New V12 Vantage Roadster Fuses Ultimate Performance With Open-Air Thrills

Aston Martin unleashes the new V12 Vantage Roadster. This uniquely exciting and ultra-exclusive limited production model combines the thrilling performance of the most powerful Aston Martin Vantage ever made with the freedom and sensory stimulation of roof-down driving.

With production strictly limited to just 249 customer examples globally, with all examples sold ahead of release, the V12 Vantage Roadster boasts a compelling combination of dramatic widebody design, ground-hugging wide-track suspension and – for the first time in a Vantage Roadster – the mighty 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 engine.

With searing straight-line speed and the unfiltered howl of Aston Martin’s sonorous 700PS 12-cylinder engine, the V12 Vantage Roadster elevates the open-top driving experience to a scintillating new level.

Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, said: “We have worked extremely hard to ensure the V12 Vantage Roadster possesses the same potency and dynamism that characterises the V12 Vantage while surpassing it in terms of raw sensory excitement that you only achieve with the roof down driving. With more power and torque than any Vantage Roadster before, a wide-track chassis with precisely tuned suspension calibration, and up to ten times the downforce of the series production Vantage Roadster, this is a breathtaking machine created for our most enthusiastic customers”.

The key to this exhilarating driving experience is the powerhouse of the engine. Developing 700PS at 6500 rpm and 753Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, the quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 is a true force of nature. With a power-to-weight ratio of 372PS-per-ton and an endlessly impressive delivery which combines effortless in-gear response with epic acceleration, every squeeze of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s throttle leads to a fantastic adrenaline rush.

Accelerating from rest to 60mph in just 3.5sec and with a top speed of 200mph, the V12 Vantage Roadster occupies the highest echelon of open-top sportscar performance. With a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted at the rear, the car possesses the purity and balance of a front-mid-engined rear-wheel drive layout. An optimised transmission calibration minimises shift speeds and driver interaction, while adaptive software in the transmission’s control system monitors operating conditions and driver demands to enhance the driver’s feeling of response and control.

Sharing the same suspension hardware as the V12 Vantage but featuring a bespoke tune for its adaptive dampers, the V12 Vantage Roadster’s dynamics have been honed to the keenest possible edge. The steering calibration mirrors found in the V12 Vantage offer maximum steering feel and quick response, which bring the car alive through corners and can be felt with every steering input.

Like the V12 Vantage, the V12 Vantage Roadster features powerful Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) as standard. Measuring 410mm x 38mm, the front discs are gripped by 6-piston callipers, while the 360mm x 32mm rear discs are paired with 4-piston callipers.

With much increased stopping power and tremendous resistance to brake fade at high temperatures, the CCB technology also saves a considerable 23kg of unsprung weight than steel brakes, benefitting steering response and ride quality.

To further reduce overall mass, the V12 Vantage Roadster’s front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders and side sills are made from carbon fibre, with the rear bumper and deck lid made from weight-saving composite material.

Additional savings have been made by adopting a lightweight battery and a unique centre-mounted twin-exit exhaust system fabricated from lightweight 1mm stainless steel. Tuned to ensure the V12 Vantage Roadster has a compelling voice to match its looks, this new system weighs 7.2kg less than its exhaust.

The V12 Vantage Roadster’s monstrous performance indicates that its dramatic form is driven by function. For example, the formidable physique of the widebody design is necessary to accommodate the wide-track suspension, which is 40mm wider than Vantage.

The new front bumper design, complete with a full-width front splitter, generates additional downforce and aerodynamic balance. At the same time, increased cooling is achieved by the reshaped front grille, which is 25% larger, and the ‘horse shoe’ engine vent in the bonnet.

The aerodynamic performance also informs the new sculpted single-piece sills and rear bumper, which comes complete with an integrated diffuser – the effectiveness of which has been improved by the routing of the centre mounted, twin tailpipe exhaust system.

In contrast to the V12 Vantage, the V12 Vantage Roadster comes without the dramatic rear wing as standard, though it can be specified as an option. Those who choose the more understated look can do so knowing that aerodynamic balance is maintained thanks to detailed underbody airflow management.

Final visual touches come from impressive 21-in alloy wheels, offered in two finishes, satin black or silver diamond turned. An optional lightweight forged wheel option is available in both satin black and satin black diamond, saving a further 8kg of unsprung mass. Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tyres – 275/35 R21 front and 315/30 R21 at the rear – are standard for all rims.

As the flagship of the Vantage range, the V12 Roadster is fitted with Sports Plus Seats trimmed in full semi-aniline leather and featuring a ‘Wings’ quilt and perforation pattern. A carbon fibre performance seat with an exposed twill carbon fibre shell and manual 6-way adjustment can be an option for those looking for the ultimate in dynamic design and maximum support for high-performance driving, also saving 7.3kg without skimping on occupant comfort.

V12 Vantage Roadster customers can further boost the exclusivity of their car by engaging the services of the marque’s bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, for everything from striking exterior graphics and liveries to woven leather.

With extensive use of exposed carbon fibre in its design, the V12 Vantage Roadster also lends itself perfectly to Q by Aston Martin: Commission’s range of tinted lacquers, which change appearance under different lighting conditions to make a spectacular feature of the hand-laid carbon fibre panels.

Production of the V12 Vantage Roadster is due to commence in Q3 of 2022, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 2022.

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