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Earlier in June 2012 we reported on Aston Martin debuting the revival of its Vanquish moniker. Not content with its DBS replacement, the British automaker has debuted its latest sports car - the V12 Vantage Roadster.
The new model, available as a limited edition in selected markets, is the automaker's most potent open-top Vantage variant yet powered by a 6.0 V12 engine.
The V12 powerplant is capable of 380kW at 6500rpm and 570Nm of torque at 5750rpm mated to a six-speed manual.
STUNNING DESIGN
The non-turbo V12 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 300km/h.
Image gallery!
While the new model naturally shares much of the specifications from the V12 Vantage Coupe, some elements are redesigned due to the roadster’s neat packaging.
The roadster features a redesigned rear boot lid and lower front air intake and there are also a number of chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design.
Aston Martin chief executive officer Ulrich Bez said: “The V12 Vantage models are, first and foremost, driver’s cars – inviting and fully rewarding the driver’s full involvement."
POTENT ROADSTER
The new roadster boasts a number of eye-catching style upgrades such as carbon fibre trim at the front, rear and sides as well as a rear diffuser. The model also sports new forged alloy wheels riding on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.
At the rear, the boot lid incorporates a more pronounced "flip" to reduce rear lift and improve stability. The V12’s diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large exhausts.
As with the front splitter, the carbon fibre rear diffuser is hand-built.
Subtle additions to the interior, such as the use of glass switches in the centre console, serve to set the roadster's cabin apart from its Vantage siblings.
Carbon fibre interior trim option is available, too.
Unique to the V12 Vantage and new V12 Vantage Roadster is the “Sport” mode, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.
"Normal" mode is the default setting and provides more relaxed acceleration for driving in traffic as well as a toned down exhaust note.
Sport mode is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. Acceleration is more responsive and the engine delivers more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel.
Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create a particularly sporty exhaust note.
Bez said: “The addition to our range of this exceptional new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full ‘sensory overload’ thanks to its outstanding performance.
“I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver.”
The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is priced at £150 000 (R1.9-million) in the UK.
The new model, available as a limited edition in selected markets, is the automaker's most potent open-top Vantage variant yet powered by a 6.0 V12 engine.
The V12 powerplant is capable of 380kW at 6500rpm and 570Nm of torque at 5750rpm mated to a six-speed manual.
STUNNING DESIGN
The non-turbo V12 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 300km/h.
Image gallery!
While the new model naturally shares much of the specifications from the V12 Vantage Coupe, some elements are redesigned due to the roadster’s neat packaging.
The roadster features a redesigned rear boot lid and lower front air intake and there are also a number of chassis revisions. These include a modified rear damper set-up, front and rear damper valve tuning and a new rear spring design.
Aston Martin chief executive officer Ulrich Bez said: “The V12 Vantage models are, first and foremost, driver’s cars – inviting and fully rewarding the driver’s full involvement."
POTENT ROADSTER
The new roadster boasts a number of eye-catching style upgrades such as carbon fibre trim at the front, rear and sides as well as a rear diffuser. The model also sports new forged alloy wheels riding on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.
At the rear, the boot lid incorporates a more pronounced "flip" to reduce rear lift and improve stability. The V12’s diffuser houses a large, centre-mounted oil cooler and two large exhausts.
As with the front splitter, the carbon fibre rear diffuser is hand-built.
Subtle additions to the interior, such as the use of glass switches in the centre console, serve to set the roadster's cabin apart from its Vantage siblings.
Carbon fibre interior trim option is available, too.
Unique to the V12 Vantage and new V12 Vantage Roadster is the “Sport” mode, which enables the driver to select between two different powertrain modes.
"Normal" mode is the default setting and provides more relaxed acceleration for driving in traffic as well as a toned down exhaust note.
Sport mode is designed for use in more dynamic driving situations where sharper responses are required. Acceleration is more responsive and the engine delivers more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel.
Exhaust system bypass valves are also kept open for longer to create a particularly sporty exhaust note.
Bez said: “The addition to our range of this exceptional new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full ‘sensory overload’ thanks to its outstanding performance.
“I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver.”
The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is priced at £150 000 (R1.9-million) in the UK.
