Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster (2014) unveiled

By James Clark

First Official Pictures

16 July 2014 10:42

Aston Martin has revealed the roadster version of its most driver-focussed model, the V12 Vantage S. The car will be mechanically identical to the Coupe, featuring the brand’s 565bhp 6.0-litre V12.

It’s enough to propel the V12 Vantage S Roadster to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds and onto a wind-in-the-hair-troubling top speed of 201mph.

Aston’s engineers worked to create a flatter, yet fatter torque curve, with a view to improving the Roadster’s drivability. On paper, it appears they have succeeded: the V12 produces a meaty 457lb ft of torque at 5750rpm, with 376lb ft available at just 1000rpm.

Following Aston’s recent GT racing success, the company is keen to link the technology used in the V12 Vantage S Roadster with its on-track exploits.

The car is available with the brand’s Sportshift III seven-speed automatic gearbox, saving 20kg over the previous V12 Vantage Roadster’s six-speed manual ’box. The Sportshift III was developed in conjunction with transmission specialist Graziano.

Like the Coupe, the V12 Vantage S Roadster makes use of three-stage adaptive damping and DSC stability control, as well as two-stage ABS anti-lock. The three settings - Normal, Sport and Track - offer the right driving characteristics for any situation, promises Aston.

Carbon ceramic discs are standard on the new roadster, meaning braking performance should more than match whatever the V12 can throw at it. Perhaps the most iconic part of any V12 Aston – the noise – has not been neglected in the new model, with the Roadster featuring a lightweight exhaust system derived from the One-77 hypercar’s.

There’s no doubt the Coupe version of V12 Vantage S is stunning to behold, and the Roadster promises more of the same. Retaining a lot of the same styling details as the Coupe, the Roadster features swathes of carbonfibre trim and optional bold graphics which add front grille lipstick, painted front grille and tailgate panel.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s director of design, said: ‘The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of our company’s exceptional spirit.

‘Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.

‘I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.’

There are no words on how much Aston’s new top-dog roadster is going to cost, but expect a hefty rise over the Coupe’s £138,000 base price.

Expect to see the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster in showrooms later in 2014.

By James Clark