The new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster has arrived, boasting the comprehensive suite of upgrades first seen on the Coupé last year. The Mercedes-AMG M177 engine remains under the long bonnet, complete with an Aston Martin-specific firing order. As per the Coupe, power has risen to 656bhp at 6,000rpm, while torque has increased to 590lb-ft (800Nm) available between 2,750-6,000rpm.

Even with the 60kg weight penalty incurred by the drop-top, the 1,665kg (dry) Vantage Roadster is capable of the same 202mph top speed as its fixed-roof sibling. 0-60mph is dispensed with in just 3.5s. Taking just 6.8 seconds to raise or lower while driving at speeds up to 31mph, the Z-folding fabric roof is almost twice as fast as the one found on the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Aston Martin claims refinement levels are on a par with the Coupé thanks to eight layers of insulation.

As with the updated Coupé, the Roadster features the same aluminium structure and carbon composite body panels, with double wishbone suspension all-round and adaptable Bilstein BTX dampers. Drive is sent through a carbon fibre prop shaft to the rear wheels via 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and an electronic locking differential. Revised gear ratios contribute to what Aston Martin describes as “explosive performance.”

The structure and suspension has been tweaked to account for a slight rearward shift in weight distribution to 49:51 front to rear. The Vantage Roadster has recalibrated software for its rear dampers and retuned mountings for the rear-mounted transaxle gearbox. Bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres feature, as do 400mm brake discs at the front, and 360mm discs at the rear. These are gripped by six-piston and four-piston callipers respectively. Optional carbon ceramic brakes increase the front disc diameter to 410mm.

Visually, the new Vantage roadster carries a new front grille which is 30% larger than before, and is flanked by redesigned matrix headlights with a new daytime running light signature. The clear-lens rear lights follow the contours of the ducktail rear spoiler, creating a continuous light strip when the brakes are applied. At each corner, 21” wheels are the only size available, and there’s a choice of four styles. Three new exterior colours join the Vantage’s extensive palette, and the fabric roof can be specified in black, red, blue or silver.

Inside, the car gains Aston Martin’s bespoke infotainment system and banishes the Mercedes-Benz COMAND unit that was outdated in 2019. Alongside the pair of customisable digital displays, there are physical buttons for controlling key vehicle characteristics like the exhaust, traction control, and suspension settings. A knurled finish is applied to the air conditioning and volume dials, and the small gear selector. New carbon fibre performance seats are available, and the cabin redesign even extends to the vents, although the seat adjuster switches remain on the transmission tunnel.  

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Gaydon-era V8 Vantage, becoming a model in its own right, rather than a derivative. Aston Martin has yet to confirm pricing, but with the Coupé costing from £165,000, we anticipate the drop-top to start at £180,000 before options, undercutting the £210,313 Ferrari Roma Spider. Deliveries of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster will commence in summer 2025.