Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Says Goodbye To The 12-Cylinder With 690 HP

Aug. 19, 2022 9:02 PM ETby Jarryd Neves Reveal

• 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 with 690 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque
• 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds
• All 249 units sold ahead of launch

Earlier this year, we got wind of Aston Martin’s plans to introduce a roofless variant of the V12 Vantage Coupe. Following a suggestive teaser, the Gaydon-based brand has finally unveiled the bewitching V12 Vantage Roadster at Pebble Beach, a highly-limited drop-top with 690 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque.

This surfeit of muscle comes courtesy of the magnificent 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 living under that pretty bodywork. Aside from a sonorous V12 howl, the power plant provides some startling performance. 60 mph is reached in 3.5 seconds, and with a long enough straight and motivated driver, the V12 Vantage Roadster will hit 200 mph before running out of steam.

But a car as soulful as this is so much more than on-paper figures. The luxury automaker is promising remarkable power delivery, noting the V12 Roadster boasts particularly strong in-gear response and seamless acceleration. Creating this piece of wheeled art wasn’t as simple as shoehorning a large engine up front and calling it a day.

“We have worked extremely hard to ensure the V12 Vantage Roadster possesses the same potency and dynamism that characterizes the V12 Vantage Coupe,” explained Roberto Fedeli, the company’s Chief Technical Officer. As such, the newcomer gains a wide-track chassis for more focused handling. The soft-top retains the suspension setup of its coupe sibling but receives bespoke tuning for the adaptive dampers.

It also retains the Vantage Coupe’s steering calibration to “bring the car alive” through the bends. The ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission has been calibrated to minimize shift speeds and boasts adaptive software that monitors the driver and road conditions and provide the ideal response. Naturally, there’s a mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear.

The roofless V12 gains the same carbon ceramic brakes as the hardtop. The 16.1-inch front discs receive six-piston calipers, while the 14.2-inch items fitted at the rear have four-piston calipers. Aside from improved stopping capabilities, the lightweight braking system scrubs a considerable 50.7 lbs of unsprung weight from the total mass.

The base Vantage Roadster is already a striking and beautiful machine, but the V12 variant enhances this with an aggressive widebody. This isn’t just for show; it is necessary to accommodate the revised suspension setup. Up front, you’ll find an entirely new front bumper with a front splitter that increases downforce and enhances vehicle aerodynamics.

Additional changes come in the form of a larger grille, which, together with the “horseshoe” vent on the hood, increases engine cooling. The new rear bumper (with integrated diffuser) and single-piece sills aid handling. In total, the aerodynamic package generates a staggering 476 lbs of downforce. The more subdued roadster does away with the coupe’s large rear wing, but it can be specified at extra cost.

Available in two finishes, the 21-inch wheels suit the styling to a tee. Should you want to reduce vehicle weight by an additional 17.6 lbs, an optional lightweight forged design is also available. Regardless of which wheel you opt for, the V12 Vantage Roadster receives Michelin Pilot 4S high-performance tires.

As important as performance is, luxury has always been a mainstay of the Aston Martin brand. As such, the cozy cabin is treated to exquisite materials and the finest leather, such as the full semi-aniline hide that covers the standard Sports Plus seats. Of course, the brand’s signature quilt pattern and ‘Wings’ logo are present on the sporty pews.

But should you want an even racier alternative, there’s a carbon fiber performance seat option that provides increased support for keen drivers and shaves a further 16.1 lbs off the scale at the expense of manual adjustment and gorgeous carbon fiber weave.

This being an Aston, the V12 Vantage Roadster is privy to the exclusive world of Q by Aston Martin. Here, customers can choose from unique paint schemes, exterior graphics, or exclusive woven leather. The bespoke tailoring service even offers exposed carbon fiber body panels for a more hardcore look.

The scope for personalization is seemingly endless, with myriad accessories, packages, and design details providing each and every owner the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind motorcar.

If you’re hoping to be one of these aforementioned customers, we have some bad news for you. Aston Martin is planning to produce just 249 examples – all of which are already spoken for.

Production of the limited-series V12 Vantage Roadster is expected to kick off in the third quarter of the year, with deliveries commencing shortly thereafter. “We created this explicit open-top sports car for those craving excitement and drama. The platform presented us with a design opportunity to make a contemporary visual statement of intent. The result is a living, breathing, driving sculpture with a level of control that sits at the fingertips,” explained the company’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.