Aston Martin is once again shaking (not stirring) up its lineup with the introduction of a new model. This is its second in four months, having debuted the DBX sport utility vehicle in late Novermber in conjunction with the LA Auto Show.

It’s time to drool over the capability and raw sex appeal of the new Vantage Roadster. It joins the Vantage Coupe in the Aston stable as an open-top two-seater option.

“Open-top Aston Martins are always firm favorites with our customers, so it’s very exciting to introduce the Vantage Roadster,” said Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer. “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”.
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The superluxury has installed a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine in the Vantage Roadster. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the model gets from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and can hit 190 with the roof raised.

Despite removing the coupe roof and replacing it with a hardy convertible top, the Vantage Roadster is just 60 kg more than the Vantage Coupe. The roof also benefits from a new Z-fold mechanism. Drivers can lowered the roof in 6.7 or raise it in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. That makes the roof the fastest of any production model vehicle.

Aston Martin has engineered the Vantage Roadster to retain the dynamic drivability as the Vantage Coupe, without compromise. The rear dampers have been specially modified for the car, as well as bespoke Adaptive Damping System software and ESP calibration.

Drivers have their choice of Sport, Sport+, and Track chassis modes that have been specially tuned for the roadster. The car has the same powertrain modes as the Vantage Coupe, and they work in harmony with the chassis modes.

Despite having to store the roof in the trunk, with the roof stowed, the car still has enough space in the boot for a golf bag.

“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,” said Matt Becker, Aston Martin Chief Engineer. “And of course, there’s the added dimension of driving a great-sounding sports car with the roof down.”

The Vantage Roadster will run you $161,000. First deliveries are scheduled to begin during Q2 2020.