A special moment in time

The Aston Martin Vantage was recently completely reimagined with a ton of upgrades, including a much more powerful powertrain. The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is now getting the same treatment, which has been transformative for the model, rapidly taking it from so-so to extraordinary.

Aston Martin has built world-class roadsters for over three-quarters of a century. In that time, they managed to build beautiful performance machines that often sat in a unique category. What I mean is that they were neither fish nor fowl—they were elegant performance machines or luxury sports cars. In recent years, Aston Martin has become far more serious about high performance, not only with its passenger vehicles but also with its racing portfolio. They have aggressive campaigns in Formula One and Le Mans, to name a few, with a “go-fast” philosophy that has trickled down to its passenger vehicles. If you look at the Aston Martin Valkyrie or Valhalla, you’ll most likely agree with me.

If you were to follow that perspective down their lineup, you’ll see where a lot of the passion has pollinated the Vantage Roadster’s character. Despite is painfully good looking design and luxurious image, it is still a serious performance machine. Form and function work together like no other vehicle I’ve driven. The end result is sheer magic.

What is the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster?

This new drop-top version of the recently redesigned Vantage coupe gets the same 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo that makes 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. That’s over 150 horsepower more than the previous model. According to the automaker, it can run from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph. After my drive in the Palm Springs desert, I think they’re accurate.

There is a 49/51-percent split with its weight distribution favoring the rear, and that extra rear weight helps. It also has an Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), which shifts power to the wheel that needs it the most and keeps things pointed in the right direction when you’re pouring on the power. Aston Martin added Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers with bespoke tuning as well as Brembo brake discs that measure 410mm at the front with six-piston monoblock calipers. Carbon ceramic brakes are an option. Specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires hang on the end of unequal-length double wishbones at the front, a multi-link rear axle, and coil springs.

To me, it felt like a cross between a Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster and a 911 Carrera Cabriolet on the corners, but with more spirit and grace. Indeed, it does pack a AMG-sourced V8, but it was uniquely tuned by Aston Martin, giving it a sound and character all its own. Additionally, Aston Martin now ha the distinction of designing one of the fastest electrically controlled convertible tops on the planet. It goes down and up in about 6.8-seconds, and it can be function up to 31 mph.

The Design is Amazing in Almost Every Way…

Seating comfort, one-golf-bag cargo space, and even the overall interior design are vast improvements over the previous model. It’s hard to find components lifted from other automakers, and the design aesthetic is classy inside and out. Every external line has a purpose, yet the body is voluptuous.

The mouth is larger, as the turbos are larger, and the intercoolers are stacked, so they all require greater cooling. Despite this, the nose is shapely, and you’ll never confuse it for anything else. The rear’s massive diffuser and burly quad pipes dominate the tail’s design, but the curved taillight design holds it all together beautifully. With the roof up or down, the car is mighty sexy, from any angle.

There are a few issues with that beautiful design inside, though. Right off the bat, I was treated with a haunted seat that moved about as I got comfortable. That was because the seat controls, which are mounted on the transmission tunnel, were rubbing against my right knee more often than I’d like. I don’t think shorter drivers will have much of an issue, but for taller drivers, a better location is needed.

As I stated before, the switchgear has been improved. It looks and feels great; however, the location of some of the controls leaves a lot to be desired. In order to trigger the top, or change into manual driving mode, you have to master one-armed yoga to drop back far enough to use these switches. There are other examples of this, but these were the most notable.

Final thoughts

Yes, this car will set you back at least $200,000 – $250,000, and it is hitting dealerships the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, you can use the “Q” option to make the color and material choices of the Vantage Roadster bespoke.

Even without all of the extras, this is an amazing vehicle to drive and behold. It feels bigger than a 911, but it’s actually a bit smaller with a lot more character. Just listening to it as I bounded through corners in “Sport +” mode (there’s Sport, Sport +, Track and Wet) was more than enough to lift my spirits, feel connected to the road, and have all of my senses rewarded. Driving the Vantage Roadster made me think, “Man, I wish I was wealthy.”

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