The Telegram (St. John's)

V12 Vantage Roadster unveiled

New Aston Martin boasts 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque

- BY ANDROSS MOONAH

In 2009, Aston Martin revealed its V12 Vantage, a supercar based on the V8 Vantage that first arrived in 2005. The V12 Vantage was a sensation due in large part to its engine, a 6.0-litre V12 that normally resided in the bigger, heavier DBS. Now, some three years later, Aston Martin has announced a convertibl­e version with similar style and performanc­e to the coupe.

Like the V12 Vantage,

Aston’s new 2013 V12 Vantage Roadster makes use of a 6.0-litre V12 engine that develops 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmissi­on and accelerati­on from zero to 100 km/h is claimed to take 4.5 seconds while the car’s top speed is said to be 305 km/h. This compares to a 4.2-second accelerati­on time from zero to 100 km/h for the V12 Vantage coupe, which also has a top speed of 305 km/h.

The V12 Vantage Roadster is adorned with carbon fibre trim on its side mirror caps, rear taillight infills, front splitter and rear diffuser. At the rear, the V12 Vantage Roadster features an upswept trunk lid, which helps reduce rear lift to improve stability at high speeds.

Interior amenities include 10way electrical­ly adjustable sport seats, a Hard-Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system, and a standard 160-watt audio system. However, 700- and 1,000-watt audio systems are available as options.

The V12 Vantage Roadster also features Normal and Sport driving modes, each of which imparts significan­tly different characteri­stics on the vehicle. Normal mode is the default and provides a more relaxed throttle response along with a subdued exhaust note. In this way, Normal mode is best attuned to routine, leisurely commutes. Sport mode, however, is best suited to spirited, unfettered driving and therefore provides sharper throttle response, while the engine delivers more torque during the early stages of throttle pedal travel. In Sport mode, the exhaust system bypass valves are kept open longer in order to produce a sporty exhaust note.

“The addition to our range of this exceptiona­l new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full 'sensory overload' thanks to its outstandin­g performanc­e,” said Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ulrich Bez. “I believe no other car in this class offers the combinatio­n of the V12 Vantage Roadster's prestige, sixspeed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performanc­e convertibl­e can deliver.”

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