Aston Martin Roadster drives as good as it looks
Does Aston Martin have more lives than a cat? It’s a company that nearly went bankrupt for the eighth time in 2020 but didn’t, thanks to a restructuring and a cash infusion by both Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll and Daimler AG, which increased its equity stake to 20%, up from 2.6%.
The bad news in the back office didn’t hamper the brand’s racing efforts, as it nabbed 26 titles.
Not bad.
If the adage “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” still holds true, then Aston
Martin should be in good shape for 2021 as a roadster rendition is added to its entry-level Vantage sports car line, last revised in 2018. As for the new droptop, with the exception of changes made for going topless, the Roadster shares its bits with its older relative — and that bodes well.
This sexy slab of speed was fetching enough in coupe form; as a roadster it’s positively ravishing. Its sensually sinuous form and tautly stretched sheet metal will find you drinking in its lines. The test car’s looks were enhanced by its $5,000 “Yellow Tag” paint, a color not suited for those in the federal witness protection program. It also wore $18,400 worth of carbon fiber, $1,600 worth of dark chrome, $3,100 gloss black diamond 20-inch snowflake wheels, with $1,600 yellow brake calipers.
Think it’s expensive? It’s not. Looking good costs money. And once you climb into its snug cockpit, you’ll realize this is as much haute couture with horsepower as much it is a mobility device.
Performance comes courtesy of a MercedesAMG twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that generates 503 horsepower and 505 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a whole lot of tech here to make you appear to be a better driver than you truly are, including a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, an active suspension, torque vectoring and limited-slip rear e-differential, as well as Sport, Sport+ and Track driving modes.
Best of all, it lacks driverassistance aids, like lane keeping assist. This is a true driver’s car that delivers superb control.
While there’s an essential civility that’s evident despite its wild child persona, it remains the primal Aston, with a very firm ride and loud, burly exhaust note.
The Vantage’s cozy cockpit accommodates you and a companion; just be sure to pack lightly. Interior storage space is minimal, but that’s to be expected. Yes, there’s a vertical glovebox mounted between the two seats at the rear of the cabin, as well as a trunk. But again, this is a sports car, not a grand tourer. It’s very much the rarefied treasure, a true luxury sports car, produced in small numbers that ensure its scarcity, which is the essence of a true highend product.
It’s sure to shake and stir you.