The new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is one of the most powerful convertible sports cars on sale after a comprehensive performance-focused upgrade.
With 656 hp and 590 lb-ft from the reworked version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the new roadster has significantly more power than its 505 hp predecessor, and is set to be a more dynamic offering.
Now Aston is more powerful than competitors such as the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and Ferrari Roma, and Aston’s new power levels push it to compete with some models in the above category, such as the Maserati MC20 Cielo and McLaren Artura Spider.
The new drop-top model follows the coupé model launched almost a year ago, which Aston described as “the quickest and most driver-focused car in the marque’s 74-year history.”
The Vantage Roadster draws power from the same Mercedes-AMG-derived engine as the coupe. Although the convertible is 60kg heavier, due to the extra stiffness of its braces and roof mechanics, it still manages to match its sibling in a straight line with a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. Top speed for both is limited to 202 mph.
This makes it just as quick as the outgoing 690bhp V12 Vantage Roadster, the most powerful convertible Aston has produced to date.
The car’s pace is the result of a complete overhaul of its V8 engine. Aston added new cam profiles, a larger turbo, revised compression ratios and improved cooling. The company has also tweaked the ratios and calibration of the eight-speed automatic gearbox for “more aggressive” in-gear acceleration and quicker gear changes.
To improve driving dynamics, the aluminum body has been strengthened and the car has been kept at a weight distribution of approximately 50:50. As before, double wishbones were installed at the front and a multi-link at the rear.
Aston claims the car’s rear end is up to 29% stiffer under load, to the benefit of handling and driver feedback. New custom-tuned Bilstein DRX adaptive dampers also increase response.