Fitted with optional black carbon fibre highlights, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster comes over all brooding and sinister.
Under the hood there’s Aston Martin’s AM28 6-litre V12 cranking out 421kW (565hp) and 620Nm — 510Nm is available from just 1,000rpm.
Power goes to the rear wheels via a 7-speed hydraulically automated manual transmission, branded Sportshift III. Despite sporting an extra gear and clutchless shifting, the new transmission is said to be 20kg lighter than the previous model’s 6-speed manual box.
According to Aston Martin, the V12 Vantage S Roadster will race from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds (0-60mph happens in 3.9s). Top speed is 323km/h (201mph).
Carbon ceramic disc brakes are fitted to each wheel. There’s also a three-stage active damping system and two-mode power steering system.
Like the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster eschews the chrome for optional black carbon fibre, including dark grille inserts and louvres on the bonnet. Lightweight carbon fibre framed seats are also an option.
