Aston Martin Reveals Its Latest Vantage Roadster

Key Features

• Much-anticipated Vantage Roadster, touted as the most powerful front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car, now offers an exhilarating open-air driving experience
• Technical advancements from the 2024 Vantage Coupe are integrated into the Vantage Roadster, featuring market-leading Active Vehicle Dynamics, Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), and bespoke-tuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers
• Maintains class-leading performance due to its lightweight construction, delivering 665PS/800Nm from the Aston Martin 4.0-Litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine
• Weight increase is minimal at just 60kg, inclusive of the roof and various structural upgrades
• Features the quickest electric folding convertible roof currently available, capable of fully opening or closing in just 6.8 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 31mph (50km/h)
• Updated structure and suspension to accommodate the rearward shift in weight distribution
• Top speed matches that of the Vantage Coupe at 202mph, with acceleration from 0-60mph achievable in 3.5 seconds
• Deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025

The Vantage Roadster is powered by Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, producing 665PS/800Nm. It encapsulates the outstanding performance, dynamic feedback, and aesthetic allure of the coupe while adding an exhilarating open-top experience for enthusiasts of convertible driving. This new model enhances the emotional connection to the already thrilling drive, expanding the allure of this quintessential British sports car that combines classic elements with modern advancements.

The new Vantage Roadster is crafted to provide all the style, freedom, and spirit of adventure typically associated with convertibles, but without the usual design constraints found in such vehicles. It’s as stunning as its hardtop sibling, featuring minimal weight increase and boasting the fastest fully-automatic roof mechanism available, making it a convertible with no compromises—a fitting addition to the Vantage lineage.

the performance and handling that Vantage is renowned for. It combines the excitement of open-top driving with the precision of a well-engineered sports car.”

This year marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin, as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of the V8 Vantage, which first debuted in 2005. This particular model was a landmark for the brand, being the first modern Aston Martin produced in Gaydon to carry the Vantage name, and it established itself as a unique model rather than just a variant. A year after its launch, the Roadster version was introduced, further expanding its appeal.

Reflecting on the Vantage’s evolution over the decades, it has consistently showcased Aston Martin’s commitment to performance and luxury. The introduction of the Vantage Roadster represents the legacy of innovation and craftsmanship that the brand is known for.

The Vantage Roadster is the result of a dedicated effort by our engineering and dynamics teams to achieve refinement and performance. It offers an unparalleled experience when driving with the roof down.

Engineering Excellence

The Vantage Roadster retains the essential dynamic qualities of the Vantage Coupe because both models were developed contemporaneously rather than sequentially. This parallel engineering process has resulted in a model that stands on its own, enabling the incorporation of features that maintain performance levels, ride quality, handling, and limit additional weight.

In comparison to its predecessor, the Vantage Roadster benefits from Aston Martin’s tailored 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which boasts a remarkable increase in power and torque by 155PS and 115Nm, respectively, due to the implementation of larger turbochargers, modified camshaft profiles, and an enhanced compression ratio. Producing a total output of 665PS and an impressive 800Nm of torque, this power is channeled through an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that powers just the rear wheels. The Vantage Roadster offers breathtaking performance with a sprint from 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202mph, all delivered within a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout cherished by enthusiasts. The retractable roof allows occupants to fully enjoy the distinctive roar of the V8, resonating from under the car’s elegantly contoured hood and exhaust tailpipes.

With its ultra-rigid yet lightweight aluminum chassis, composite body panels, and a well-balanced 49:51 weight distribution front-to-rear, the Vantage Roadster establishes an ideal foundation for the suspension system to operate effectively. It features race-inspired unequal-length double wishbones at the front, a multi-link rear axle, coil springs, and bespoke-tuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, along with a non-isolated steering column. This meticulous engineering results in the precision, balance, and confidence that define exceptional high-performance driving experiences.

Featuring 410mm brake discs at the front, equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, the Vantage Roadster showcases six-piston monoblock calipers that enable it to decelerate as swiftly as it accelerates, consistently. The required grip comes from custom Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres, which were developed specifically for the Vantage by Michelin in collaboration with Aston Martin, ensuring a compound suited to the model’s precise needs. These tyres deliver exceptional traction in both dry and wet conditions, alongside remarkable steering feedback and smooth breakaway characteristics.

This advanced hardware is complemented by an electronic framework that utilizes six-axis sensors. This system provides a remarkably detailed analysis of the vehicle’s performance, allowing the ESP system to adjust optimal settings based on driving conditions and the individual driver’s style. Furthermore, the Vantage Roadster incorporates the cutting-edge Advanced Traction Control system from the Vantage Coupe, offering drivers the ability to select from eight different traction control settings. The default setting of five is designed to yield the fastest and cleanest laps. Lower settings increase intervention levels, adding extra reassurance and safety during challenging weather, while experienced drivers can deactivate traction control for an unfiltered driving experience.

From the beginning, several strategies were embedded into the Vantage Roadster’s structure to preserve the model’s essence, exceptional performance, and passion for open-air driving, carried over from the Coupe. To achieve this, two key objectives—traditionally seen as opposing forces—were prioritized: maintaining a lightweight design relative to the Coupe while ensuring an exceptionally high level of structural rigidity, a challenging feat for a convertible.

These modifications involve mapping the load paths throughout the vehicle’s structure and body, as well as altering how the rear of the car is fixed to enhance stiffness compared to the Coupe model. Moreover, optimized shear panels have been strategically positioned to further increase lateral rigidity, compensating for the inherent loss in stiffness found in any convertible design.

