Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Delivers Sunshine in a Hurry
Expanding its product portfolio once again, Aston Martin has revealed a new drop top version of its most powerful Vantage model. For the 2013 model year the race-car inspired V12 Vantage now gains a Roadster variant, delivering 510 hp in with plenty of carbon fiber and Vitamin D.
Powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 engine found in the coupe, and borrowed from models like the flagship DBS, full power comes on at 6500 rpm, while torque of 420 lb-ft at 5750 rpm. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, Aston Martin claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.
Performance modifications include a retuned suspension and a unique Sport mode setting that allows for better throttle response with more torque delivered early on. Pressing the “Sport” button also engages new exhaust bypass valves to really let the V12 engine sing.
Much like the coupe, the Roadster model has a unique body with carbon fiber used for the front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as in cosmetic areas like for the mirror caps. Changes have been made to the standard V8 Roadster’s rear end, with a larger ‘flip’ in the boot lid to improve high speed stability.
Inside, small touches include glass switches for controls on the center stack while carbon fiber accents can be added as an optional extra.
On sale later this year, the V12 Vantage Roadster is expected to carry a premium over the coupe, which retails for just over $180,000.
GALLERY: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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