Base 2dr Roadster
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
A Proper Argument for Ignoring the Performance Specifications Sheet Handcrafted in Gaydon, England, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is a convertible variant of the fixed-roof V8 Vantage Coupe. The soft-top made its world debut on the heels of its sibling, unveiled the following year at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Now in its seventh model year, the non-S Roadster is one of the automaker's least expensive offerings (remembering that we are not subjected to the Scion iQ-based, but Aston Martin-branded, Cygnet on our shores). As an entry-level Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage Roadster hides in the shadows of not only the higher performing Vantage S models, but the One-77, V12 Zagato, Rapide, DB9 and new Vanquish, just to name a few. The glitz, glamour and bright lights are bestowed on the more spectacular siblings, while the standard Vantage Roadster is left in the shadows. But don't be fooled into thinking that its relative position in the family extinguishes its style, performance or British character. The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster not only holds its own ground, but it has significantly more appeal after a slew of recent updates. The power-operated folding soft top opens and closes at the touch of a button in about 20 seconds. The two-seat Roadster, like all other Vantage models, is constructed on the automaker's renowned VH architecture - a lightweight bonded aluminum framework chassis with aluminum, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body panels. To compensate for the loss of rigidity with the roof removed, Aston Martin added a stiff cross member to the platform and made other minor tweaks (the convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than the coupe). The power-operated folding soft top, with a heated glass rear window, opens and closes at the touch of a button in about 20 seconds. It may be actuated at speeds upwards of 30 mph and it tucks cleanly under a hard tonneau cover when stowed. Bolted up front, but aft of the front axle (mid-front engine placement), is an all-aluminum naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 developing 430 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Customers are offered a choice of transmissions. A few opt for the rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, but the more popular transmission, and the one fitted to our test car, is the rear mid-mounted Sportshift II seven-speed single-clutch automated gearbox that is fed its mechanical energy through a carbon fiber propeller shaft. (The Vantage was launched with the first-generation six-speed Sportshift, but it was upgraded to the seven-speed box in 2012.) A limited-slip rear differential is standard, driving only the rear wheels. According to Aston Martin, the powertrain is strong enough to launch the 3,770-pound V8 Vantage Roadster to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 mph. Aston Martin also made subtle styling changes inspired by the upmarket Vantage S and V12 Vantage. The front suspension features independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar …
Full Review
A Proper Argument for Ignoring the Performance Specifications Sheet Handcrafted in Gaydon, England, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is a convertible variant of the fixed-roof V8 Vantage Coupe. The soft-top made its world debut on the heels of its sibling, unveiled the following year at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Now in its seventh model year, the non-S Roadster is one of the automaker's least expensive offerings (remembering that we are not subjected to the Scion iQ-based, but Aston Martin-branded, Cygnet on our shores). As an entry-level Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage Roadster hides in the shadows of not only the higher performing Vantage S models, but the One-77, V12 Zagato, Rapide, DB9 and new Vanquish, just to name a few. The glitz, glamour and bright lights are bestowed on the more spectacular siblings, while the standard Vantage Roadster is left in the shadows. But don't be fooled into thinking that its relative position in the family extinguishes its style, performance or British character. The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster not only holds its own ground, but it has significantly more appeal after a slew of recent updates. The power-operated folding soft top opens and closes at the touch of a button in about 20 seconds. The two-seat Roadster, like all other Vantage models, is constructed on the automaker's renowned VH architecture - a lightweight bonded aluminum framework chassis with aluminum, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body panels. To compensate for the loss of rigidity with the roof removed, Aston Martin added a stiff cross member to the platform and made other minor tweaks (the convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than the coupe). The power-operated folding soft top, with a heated glass rear window, opens and closes at the touch of a button in about 20 seconds. It may be actuated at speeds upwards of 30 mph and it tucks cleanly under a hard tonneau cover when stowed. Bolted up front, but aft of the front axle (mid-front engine placement), is an all-aluminum naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 developing 430 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Customers are offered a choice of transmissions. A few opt for the rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, but the more popular transmission, and the one fitted to our test car, is the rear mid-mounted Sportshift II seven-speed single-clutch automated gearbox that is fed its mechanical energy through a carbon fiber propeller shaft. (The Vantage was launched with the first-generation six-speed Sportshift, but it was upgraded to the seven-speed box in 2012.) A limited-slip rear differential is standard, driving only the rear wheels. According to Aston Martin, the powertrain is strong enough to launch the 3,770-pound V8 Vantage Roadster to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 mph. Aston Martin also made subtle styling changes inspired by the upmarket Vantage S and V12 Vantage. The front suspension features independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar …
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Retail Price
$131,650
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 4.7L V-8 |
| MPG | 13 City / 19 Hwy |
| Seating | 2 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 420 @ 7000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
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