Auto Channel

The US is now the biggest market for Aston Martin, so it has come as no surprise that the Los Angeles Motor Show 2006 was chosen to launch the Roadster version of the popular V8 Vantage. After a recent visit to the West Coast of the USA, I would imagine that a convertible Aston can be driven most if not all year round with the roof lowered.

On first view, I think the Vantage Roadster has turned out just as we expected. Strangely, it was first glimpsed in the background shot of the AM design studio on a DVD available for short time in the UK in late 2003 from the British store, Marks & Spencer. Even then the twin leather covered 'humps' on the hard roof cover (not dissimilar to those seen on the DB-AR1) have made it to production. The roof, a triple layered fabric type folds down totally flat; it can even be raised or lowered without manual assistance in 18 seconds at speeds of upto 30 mph, neat trick!

The rigidity of the Roadster has been enhanced by the use of slightly thicker gauge aluminium within the platform and strengthening webs within the sills. This has only added a tiny 70kg over the closed car. Whilst the stiffness of the Vantage is believed to be 27,000 Newton Meters per degree, the roadster has a very commendable 21,000. In comparison, the DB9 Volante is, I understand 15,500.

Production begin in the second quarter of 2007 with a UK price of �47 for the manual, slightly more than �00 dearer than the coupe. Without doubt, demand for the roadster has been strong; thus I expect that anyone who has waited to see the car before placing an order will have a considerable delay before taking delivery.