The Aston Martin Vantage has long been synonymous with British sports car excellence, and the latest iteration takes this legacy to exhilarating new heights. As someone with a personal history of Aston ownership, including the formidable Vantage V-12 S, I approached the new Vantage with anticipation and a touch of skepticism. However, from the moment I laid eyes on it, any doubts were instantly dispelled. This isn’t just another Aston Martin; it’s a meticulously crafted sports-touring machine that redefines what the Vantage nameplate represents. It’s a car that commands attention, not with ostentatious flamboyance, but with a confident, modern swagger – think Daniel Craig era Bond, rather than the classic Connery charm.
My test drive came courtesy of a Vantage Roadster bathed in “Yellow Tang,” a hue so vibrant it seemed to have a magnetic pull on the local bee population. This bold exterior was beautifully contrasted by a black metallic and leather interior, creating a visually arresting combination. The cabin was further enhanced by “Twill Gloss Carbon Fibre” accents, adding a touch of contemporary sportiness, while yellow brake calipers peeked out from behind the imposing 20-inch, gloss black diamond-turned wheels. Every angle of this car is designed to impress.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
But the Vantage is far more than just a pretty face. Igniting the engine is an event in itself. The twin-turbo V8 roars to life, delivering an auditory experience that is both thrilling for the driver and undeniably noticeable to anyone within earshot. Aston Martin has masterfully tuned the exhaust to produce a symphony of engine notes, from a deep, resonant idle to a crescendo of crackles and pops on deceleration. In a market saturated with performance vehicles, the Vantage stands out as one of the most aurally captivating cars available today. It’s a sound that resonates with car enthusiasts who appreciate the raw emotion of a high-performance engine.
Stepping inside the Vantage is like entering a cocoon of luxury and performance. The interior is swathed in supple leathers, complemented by optional aluminum tread plates and meticulously crafted carbon fiber trim inlays. Ventilated seats ensure comfort even during spirited drives, and the optional “Premium Audio” system transforms the cabin into a personal concert hall. When you desire a break from the intoxicating engine soundtrack, the audio system delivers crystal-clear sound, enveloping you in a rich auditory experience that rivals high-end headphones. It’s a space where performance and luxury seamlessly intertwine.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
The performance figures of the Aston Martin Vantage are as compelling as its aesthetics and acoustics. Under the hood lies a potent 503 HP twin-turbo V-8 engine, generating a substantial 505 lb-ft of torque. This power translates to a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds, and a top speed that brushes against the 200 mph mark, at 195 mph. However, the Vantage’s performance prowess extends beyond straight-line speed. Unlike its V-12 Vantage AMR sibling, the V8 Vantage boasts a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. This balanced chassis is crucial for exceptional handling and cornering agility. While my test drive didn’t include track time, previous experiences with V8 Vantages on the track have demonstrated their impressive capabilities. The balanced weight distribution allows for remarkable poise and control, even at the limits of performance. There’s even a famous image of a Vantage momentarily airborne after hitting a crest on a track, perfectly level, showcasing its inherent balance.
Currently, the Aston Martin Vantage occupies the entry point to the Aston Martin range, even more accessible than the DBX SUV (which starts at $176,900). With a base price of $147,000 for the Roadster (and approximately $8,000 less for the coupe), the Vantage offers a compelling proposition in the luxury sports car segment. The model I tested, with its striking “Yellow Tang” paint, painted brake calipers, extensive carbon fiber enhancements, stunning 20-inch wheels, and upgraded sound system, pushed the final sticker price to just under $204,000. While options can quickly elevate the price, the base Vantage provides an exceptional foundation of performance and luxury.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
As a long-time Aston Martin enthusiast, my week with the Vantage Roadster was nothing short of delightful. The convertible top operated flawlessly, seamlessly transitioning between open-air exhilaration and closed-cabin refinement. The car’s visual appeal and captivating sound consistently drew admiring glances and sparked conversations. If you are in the market for a luxurious, high-performance two-seater convertible that excels both as a city cruiser and a long-distance tourer, the Aston Martin Vantage deserves serious consideration. It’s a modern icon, shaken and stirred for the 21st century.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASTON MARTIN
