Aston Martin Vantage

What‘s it? This is actually the revised Aston Martin V8 Roadster. Gaydon’s changes for this car are mainly the identical to those done to its closed roof equivalent, driven last month ; it has got the same larger and much more powerful V8 engine, an overhauled chassis and a brand new cabin fascia. The updates amount to some less marked improvement for this new Roadster though, because it was eventually to the old Roadster that Aston first upgraded and improved the V8 Vantage’s chassis only fifteen months ago. Largely then, this ‘mechanical revision’ is about applying the advancements made to the old Roadster, and a number of those seen upon the Vantage Prodrive and N400 interim special editions, to the entire V8 Vantage range ; you can say it benefits the conventional coupe greater than the open car. What’s it like? Open Aston Martins have always been cars that challenge the way in which many people like to consider upmarket convertibles. That’s because Aston doesn’t do wafting, low-effort, easy-to-drive boulevard cruisers. You‘ll need an altogether more physical approach to gel with one of these simple beautiful brutes. Mercedes SL drivers definitely do not need to apply. The new V8 Vantage Roadster continues the company’s tradition of defying this norm. Coming from the oily heft from the steering towards the chunky substance of gearshift quality, you will know from moment you begin your exciting journey during this car the enjoyment you’re getting from it is going to be directly proportional towards the bodily effort you’re set to insert. For many its additional 455cc, the engine during this car’s perfectly proportioned nose feels no heavier compared to the old 4. 3. That’s since it isn’t substantially heavier, Aston’s powertrain engineers having made weight savings in its construction to counterbalance the greater size. Relative for this car’s driving experience, the ability improvement that engine brings isn’t as transformative as its 347lb ft of torque – a 45lb ft gain. Though you continue to need to work this engine beyond 6000rpm to feel and hear it at its delectable best, it’s got a lot more clout at commuting crank speeds than its antecedent. Upon the motorway, you are able to leave the car in top gear and take advantage of the new-found muscularity to overtake without effort. Inside the old car, you actually had to alter right all the way down to feel as if you had been getting your £90k’s worth. Whenever you do opt to exercise it, however, you’ll discover the V8 Roadster’s body more resistant to roll, and far better controlled vertically over lumps and though dips, than its predecessor – particularly in case you choose the £2495 Sports Pack, as fitted to our test car, which stiffens the set-up further still. We didn’t expect to recommend even greater spring and damper rates with an open car, however this one seems sufficiently strong of body, and sporting of character, to sustain them. It’s among those still rare commodities inside the cabrio market : a genuinely fast and successful open-top driver’s car. Should I buy one? There’s certainly plenty to recommend it. Aston has work to carry out before we will give this car top marks, mind you. That steering, which proves so pleasingly weighty at gentler speeds, still helps make the car feel just a little slow-witted and unwilling on track, but still doesn’t always communicate well enough. The driveline can still feel snatchy and obstinate sometimes. Though improved, the car’s cabin remains removed from a masterpiece of ergonomic, intuitive design and rich, tactile sensation. There isn’t quite enough headroom for taller occupants using the roof up either. But check out this thing using the roof down. If this was yours, can you care it wasn’t quite perfect underneath those curvaceous panels? Didn’t think so. During this case, we suspect ‘very nearly there’ is perhaps greater than good enough. Aston Martin Vantage