to see production numbers of 2500 annually.
The car is as stylish as any Aston Martin that ever graced the roads. It features an athletic build, sporty lines and muscular rear sized just a little wider than the coupe to accommodate the power-retractable soft canvas top. You have the option to chop off the roof entirely for an additional cost. Pricing starts at $126400 for stock with manual transmission.
Features
Like its hardtop sibling, the Vantage Roadster houses a front mid-mounted 32-valve, 4.3-litre V8 engine producing an energy of 380 bhp at 7300 rpm with maximum torque of 410 Nm at 5000 rpm. It is a powerful, compact vehicle with top speeds of 280 kph and capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in 5 seconds flat.
Apart from the minor width differences and a slight increase in weight at 3770 lbs, everything is almost the same as with the original Vantage. It comes boxed with a Graziano six-speed manual transmission, but provides options for a semi-automatic manual transmission with an automated clutch, similar to Lamborghini's E-gear, called Sportshift. The advanced transmission system, which costs an extra $5000, offers up to three times faster gear changes than conventional manual shifting and allows for a Formula 1-style paddle control. It features rack and pinion, power-assisted steering and large ventilated and grooved disc brakes.
The structure uses Aston Martin's VH architecture using bonded aluminum. The body is made from aluminum, steel, magnesium and advanced composites. Suspension is stiffer than the closed-top version with double aluminum wishbones, front and rear. Wheels are bespoked 18 inch alloy with option to upgrade to 19 inches.
It follows its predecessor's optimal weight distribution, allowing maximum road-feel during driving. Interior is full grain Austrian Vogel leather with graphite fittings and all the luxury you have come to expect from an Aston Martin. Doing away with traditional LCD's, the dash features futuristic organic electroluminescent message displays. Optional items include a pop-up satellite navigation screen, upgraded audio system and heated seats.
Performance
It matches the Vantage coupe's driving abilities with little compromise, despite the lack of a roof. The vehicle exhibits marvelous agility and no structural shake and shudder over bumps and side winds.
Many judge the car to be Aston Martin's first proper sports car, dishing out a focused performance in both power and build.