Aston Martin’s latest muscle car is an open version of the potent V12 S Vantage — the fastest drophead in the history of the company.
On the road the ragtop Vantage S is quicker than anything else in the range. Spectacular performance comes from the naturally aspirated 6-litre engine under the louvered bonnet.
With 573 horsepower on tap from 12 cylinders, the roadster muscles its way to a top speed of 323 kilometres per hour. The dash from zero to 100 km/h is accomplished in 4.1 seconds.
To cope with such relentless speed, the chassis features the same program as the coupe, with three-stage adaptive damping, two levels of power-steering assistance and bespoke carbon ceramic brakes.
Fuel consumption is not the strength of the Vantage S roadster. This scarcely matters, since buying one will be driven by emotions combined with a healthy bank balance rather than the desire for economy.
The new Aston consumes an average of 14.7 litres of petrol per 100 km with carbon dioxide emissions given as 343/g/km.
Expect to pay at least 180,000 euros ($243,000) for the sliced Vantage S, which goes on sale at the end of the year.