Aston Martin Debuts The New Vantage Roadster

© Aston MartinWhat is it?
Last year Aston Martin introduced one of its most exciting sports cars to date, the all-new Vantage. With eye-catching looks, a powerful V8 under the hood, and incredible driving dynamics, the Aston Martin Vantage is a pure driver’s car. The only thing that could make it better would be to add open-air enjoyment to the experience, and that’s exactly what Aston Martin has done with the all-new Vantage Roadster.

© Aston MartinWorld Class Experience
“The technical and dynamic capability of New Vantage delivered outstanding performance; far beyond any other preceding Vantage and it is now seen as a true class leading sports car”, said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Hallmark. “Vantage Roadster was no different feat in that it is a fully reinvented experience, with all the benefits of the Coupe and no compromise to refinement or performance through meticulous work by our engineering and dynamics teams. Vantage Roadster delivers a world-class roof-down driving experience like no other.”

© Aston MartinPower
Like its coupe sibling, the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is powered by a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes initially from Mercedes-AMG but is heavily reworked by Aston Martin engineers with larger turbos, optimized compression ratios, and increased cooling for a higher output and improved response. This engine represents a considerable increase in output compared to the outgoing version—30 percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque. A rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission manages the power, sending it to the rear wheels with an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

© Aston MartinVery Quick
It weighs about 132 pounds more than the Coupe, but the new Roadster still delivers the same impressive performance stats. Sixty mph comes up in just 3.5 seconds, and with enough road (or track), that speed will top out at just over 200 mph.

© Aston MartinExpect Excellent Performance
The Vantage was designed from the beginning to be available as a coupe or roadster, so removing the roof has no deleterious effects on driving dynamics. With a stiff aluminum chassis, composite body panels, adaptive dampers, an enhanced suspension, and unique Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires developed in partnership with Michelin, handling on the road or track should be just as impressive as the coupe. Only slight structural and suspension alterations were needed to account for the additional weight.

© Aston MartinConvertible Top
The new Roadster’s convertible roof features a Z-Fold configuration that is lighter and quicker operating than the typical retractable top – when open, it folds neatly behind the seats with no need for a hard tonneau cover. Featuring eight levels of insulation, the soft top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph or via the remote while parked. Not only is the car quick, so is its convertible top – the electric folding roof can open or close in just 6.8 seconds.

© Aston MartinFresh Design
When it arrived about a year ago, the new Vantage Coupe featured a completely redesigned front end with a wider body for a more aggressive stance – these same styling cues carry over to the new Roadster. The larger contoured grille not only improved the face of this updated Aston but also created almost 30 percent increased airflow, helping to keep the big V8 cool. Vertical vents ahead of the wheels provide additional cooling while further emphasizing the car’s wide presence. Completing the new look are the stylish Matrix LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights.

© Aston MartinBold Look
The new Roadster should boast exceptional performance, telegraphed via the vehicle’s bold looks. Wide fenders hint at the considerable power directed to the rear wheels, and they properly encompass the standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels. The iconic Aston Martin side strake and air vents behind the front tires give the appearance of speed, even when the car stands still. With its short overhangs, long hood, and steeply raked windshield, the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster has the perfect proportions for a high-performance open-top sports car.

© Aston MartinBig Exhaust
Completing the look are the stylish LED taillights that span the rear of the vehicle, as well as large quad exhaust pipes putting out a lovely V8 roar. That throaty exhaust will be even more pleasing with the top down.

© Aston MartinCustomization
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster customers can choose from a broad color palette to create their ideal vehicle. In addition to the standard 21 color options, three new colors have been added for the Roadster: Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire, and Bronze Flare, while the roof is available in Black, Red, Blue, or Black/Silver. Like all Aston Martins, there are almost infinite options for personalization through the brand’s Q by Aston Martin bespoke services.

© Aston MartinInner Space
The Vantage’s cabin received a complete makeover last year, and this fresh design carries over to the new Roadster. Central to the look is the new 10.25-inch touchscreen display that nicely integrates into the top of the center console. The slim vents and uncluttered dash add to the wide feeling of the cabin. Climate functions are easily accessed via physical buttons below the screen, while roller dials in the center console provide quick adjustment to cabin temperature, fan speed, and volume. Vehicle controls and the simple gear selector are front and center, just below the large start button.

© Aston MartinInfotainment
One of the more significant improvements Aston Martin made to the Vantage was the introduction of a new infotainment system. Built in-house by Aston Martin, the system features a nicely laid-out home screen with tiles that offer quick access to popular items like navigation, media, and communications. Also standard is a 390-watt 11-speaker audio system with the option of upgrading to a high-performance Bowers & Wilkins system.

© Aston MartinLuxurious Cabin
There are certain expectations for high-quality materials when purchasing a vehicle at the level of the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, and customers won’t be disappointed. The standard sport seats are trimmed in Haircell leather with the option of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara trim. Like the exterior, there are dozens of interior shades to choose from, and customers can customize the color and material of the headliner, seatbelts, stitching, and carpet. Multiple colors and styles of carbon fiber trim are also available.

© Aston MartinTrunk
While cargo-carrying ability is not typically the reason for purchasing an Aston Martin, the Vanquish Roadster loses some storage space going to a trunk instead of the Coupe’s rear hatch. About seven cubic feet of space is available for storage in the convertible, slightly less than the 12 cu-ft in the coupe.

© Aston MartinComing Soon
Aston Martin will begin delivering Vantage Roadsters this spring, joining the Vantage Coupe as well as the DB12, Vanquish, and DBX707. The Roadster’s base price is expected to come in around $205,000.

The post Aston Martin Debuts The New Vantage Roadster appeared first on autoNXT.net.

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