Aston roadster amongst the most powerful drop tops

Aston Martin has refreshed the convertible version of the Vantage, following on from the updated coupe. Larger turbos, amongst other enhancements, take power out to 489kW and torque to 800Nm, lopping 0.2sec from its sprint time (circa 3.5sec). A top speed of 323km/h is the same as that of the hardtop variant. 

It has been at least 18 months in development and won’t go on sale for another few months yet. Pricing is not yet to hand but expect it to surpass that of the $375k Vantage coupe and probably begin with a four.

Aside from the power up, the facelifted convert comes in for styling changes, new suspension components and an updated IFT system.

The folding cloth hood is unchanged and still the quickest in the world according to its maker, taking 6.8 seconds to open or close. That’s under half what a Porsche 911 Cabriolet needs. However,  it almost halves boot capacity from 350 litres to around 200. 

On road, Aston says it is even better than before, though weight is 60kg more than that of the coupe. Weight balance is 49/51 versus even for the hard top. For enhanced dynamics, Aston has stiffened the chassis. It has also fitted new Bilstein DRX adaptive dampers and adjusted the front double wishbones. Brakes are steel but include the same optional carbon ceramic units as the Coupe with 410mm discs up front, slowed by six-piston calipers. 

Its AMG-derived twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 gets a 114kW power hike, matched by a 116Nm torque lift. The output powers the rear wheels via an enhanced eight-speed automatic gearbox and a limited-slip electronic differential. Its 21-inch alloys run Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S AML tyres. 

Read our review of the Aston Martin Vantage.

Styling changes include a completely new front end, out by 30mm in width, while the rear has the same new bumper as the coupe, and additional vents behind the rear wheels. 

Aston’s next-generation infotainment system has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with gesture control and faster operating speed. It includes wireless smartphone integration. 

Climate control and power train settings are controlled by buttons and switches. An 11-speaker sound system is fitted, though a swept up Bowers & Wilkins outfit is an option. 

Expect it here around midyear.