The roof features a ‘Z-fold’ mechanism, which is both quicker and lighter than a conventional ‘K-fold’ roof, eliminating the need for a tonneau cover, thus contributing to weight savings and a lower center of gravity. The Vantage Roadster’s roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h), with the entire folding process taking just 6.8 seconds—making it the fastest fully automatic convertible roof system available today. This seamless operation can be executed either while seated inside the vehicle or remotely via the key fob, provided the user remains within a two-meter range of the car.

Even with the remarkable speed and lightweight construction, the refinement of the roof remains uncompromised. It includes eight layers of insulation, ensuring that the interior noise levels with the roof closed are comparable to those experienced in the Vantage coupe.

This Z-fold design not only simplifies but also lightens the roof mechanism, resulting in a total weight increase of merely 60 kg for the Vantage Roadster, a notable and class-leading accomplishment in this segment.

The rollover structure has been meticulously optimized to balance strength and weight. The aluminum Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) employs a manufacturing process known as ‘Castrusion,’ which combines the best aspects of casting and extrusion to create a system that is robust, lightweight, and easy to integrate.

Lastly, the suspension system has also been enhanced to account for changes in mass and weight distribution. While these alterations may be minor, the recalibrated software for the rear dampers and the retuning of the mountings for the rear gearbox exemplify the lengths to which Aston Martin engineers go to maintain the renowned handling capabilities of the Vantage from Coupe to Roadster.

Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance, remarked, “Vantage made headlines last year for the huge increases

in both power and torque compared to its predecessor, captivating enthusiasts and purists alike with its remarkable performance. By developing the Vantage Coupe and Roadster in tandem, we successfully maintained the striking dynamic capabilities and agile sporting essence of the Vantage, ensuring that removing the roof did not compromise its driving experience. This allows drivers to enjoy performance at its peak while being more attuned to the surrounding environment. Meticulous optimizations in the body structure, along with chassis tuning specifically tailored for the Roadster by our expert dynamics team, have made this vehicle the ideal companion to its Coupe counterpart.”

Design

Ensuring that all of the impactful essence and aesthetic appeal of the Vantage Coupe was preserved.The Vantage Roadster is designed to maintain its breathtaking lines whether the roof is raised or lowered. This goal has been accomplished so expertly that when the roof is stowed away, the Vantage Roadster appears as though it was always intended to be a convertible. The sharply designed windscreen pairs with the vehicle’s elevated waistline to form an ideally proportioned profile typical of a thoroughbred sports car.

The roof retracts smoothly behind the seats without the need for a cumbersome, heavy tonneau cover, while the sloping bootlid meets the striking rise of the characteristic rear spoiler. The broader stance introduced in the coupe is preserved for the Roadster, along with the enlarged opening of the iconic Aston Martin grille, which exemplifies the harmony of aesthetic appeal and practicality; this spacious grille enhances airflow to the robust engine by nearly 30 percent.

With a stunning canvas to work on, three new colors—Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire, and Bronze Flare—have been incorporated into the color selection for the Vantage Roadster. Additionally, the roof can be customized in Black, Red, or Blue, or a combination of Black and Silver. Further emphasizing its sporty nature, a variety of 21 complementary color options are available for painted liveries. Customers can choose from four distinct 21″ wheel styles with various finishes, accompanied by one of seven choices for brake caliper colors.

Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, remarked, “This new Vantage Roadster is a sculptural masterpiece. The resonant roar of its engine brings its simple yet refined surface design to life, creating a connection that’s impossible to ignore. Its form exudes beauty, its athletic stance conveys predatory intent, and its sound delivers a visceral, sensory experience. Created as both art and performance, the engine’s sound amplifies this balance, turning the auditory experience into an essential part of the journey. With the roof down, the soundscape becomes as dynamic as the design, blending simplicity, power, and a visceral connection that transcends driving into an unmatched sensory experience.”

As with all Aston Martin vehicles, Vantage buyers have access to limitless bespoke and customization options through the Q by Aston Martin personalization service. By collaborating with Q’s skilled designers and artisans, customers undertake a memorable commissioning journey, which can range from a simple unique detail to the comprehensive engineering and crafting of entirely custom components, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle.

The Vantage Roadster, much like its Coupe equivalent, showcases Aston Martin’s cutting-edge infotainment system. This system, designed in-house and first seen in the DB12, is entirely custom-built and developed from the ground up. It boasts a fully integrated multi-screen layout with complete online connectivity, incorporating a 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen featuring advanced capacitive touch technology for both single and multi-finger gestures. Touchscreen functions are complemented by the tactile feel of physical buttons that are preserved for essential mechanical tasks such as gear shifting, drive selection, and climate control. Additionally, there are dedicated control switches for Chassis, ESP, Exhaust, Active Safety System configurations, and Park Distance Control, allowing the most frequently used functions to be handled intuitively without diverting attention from driving. The system is further enhanced by a new connectivity app for Aston Martin customers, compatible with both iOS and Android, which facilitates interaction, control, and feedback between users and their Vantage via personal devices.

The Vantage Roadster comes equipped as standard with an 11-speaker audio system from Aston Martin, delivering 390 watts of power. This advanced system incorporates a Surround sound mode that utilizes QuantumLogic® processing for a rich auditory experience. However, for enthusiasts who believe a quality soundtrack is essential, an optional upgrade is available, created in partnership with Bowers & Wilkins. This high-end system is specifically fine-tuned to complement the interior’s acoustics and dimensions, featuring technologies and innovations from Bowers & Wilkins’ renowned loudspeakers.

Deliveries of the Vantage Roadster are set to begin in the second quarter of 2025. It will join the ranks of the DB12 and DB12 Volante coupes, the stunning new Vanquish, and the SUV supercar DBX707, along with the anticipated Valhalla supercar, together forming a remarkably capable and desirable lineup in the illustrious 112-year history of Aston Martin.