201mph open-top motoring from 565bhp V12 Vantage S Roadster.
Aston Martin has unveiled what it calls its most ‘potent and exhilarating’ roadster ever. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster follows on from the V12 Vantage S Coupe, bringing 201mph convertible motoring to those with pockets deeper than the Mariana Trench.
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Coupe and Roadster share the same engine. A 6.0-litre V12 provides 565bhp and 620Nm, giving the latter a 0 to 62mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 201mph – 4mph less than the Coupe.
An impressive aspect of the engine is its fat torque range. While you need to hit 5,750rpm for the full shebang, 510Nm is available from 1,000rpm. Equally impressive is the seven-speed SportShift paddle-shift transmission, which is 20kg lighter than its predecessor found in the V12 Vantage.
The driver is able to tailor their driving experience using three-stage adaptive damping and three driving modes, which includes Normal (pothole friendly), Sport (less pothole friendly) and Track (avoid potholes like the plague).
Sport, for instance, heightens the throttle response, adjusts steering sensitivity and changes gear speed and timing. Perhaps best of all, the exhaust note of a new lightweight exhaust system inspired by the One-77 hypercar is altered to give your ears an even better sound.
The front of the car is occupied by Aston Martin’s new carbon fibre grille, replacing the aluminium bars of old. Airflow is said to be improved as a result, helping the engine keep cool. There’s also the option of ten-spoke alloys. Apart from that, the proportions of the Roadster S and Roadster are identical.
Aston Martin has revised the interior to reflect the higher price tag and improved performance. New seat and door trims sit alongside the option of lightweight Sport and carbon seats. The optional Carbon Pack adds, funnily enough, carbon fibre to the fascia.
“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range,” Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman commented.
It is not clear how deep your pockets will need to be if you want a seriously fast convertible. Imagine a hefty premium on the £138,000 V12 Vantage and you are probably not far off.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster pictures
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