The British automaker Aston Martin has unveiled this week the most powerful version of the Vantage range, revealing the V12 Vantage Roadster which costs no less than 150,000 pounds, which makes it 15,000 pounds more expensive than the coupe model which was introduced back in 2009.
Under the hood is the same impressive engine, a massive V12 6.0-liter that pumps out 510 hp at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 420 lb.-ft at 5,750 rpm. This power unit is linked to a 6-speed manual transmission. The chassis of the vehicle is based on the company’s VH platform and has received various revisions, including here front & rear damper valve tuning, a modified rear damper setup, as well as a new design for the rear spring.
The car weighs 1,760 kg which makes it 80 kg heavier than the coupe, but the fabric-roofed Roadster is still capable of doing the 0-62 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 190 mph. Like the coupe version of the V12 Vantage, the Roadster comes with a Sport mode button which will provide a sportier exhaust note and a sharper throttle response.
When it comes down to cosmetic modifications, we notice the new look of the rear boot lid that now has a significantly more pronounced “flip” in order to diminish rear-lift and at the same time improve stability at high speeds. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster also comes with a lower front air intake, carbon fiber inserts for the mirror caps, side strakes and rear lamp infills, along with new 19-inch alloys. The rear diffuser also looks different in comparison to the one that the coupe has, and it now houses a big oil-cooler mounted in the center, as well as two large tailpipe finishers. For more money clients will be able to opt for an interior trim package which will add a carbon fiber gearshift surround and fascia.
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is already available on order while the production is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2012 so the first units should arrive in the beginning of next year.
Source: Aston Martin
