NEW ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE ROADSTER
A FULL-ON BREATH OF FRESH AIR
NEW ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE ROADSTER
When Aston Martin unveils a new car, it’s a bit of a moment. The kind of event that gives you a reason to dust off the tweed, pop on the brogues and settle in for a proper look at what Britain still does better than almost anyone else: cars that stir the soul. And they’ve taken the covers off the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and judging by the details alone, it promises to be something quite special.
Let’s begin under the bonnet. Nestled in there is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which is the sort of engine that gets enthusiasts whispering in hushed, reverent tones. This one churns out 656bhp and 800Nm of torque, which, in old money, translates to very fast indeed.
Aston Martin says it’ll do 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds and carry on to 202mph. But those are just numbers, aren’t they? What really matters with an Aston Martin is how all of that power feels. The roar of the V8, the way the throttle responds like it’s connected directly to your right foot and the immediacy of the steering, all of these things are promised in spades. So it’s not just about speed, it’s about drama.
There is one thing that’s incredibly fast though and it’s the roof. Aston Martin reckons it’s the fastest fully automatic convertible roof in the world. They claim it opens or closes in just 6.8 seconds, which is quicker than it takes most of us to get in, buckle up and locate Radio 4. It works at speeds up to 31mph, so there’s no need to pull over if the heavens suddenly open.
The clever Z-fold design also saves weight and helps maintain the car’s poise. Remarkably, all this roof-related engineering adds only 60kg to the car’s weight. In convertible terms, that’s practically negligible. Most drop-tops feel a bit wobbly and heavy compared to their coupe siblings but Aston Martin’s engineers seem to have sorted that out rather nicely.
Inside, it’s very much a case of performance meets luxury, rather than out-and-out performance. The cabin is beautifully appointed, as you’d expect but it’s also delightfully driver focused. There’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen running Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system and it’s surprisingly intuitive.
Unlike many systems you’ll find in other cars, this one was developed in-house, which means it’s tailored specifically to the Vantage. It supports capacitive gesture controls, online connectivity and even a nifty customer app for your smartphone. It’s clever stuff and a fine example of Aston Martin’s progress in this area.
They have also done away with the ‘big screen’ trend and retained proper buttons and dials for key functions like drive modes and gear selection. It’s a relief, really as too many modern cars have done away with tactile controls, leaving you jabbing at a touchscreen while hurtling down the motorway. For the audiophiles, there’s an optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which should make your favourite playlist sound almost as good as the V8 growling away up front.
Handling, they say, is as sharp as the coupe’s. The Roadster gets Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, a tweaked rear suspension and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres. These are the kind of things that make sense on paper but are sure to come alive when you’re tackling a particularly twisty B-road.
The Roadster’s performance is going to be further enhanced by advanced suspension and braking systems. The adaptive dampers adjust to the road and your driving style, meaning the car is sure to be as comfortable on a motorway as it is poised on a track. The carbon-ceramic brakes are enormous (410mm at the front!) and they’re fade-resistant, which is just as well given the speeds this thing can reach. Paired with those bespoke Michelin tyres, the Vantage Roadster will feel planted and confidence-inspiring in all conditions.
There’s also a six-axis sensor system and clever traction control to keep everything pointed in the right direction, even if your enthusiasm outstrips your talent. Aston Martin are also going to fit an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, which is a fancy way of saying the rear wheels are always working together to put the power down efficiently.
And then there’s the way it looks. Roof up or down, it’s a stunner. The broader grille gives it a properly menacing face but it’s not just for show because airflow to the engine is improved by 30%. There’s also a new palette of paint colours, including one called Satin Iridescent Sapphire, which sounds as extravagant as it looks. If you’re after something truly bespoke, the Q by Aston Martin programme will happily oblige. Fancy a unique paint job? Done. Want your initials stitched into the seats? Easy. It’s all about making the car as unique as you are.
The Vantage Roadster is also a bit of a celebration for Aston Martin because it’s a nod to their 75 years of open-top motoring and proof that they’re still at the cutting edge of design and engineering. It certainly seems to understand where it came from but clearly isn’t afraid to embrace the future.
As stated, this car, for me, should sum up what Aston Martin does so well, which is not just building fast cars but building cars that make you feel something. The Vantage Roadster is sure to be as much an experience as it is a mode of transport. It’s going to be the kind of car you’ll take out on a Sunday morning because you can.
In a world increasingly dominated by electric cars and autonomous technology, the Vantage Roadster is a breath of fresh air (especially when the roof is down). It’s a reminder of what driving is all about, which is the connection between the driver and a machine that’s been designed to excite.
From its gorgeous design to its thrilling performance, every aspect is sure to make you fall in love with driving all over again. Whether you’re cruising along a coastal road or stuck on the M25 with only a Costa Coffee for company, the Vantage Roadster is sure to be a car that delivers joy.
Deliveries are set to begin in Q2 2025, and while we’ve yet to see it in the metal, the anticipation alone is enough to get my pulse racing.
