Aston Martin Confirms V12 Vantage Roadster for 2012 Production
Aston Martin will produce the V12 Vantage Roadster, combining its 6.0-litre V12 engine with the brand’s smallest chassis for a limited-run open-top model.
Aston Martin has confirmed it will build the V12 Vantage Roadster in 2012, pairing its 6.0-litre V12 engine with the open-top version of its smallest model. The announcement, made by CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, marks the first time the V12 has been offered in the Vantage Roadster body.
The V12 Vantage Roadster will use the same 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 found in the DBS. In the coupé, this engine produces 510bhp and 570Nm of torque, figures expected to carry over to the Roadster. With the V8 Vantage Roadster already established, the V12 version is positioned as a more focused, high-performance alternative for buyers seeking open-air motoring with supercar-level power.
V12 power in the smallest Aston Martin
Fitting the V12 into the Vantage’s compact chassis required significant engineering, a process Aston Martin has already completed for the V12 Vantage coupé. The Roadster will inherit the coupé’s uprated brakes, suspension and chassis strengthening to manage the extra power and weight of the 12-cylinder engine. While precise performance figures have not been released, the coupé’s 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds and top speed of 190mph give a clear indication of the Roadster’s expected capabilities, though the open body may bring a marginal weight increase and slight performance penalty.
The V12 Vantage Roadster is aimed at collectors and enthusiasts who want the drama of the V12 engine combined with the open-air experience. Production numbers have not been specified, but the car is expected to be built in limited quantities, following the approach taken with the coupé. Pricing details are yet to be announced, but the V12 Roadster will sit above the V8 models in the range.
Launch timing and positioning
Aston Martin has not confirmed a public debut date for the V12 Vantage Roadster. With the announcement coming ahead of major international motor shows in 2012, the car could be revealed at an event such as Geneva or later in the year. The Roadster’s arrival follows the company’s tradition of producing limited-run, high-performance variants for its most dedicated customers.
With the V12 Vantage Roadster, Aston Martin extends its use of the 6.0-litre V12 across more of its range, joining the likes of the DBS and the Vanquish. The move underlines the brand’s commitment to naturally aspirated engines in a period when rivals are increasingly turning to turbocharging and downsizing.
What it means for buyers
Buyers can expect a car that combines the character of the Vantage with the performance and sound of Aston Martin’s flagship V12. The Roadster will appeal to those seeking exclusivity and the last word in open-top Aston Martin performance before the company’s next-generation models arrive.
