2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster’s Soft Top Opens in Under 7 Seconds
One year after the debut of the new 2025 Aston Martin Vantage, we get the convertible variant. Unlike the DB12 Volante, this one will continue to be called Vantage Roadster.
The design is virtually identical to the coupe’s except for the power soft top. It uses the “fastest fully automatic deployable roof mechanism on the market today,” the company points out, with the ability to open or close at any speed up to 50 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. Think about that.
- Also: Aston Martin Vanquish Makes Glorious Return With New 824-hp V12
- Also: New Aston Martin Vantage Shows What It Takes to Be a Formula 1 Safety Car
Another impressive feat by Aston Martin engineers is keeping weight in check. The new Vantage Roadster is only 60 kg (132 lbs) heavier than the Vantage, which should go unnoticed by most drivers. Incidentally, front to rear weight distribution is a near-perfect 49/51.
Naturally, the engine is the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that generates 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Remember, previous Vantages were limited to 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft. Bless the modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger turbos and increased cooling performance.
As a result, 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration is achieved in 3.5 seconds, which is one tenth of a second slower than the coupe. Top speed is rated at 325 km/h. An eight-speed ZF transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip differential send power to the rear wheels. There is no manual gearbox or all-wheel drive, but the new Launch Control system is great as it allows drivers to dial in the precise amount of slip they desire during the launch by making changes via the adjustable traction control system.
The stiff chassis makes use of Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, while new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires wrap 21-inch forged wheels (available in four styles). Furthermore, a new electric power steering and steering column plus a re-tuned brake booster contribute to sharper and more exhilarating handling on the road and on the track, Aston Martin claims.
Inside the Vantage Roadster, well, things are exactly like in the hard-top Vantage, from the all-new digital instrument panel and revised steering wheel to the 10.25-inch touchscreen and various buttons and switches below. An 11-speaker audio system comes standard, but don’t miss the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.
The new 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is available to order for Canadian customers as of today for a price of $259,700. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of this year.
