2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Makes the Summer Even Hotter

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is about as close to a proper muscle car as Great Britain currently builds. In simple terms, it’s the body and chassis of the V8 Vantage “starter Aston” with the 6.0L V12 from the company’s larger models crammed under the bonnet. In more complex terms, it’s a stylish, snarling union of big car engine and size-or-two-smaller car.

If you asked us to suggest ways Aston Martin could possibly broaden the V12 Vantage’s appeal, we would only be able to think of one: Offer a convertible version. Clearly, the storied British nameplate had the same idea. Say ‘ello to the 2013 V12 Vantage Roadster.

Just like the V12 Vantage Coupe, the Roadster features a bigger, carbon fiber front splitter, a carbon fiber rear diffuser which surrounds the engine oil cooler, a hood with four big vents, reshaped side skirts, and a fatter ducktail spoiler integrated into the decklid. Wheels are 19” split-spoke alloys wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and, of course, there’s a “V12 Vantage” badge on the trunk.

Also like the coupe, the truly major changes lie beneath that shapely skin. The big aluminum dozen up front makes the same 510hp and 420 lb.-ft as it does in the Roadster’s fixed-roof sister and, also like the coupe, is matched exclusively to a rear-mounted 6-speed manual transmission (People who hate the average vapid pseudo-celebrity being able to drive the same car you do, rejoice!). The suspension has been upgraded over the V8 Vantage Roadster, and consists of revised rear damper installation, new front and rear damper valving, and redesigned rear springs.

Not surprisingly, all that high performance hardware yields high performance figures. Aston Martin says the trip from 0-62 mph will take 4.5 seconds, while the top speed should be in the vicinity of 190 mph. No word if that second figure is attained with the fabric top raised or lowered, but we’re guessing that’s the top-up number.

And regardless of whether you’re motoring in the open or enclosed configuration, the V12 Vantage Roadster’s cabin is a mighty nice place to be. The seats and many other surfaces are draped in hand-stitched leather, and the inside door pulls are carbon fiber. Options include carbon fiber trim for the dashboard and gearshift surround, a backup camera, and either a 700-watt or a Bang & Olufsen 1,000-watt sound system.

Aston Martin hasn’t announced V12 Vantage Roadster pricing for the U.S., but it will start at 150,000 pounds (currently about $230,000 USD) in the home market. Yes, there are convertibles that are faster, more powerful and more exclusive available, but few of them have the irresistible combination of sexy styling, British charm and day-to-day civility that you find in this car. Some people like to rag on Aston Martin for adding so many different models and variations to its lineup, but when almost all of them look and perform like the V12 Vantage Roadster, we have a pretty hard time agreeing with them.

Source: Aston Martin