Aston Martin's cars are nearly as famous for their on-screen appearances as their on-road performance. The British automaker made waves in the late 2000s when it shoehorned a 12-cylinder engine into the small, two-door Vantage, and the rest is history. Now, though, it's time for Aston to move on from the V12 Vantage, with a raucous final version to send it off in style.
We know all about the V12 Vantage Coupe and have speculated that a Roadster must also be in the cards and now we have confirmation.
One of our readers emailed us this weekend to let us know that "I am the future owner of one of 333 coupes and I have spoken for one of 199 roadsters." So not only do we know a Roadster is coming, but we also know how many Aston Martin is making. In typical form, the carmaker replied to our request for confirmation that "as a matter of policy, we don't comment on speculation."
The previous V12 Vantage Roadster was also highly limited, with just 101 units made in 2013.
The V12 Vantage's demise has been the topic of many auto journalist's articles and videos, but the legendary car's end days are finally upon us. More than 15 years after an idea became a reality, the 2023 12-cylinder Vantage will be Aston Martin's last.
The V12 Vantage Coupe debuted last month as a fitting sendoff for the exceptional car. It's powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine, making 690 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. All that rage is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, reworked to crack off lightning shifts like a dual-clutch gearbox. There's no manual option, but most will find the ZF auto-box quick and responsive enough. We should see the same powertrain in the upcoming Roadster.
Like the Coupe, the Roadster will likely make extensive use of carbon fiber in its bodywork. The closed-top car features a carbon splitter up front with a 25 percent larger grille for improved cooling. The rear bumper gets a diffuser and a twin exhaust made from thinner material to save almost 16 pounds over the standard Vantage.
As for pricing, considering the V8 Vantage's price tag crests $180,000 without options, we expect a price tag that runs deep into the $200,000 range. That sets the car apart from the standard Vantage and places it in a more prestigious position in the Aston lineup, above even the DBX707 SUV. Price is irrelevant here, however, as Aston confirmed the Coupe sold out shortly after its introduction, and if the tipster's email is to be believed, the Roadster is all gone, too.