Aston Martin has done it again. The 2026 Vantage Roadster joins the lineup with a fast-folding roof, a twin-turbocharged V8 making a punchy 656 bhp (489 kW), and a top speed of 325 km/h. Let’s dive in.
When Aston Martin introduced the Vantage Coupe nearly a year ago, expectations for a roadster variant were sky-high. By engineering both cars in tandem, the brand kept weight gain to a mere 60 kg compared to the coupe, ensuring the open-top variant still feels razor-sharp. That’s impressive given the structural demands of a convertible.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that powers its hardtop sibling. With 656 bhp (489 kW) and 800 Nm of torque, this Roadster rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, with power channeled to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted eight-speed automatic gearbox controlled by paddle shifters. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential ensures traction when the going gets playful.
Bringing all that speed to a halt is a set of robust steel brakes: 400 mm discs with six-piston calipers at the front, and 360 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. For those chasing the ultimate stopping power, carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 410 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear.
Aston’s cleverness doesn’t stop with the drivetrain. The Z-fold fabric roof, weighing less than a traditional K-fold setup, sheds unnecessary bulk while preserving a low centre of gravity. This innovative design also eliminates the need for a tonneau cover, saving even more weight. Better still, the roof is the fastest automatic soft-top in its class, taking just 6.8 seconds to go up or down at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Structural rigidity was another engineering challenge. Aston added weight-optimised shear panels for enhanced lateral stiffness, revised the rear body mounting system, recalibrated the rear damper software, and fine-tuned gearbox mountings. The result? A beautifully balanced 49:51 weight distribution.
Of course, there’s a trade-off: boot space shrinks to 200 litres compared to the coupe’s 345 litres. Still, that’s enough for a weekend’s worth of luggage, especially when paired with the Vantage Roadster’s jaw-dropping soundtrack from its 11-speaker, 390-watt sound system or the optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles.
The Roadster arrives with three new paint options, eye-catching Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire, and Bronze Flare. Roof colours include black, red, blue, and a black-and-silver combo. With four 21-inch wheel designs and seven brake caliper colours on offer, the customisation potential is vast. For those wanting something truly unique, Aston’s bespoke Q service is ready to deliver.
Sales begin later this year, with deliveries expected in the second quarter. Pricing remains a mystery for now, but expect a premium. After all, top-down driving at 325 km/h doesn’t come cheap.
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