Nearly two years since it launched the Vantage, Aston Martin has revealed the drop-top version of its V8 sportscar. It adds exhilarating open-top driving thrills to the Vantage Coupe’s credentials of potent performance, outstanding dynamics and everyday usability.

Powered by Gaydon’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that’s good for 510 horsepower and 685Nm, the   Vantage Roadster accelerates from 0-100kph in just 3.8sec and is capable of 305kph top speed with the roof raised. The engineers have managed to keep weight increase minimal at just 60kg over the Coupe thanks to a new, lighter Z-fold roof mechanism and chassis modifications.

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“Open-top Aston Martins are always firm favourites with our customers, so it’s very exciting to introduce the Vantage Roadster. For many, driving with the roof down is the true definition of the sports car experience as it truly brings your senses to life. Vantage has always delivered the purest of thrills, but in Roadster form that adrenaline rush is set to go to the next level,” says Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer.

Sharing the same Adaptive Damping, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Electronic Rear Differential of the Vantage Coupe, the Roadster gets bespoke tune for the rear dampers, Adaptive Damping System software and ESP calibration. The Vantage Roadster gives the driver a choice of Sport, Sport + and Track chassis modes to alter the car’s dynamic character. Aston Martin claims the Vantage Roadster is as dynamically capable as its fixed roof sibling.  “Convertible sports cars are often seen as compromised when compared to their Coupe equivalents, but the Vantage Roadster remains absolutely dedicated true to its mission of delivering precise, agile and expressive handling dynamics combined with stonking straight-line performance. And of course, there’s the added dimension of driving a great-sounding sports car with the roof down,” says Matt Becker, Aston Martin Chief Engineer.

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The tailored fabric hood is also touted as the fastest operating roof in a convertible car as it can be lowered in 6.7 seconds and raised in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 50kph. Also, the low stack height of the roof means there is minimal impact on the Roadster’s luggage space.

Photo: Supplied

With the Roadster, Aston Martin is also introducing a range of new options across the Vantage range. To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Vantage nameplate, Aston Martin is introducing the company’s ‘vane’ grille as an option, available on both Coupe and Roadster as an alternative to the track-inspired ‘hunter’ grille seen on the Coupe from its launch in 2018.

The Vantage range starts at £114,850 (Dh547,000), with the recommended retail price of the Vantage Roadster starting from £126,950 (Dh604,800) in the UK. First deliveries of the Vantage Roadster are scheduled to begin during Q2 2020.