Test Drive Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: The Spirit and the Sky

Aston Martin focuses more on sportiness than comfort with its latest models. This also applies to the Vantage. Can the two-seater convince in its open version?

The external circumstances are quite favorable: spring-like temperatures, a blue and white sky, and wonderful roads with great views in the Austrian-German border area. Oh yes—and the vehicle doesn't exactly dampen the joy either. It is the new Vantage Roadster, which is being launched in Germany these days. This means we are driving a luxury-class sports convertible, with a V8 engine, 665 horsepower, and 800 Newton meters of torque, all wrapped in stunning design. One can certainly overlook the base price of 209,000 euros (23.554,30 USD) for that. As a well-known soccer coach would say: Love at first sight!

But let's stay factual. Almost a year after the presentation of the coupe, the Brits are now sending the open variant to Germany. And yes, at its core, it's "only" a revised model, as the sports car made its debut back in 2018 (as a coupe) and 2020 (as a roadster). Nevertheless, you never feel like sitting in an outdated vehicle, as the engineers and technicians at the headquarters in Gaydon, UK, have done excellent work, including modern infotainment and various body and chassis reinforcements.

Newly Calibrated Software

Compared to the coupe, the roadster also features newly calibrated software for the rear dampers and retuned mounts for the rear-mounted transmission. Additionally, it has 40-centimeter (approx. 16 inch) brake discs at the front and 36-centimeter (approx. 14 inch) brake discs at the rear. Carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Since the entry of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll—who owns about a quarter of the company's shares and is significantly involved in the brand's Formula 1 team—Aston Martin has transformed from a brand primarily focused on luxury and design to one more oriented towards performance. This is evident in all models, especially the Vantage.

Five Driving Modes

This allows even the convertible to be steered extremely sportily around corners. The weight of the two-seater, which weighs just under 1.7 tons thanks to its aluminum structure, is distributed 49 percent to the front axle and 51 percent to the rear axle—truly dream values. The vehicle practically sticks to the road on its 21-inch Michelin tires. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission—still among the best the market has to offer—shifts quickly, accurately, and almost always at the right time. There are also five driving modes: In addition to Sport, Sport Plus, Track, and Wet, there's an Individual setting, with adjustments to the engine, steering, and chassis.

But despite the powerful four-liter eight-cylinder under the beautiful hood, it's not really about V_max or pushing the limits in corners, especially with the roadster. The spirit is more about experiencing the AMG engine's rumble in the open air, enjoying the acceleration and every curve. According to Aston Martin, the eight-layer insulated "fastest folding roof on the market" opens in 6.8 seconds and up to a speed of 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). Fun fact: accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h (approx 62 mph) in the Vantage takes only 3.6 seconds, about half of that time. This package of lifestyle and dynamics should definitely be worth the modest 15,000 euro surcharge (16.905 USD) compared to the coupe, which is only 60 kilos lighter.

Gallery

Gallery with 10 images

Only 1,600 Units

Last but not least, the Vantage also impresses in the roadster version, both open and closed, with its captivating design. Perhaps the classic-sporty yet distinguished lines are even the strongest argument for a purchase. And, of course, the fact that you don't see an "Aston" on every street corner. Just 1,600 units of the brand were sold in total on the European continent last year, excluding the UK as the home market. During our test drive, we received (undeserved) applause in gestures and words from other drivers several times due to our choice.

A Porsche 911 may be more perfect, a Ferrari more dramatic in appearance, both faster on the track—but the Vantage offers British flair paired with a touch of understatement. A quite seductive combination if you can overlook small things like the price, the high practical consumption, and the rather small 200-liter trunk. So we could—if our account had the necessary funds.

Secure and Compliant Authentication in Laboratories

Secure & Contactless User Authentication at GMP/GLP