The enduring legacy of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is a supercar of the rarest breed. Not only because there are just 249 of them worldwide, but also because of its compelling combination of dramatic widebody design, ground-hugging wide-track suspension, and otherworldly engine. The vehicle is the last of its kind – the final 12-cylinder from the British carmaker and the largest ever fitted into a Vantage.
Today, the V12 has maintains its status as arguably the most desirable convertible in the world. From the initial looks of it, it’s as exhilarating as it sounds, a marvel of a drophead coupé. The design might not seem like much of a departure from the V8; however, the V12 Vantage Roadster’s front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders, and side sills are lighter than ever before.
Each component is made from carbon fibre while the rear bumper and deck lid are made from weight-saving composite material. The car also benefits from a re-shaped rear bumper with diffuser and new center-mounted twin tailpipes. All these add up to a vehicle that is as functional as it is sculptural.
“For our drivers, we created this explicit open-top sports car for those craving excitement and drama,” Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said. “From a design perspective, V12 Vantage Roadster is a combination of living sculpture and physiology, such as the functions of an elite runner or thoroughbred racehorse.”
Aston Martin focused heavily on the dynamism of the supercar’s performance. In terms of raw sensory excitement, its physique accommodates the large, quad-cam, twin-turbo 12, producing a robust 590 horsepower and 555 pound-foot of torque. This means that the V12 Vantage enjoys more power and torque than Vantage Roadsters of the past, thanks mostly to that wide-track chassis with precisely tuned suspension calibration.
Light and nimble, the V12’s acceleration is equally robust (meant to go from zero to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds). It’s also worth noting how big of a difference the uprated adaptive suspension is compared to the V12’s predecessor, the V8. The convertible should have no trouble getting around even the steepest tracks.
“The platform presented us with a design opportunity to make a contemporary visual statement of intent, Reichman added. “The result is a living, breathing, driving sculpture with a level of control that sits at the fingertips.”
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