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 began in the second quarter of 2007 with a UK
price of £92,147 for the manual, a £8,000 premium over the coupe. |
