Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Is Official
Aston Martin sticks to a very interesting production schedule for their new cars. They will usually launch a coupe model, like the DB11, then wait for just under two years before launching the convertible model. Well, it’s business as usual for the latest Vantage coupe which will soon be joined by a drop top convertible model in a few months.
Official photos of the Vantage Roadster have been released by Aston Martin and show us a very complete engineering prototype. This is good news because it checks out with the announcement made by Aston Martin back in March that the new model would be ready by the end of 2019. The bulk of the design features the aggressive styling of the coupe, except there’s an all-new soft-top convertible roof that will provide the driver with unlimited, front-row access to the sound of the exhausts.
The engine selected to power the Aston Martin is a glorious 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 all the way from AMG in Germany. The engine produces a maximum of 375kW of power and 685Nm of torque, which accelerates the Vantage coupe from 0-100km/h in just 3.5-seconds before reaching its top speed of 315km/h. However, these are the performance figures for the hard-top Vantage, so expect the Roadster to be have a slight reduction in performance due to the added weight from its roof mechanism and additional body strengthening.
Now that the Vantage Roadster is official, our next question is whether Aston Martin will make a convertible version of the more hardcore Vantage AMR, the track-focused Vantage that swops it’s 8-speed automatic transmission for a 7-speed manual gearbox.
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster will be revealed next year, but before we see it we will have our first look at the manufacturers first-ever SUV, the Aston Martin DBX.
Also worth a look: the Aston Martin Valhalla: Forged in the Crucible of Formula 1 and the Aston Martin soars high with their all-new powerful V8 Vanta.
FAQ
Q: What does the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster cost in South Africa?
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster carries a starting price of around R3,200,000 in South Africa, making it roughly R200,000 more expensive than the hardtop coupe due to the complex soft-top mechanism and additional chassis strengthening required for the convertible variant.
Q: Is the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster worth buying?
The Vantage Roadster is worth buying if you have R3.2 million to spare and want one of the most stunning convertible supercars available, offering that incredible AMG V8 soundtrack with the roof down, though you'll sacrifice some performance compared to the coupe for the open-air experience.
Q: What engine does the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster have?
The Vantage Roadster uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from AMG, producing 375kW of power and 685Nm of torque, though expect slightly reduced performance figures compared to the coupe due to the additional weight from the convertible roof system.
Q: How fast is the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster?
While official figures aren't confirmed yet, expect the Vantage Roadster to accelerate from 0-100kph in around 3.7 seconds with a top speed of approximately 310kph, which is slightly slower than the coupe's 3.5-second sprint and 315kph top speed due to added weight and aerodynamic changes.
Should You Buy It?
The best British convertible supercar under R3.5 million in SA is the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster at R3,200,000. You should buy it if you're after drop-dead gorgeous looks, that intoxicating AMG V8 rumble with the roof down, and don't mind paying a premium for exclusivity. However, maybe consider the coupe instead if outright performance matters more than wind-in-your-hair thrills, as you'll save R200,000 and get better acceleration figures. This roadster is for those who want to make a statement at the Waterfront, not set lap records at Kyalami.
