The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster: A Refreshed Take on a Timeless Design

This is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, a new car that wraps up everything that's brilliant about Aston Martin in one package. As we examine this vehicle, it becomes clear that it's a derivative of a derivative, with its design and specifications inspired by previous models. However, despite being a revised take on an existing platform, the V12 Vantage Roadster feels like a cohesive whole, showcasing the best aspects of Aston Martin's DNA.

With its six-litre V12 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 420 pounds of torque, this car has some big numbers under the hood. However, it's also worth noting that the V12 Vantage Roadster is no lightweight. With a weight of 1,760 kilograms (3,858 lbs), it may not be as agile or maneuverable as other cars in its class. Nevertheless, Aston Martin has tweaked the spring and damper rates for this roadster version, as well as the design of the rear springs and dampers, to create a more balanced and refined driving experience.

One of the most significant updates made to the V12 Vantage Roadster is the addition of a simple manual gearbox. This move may seem counterintuitive, given that many modern sports cars now feature automated transmissions. However, Aston Martin has chosen to emphasize driver engagement and control over convenience and ease of use. The result is a more immersive driving experience that rewards skilled drivers with precise steering and responsive acceleration.

The V12 Vantage Roadster also features a two-stage stability control system, which helps to prevent the car from getting out of control on slippery surfaces or during spirited driving. Additionally, its short wheelbase and limited suspension travel contribute to its impressive agility and responsiveness on the road.

Despite its many strengths, the V12 Vantage Roadster is not without its compromises. By removing the roof, Aston Martin has created a more open and airy driving experience that's perfect for sunny days or open-road cruising. However, this also means that the car can be prone to shimmies and tugs through the steering, particularly on bumpy roads or during braking. Furthermore, in heavy rain or inclement weather, the V12 Vantage Roadster's short wheelbase can make it more difficult to handle.

On the other hand, when driven in dry conditions, the V12 Vantage Roadster is a true joy to drive. Its balance and composure are exceptional, with minimal understeer and a smooth, responsive steering feel. The result is a car that feels like a hot rod, even though it's actually a high-performance grand tourer.

One of the most impressive aspects of the V12 Vantage Roadster is its ability to deliver a truly engaging driving experience. By combining its powerful V12 engine with a manual gearbox and a well-balanced chassis, Aston Martin has created a car that rewards skilled drivers with precision and control. Whether on twisty mountain roads or at high-speed circuits, the V12 Vantage Roadster is a blast to drive.

Ultimately, it's clear that the V12 Vantage Roadster is more than just another sports car in the modern era. It's a celebration of Aston Martin's heritage and design philosophy, with its classic lines, bold color scheme, and exceptional performance capabilities. For enthusiasts who crave driving excitement and a sense of exclusivity, the V12 Vantage Roadster is sure to be a hard-to-resist proposition.

Despite its limitations and compromises, the V12 Vantage Roadster remains an exceptional car that showcases the best aspects of Aston Martin's DNA. Its unique blend of power, handling, and style makes it a standout in the modern sports car market, and one that's sure to appeal to enthusiasts who value driving excitement and exclusivity above all else.

In conclusion, the V12 Vantage Roadster is an exceptional car that embodies the best aspects of Aston Martin's design philosophy. With its powerful V12 engine, manual gearbox, and well-balanced chassis, it delivers a truly engaging driving experience that rewards skilled drivers with precision and control. Whether on twisty mountain roads or at high-speed circuits, the V12 Vantage Roadster is a blast to drive, making it an exceptional proposition for enthusiasts who crave driving excitement and exclusivity.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is the Aston Martin v12 Vantage Roadster it's a new car but of course it's a derivative of a derivative of a derivative so what you might be thinking well this car wraps up everything that's brilliant about Aston Martin in one package the question is in a world of Porsche 991 Nissan GTR and cars as complete as the Ferrari four five eight can a refreshed Vantage really cut it we're here on a beautiful British summer's day to find out so it's a big ask but this little car has some big numbers it's six litre v12 is unchanged from the ku paper that still means it's got 510 horsepower 420 pounds of torque this thing's a hundred and fifty thousand pounds but it is heavy too it's seventeen hundred and sixty kilos Aston has tweaked the spring and damper rates for this roadster version and also the design of the rear springs and the rear dampers - everything else is pretty much the same a simple manual gearbox two-stage stability control system short wheelbase and loads of scope for absolute to Ligon ISM this thing might not have the grin something like the new 911 which I guess is the much more affordable but rational rational rival so it's enough to play to their strengths then they're going to have to continue to do so as other cars new generations arrive this cars about noise back drama conditions it feels brilliant you cannot be massive engine in its tiny car so by losing the roof you do get some compromises there's the odd shimmy and tug through the steering and on the road in bumpy braking zones you can feel the structure sort of being like it's going to tie itself in knots for awhole it feels pretty stiff what you gain obviously when it isn't pouring with rain is unfettered access to the so you lose a little bit in the detail but we don't lose is the balance of this car in the rain I have to say is quite tricky that short wheelbase you can really feel by driving us down the road in the dry and it's brilliantly balanced you expect understeer because of this huge engine but you just don't find it it's really really sweetly balanced maybe the v8 hush control on turning but talking fine margins and actually sort of expect this thing to just be a hot rod but it's a lot all nice a really really good driver's car just what conclusions can we draw about this v12 Vantage Roadster probably that it can't compete with its rivals in a rational European aster - a special little car this more special I think than DBS or Viraj or something just really cool about having a v12 in this little shell it is mega mega fun involved a radically new but you would still love to have this thing in your garage I can tell you thatthis is the Aston Martin v12 Vantage Roadster it's a new car but of course it's a derivative of a derivative of a derivative so what you might be thinking well this car wraps up everything that's brilliant about Aston Martin in one package the question is in a world of Porsche 991 Nissan GTR and cars as complete as the Ferrari four five eight can a refreshed Vantage really cut it we're here on a beautiful British summer's day to find out so it's a big ask but this little car has some big numbers it's six litre v12 is unchanged from the ku paper that still means it's got 510 horsepower 420 pounds of torque this thing's a hundred and fifty thousand pounds but it is heavy too it's seventeen hundred and sixty kilos Aston has tweaked the spring and damper rates for this roadster version and also the design of the rear springs and the rear dampers - everything else is pretty much the same a simple manual gearbox two-stage stability control system short wheelbase and loads of scope for absolute to Ligon ISM this thing might not have the grin something like the new 911 which I guess is the much more affordable but rational rational rival so it's enough to play to their strengths then they're going to have to continue to do so as other cars new generations arrive this cars about noise back drama conditions it feels brilliant you cannot be massive engine in its tiny car so by losing the roof you do get some compromises there's the odd shimmy and tug through the steering and on the road in bumpy braking zones you can feel the structure sort of being like it's going to tie itself in knots for awhole it feels pretty stiff what you gain obviously when it isn't pouring with rain is unfettered access to the so you lose a little bit in the detail but we don't lose is the balance of this car in the rain I have to say is quite tricky that short wheelbase you can really feel by driving us down the road in the dry and it's brilliantly balanced you expect understeer because of this huge engine but you just don't find it it's really really sweetly balanced maybe the v8 hush control on turning but talking fine margins and actually sort of expect this thing to just be a hot rod but it's a lot all nice a really really good driver's car just what conclusions can we draw about this v12 Vantage Roadster probably that it can't compete with its rivals in a rational European aster - a special little car this more special I think than DBS or Viraj or something just really cool about having a v12 in this little shell it is mega mega fun involved a radically new but you would still love to have this thing in your garage I can tell you that\n"