The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster was an inevitability, and we’re delighted to report that, like the DB11, the drop-top is a more aesthetically resolved design than the hardtop, particularly finished in this striking new shade of Elwood Blue and fitted with the newly offered vane grille. In utilising a lightweight roof mechanism and thoughtfully positioned chassis reinforcements, Aston’s engineers have kept the 510HP Roadster’s weight gain to just 60kg, so performance is largely the same as the Coupé: 0–60mph in 3.7sec and a top speed of 190mph with the fabric roof raised. 

Said roof can be retracted in 6.7sec and erected again in 6.8sec. Combined, that makes it the quickest roof mechanism out there. You can order the new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster now, priced from 157,300 euros, and early adopters will receive their cars in time for the summer. The Vantage Coupé has not been the commercial success Aston had hoped for, so a lot hinges on the Roadster. That’s also why a seven-speed manual gearbox is now offered as standard with the tin-top, which brings with it the benefit of a reduced starting price of just 136,300 euros. 

Photos: Aston Martin