Wednesday 29th November 2006
Aston Martin unveiled one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year, the V8 Vantage Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The car gained 200 pounds over the coupé, but Aston Martin claimed the car would have the same performance as the coupé. To compensate for the loss of the roof a new, super-stiff cross-member was added to the frame. The soft top can be raised or lowered electronically in 18 seconds and can be operated in speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h). It had the same 4.3-litre V8 from the hard top version producing 380 bhp (283 kW; 385 PS) at 7000 rpm, 302 lb·ft (409 N·m) at 5000 rpm & a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h). It would accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.8 seconds. The 2009 Vantage Roadster features swan wing doors, a leather and alcantara interior and a zinc alloy center console. It also has a crystal-capped key fob.
