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.
Strangely, the V8 Vantage Roadster 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 in
the video, the
twin leather covered 'humps' on the hard tonneau cover (not dissimilar
to those seen on the DB-AR1) made it to production. The roof, a
triple layered fabric type folded down totally flat; it could even be
raised or lowered without manual assistance in 18 seconds at speeds
of upto 30 mph, neat trick!
The rigidity of the Roadster was enhanced by the use of
slightly thicker gauge aluminium within the platform and
strengthening webs within the sills. This only added a tiny 70kg
over the closed car. Whilst the stiffness of the Vantage was believed
to be 27,000 Newton Meters per degree, the roadster was a very
commendable 21,000. In comparison, the early DB9 Volante was, I understand
15,500 although this was improved upon during. Production began in the second quarter of 2007 with an
initial UK
price of £92,147 for the manual, an £8,000 premium over the coupe. |
