Potent Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster unveiled

Aston Martin has unveiled the most potent example of its open-top Vantage range, the 510bhp, 190mph V12 Vantage Roadster.

The long-awaited drop-top, eagerly anticipated since the V12 Vantage coupé was introduced back in 2009, carries a £150,000 price tag, £15,000 more than its sibling.

Powered by the same 5935cc engine as the V12 Vantage coupé and the DBS, the Roadster generates 510bhp at 6500rpm and 420lb ft of torque at 5750rpm and is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.

There are a number of revisions to the chassis, which is based on Aston’s VH platform, including a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design. 

At 1760kg, the fabric-roofed Roadster is 80kg heavier than its coupé cousin. According to Aston’s estimates, it will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.5sec, which means it will be 0.3sec slower than the V12 Vantage, but the 190mph top speed remains unchanged. 

As with the V12 Vantage coupé, the Roadster features a ‘Sport’ mode button that sharpens the throttle response and provides a more sporty exhaust note.

Cosmetic changes include a redesigned rear boot lid, which has a more pronounced ‘flip’ to reduce rear-lift and improve high-speed stability. The V12 Vantage Roadster also gets a lower front air intake, a new design of 19in alloy wheel and carbonfibre detailing to the front splitter, mirror caps, rear lamp infills and side strakes.

The V12’s rear diffuser is also revised compared to the coupé, and houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large tail-pipe finishers.

An optional interior trim package comprising carbonfibre fascia and gearshift surround is also available. The V12 Vantage Roadster is available to order now, with production starting in the final quarter of this year.