It won't be the biggest news at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is guaranteed to be one of the best-looking cars, concept or production, on display at this year's event. Just don't call it the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante. Instead, the two-place convertible will be called Roadster: the Volante name is reserved for 2+2 cars, while two-seater Astons have traditionally been called Roadster.



Starting off with the smooth lines of the V8 Vantage coupe, the Roadster ditches its fixed roof in favor of a quick-folding soft top. Housed underneath a hard tonneau cover, the folding top not only goes down in 18 seconds, it can be done at speeds up to 30 mph.

Designed in conjunction with the standard coupe, the V8 Vantage roadster uses all the same hardware underneath its skin. It rides on Aston's all-aluminum VH platform and uses a German-built 380-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 under the hood. According to Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage Roadster will be heavier than the coupe, but will also be as fast with a 0-to-60-mph time of 5 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.

Like all Vantage V8s going forward, the Vantage roadster will offer a choice of two transmissions: a standard six-speed manual or a new Sportshift automated manual. With shift paddles on each side of the wheel, the Sportshift box promises ultraquick shifts and the ease of clutchless operation.

Sales of the new convertible start in the second quarter of 2007.




SOurce: Edmunds

I think it looks sad. They have ruined a beautiful shape (that of the V8 Vantage) to make a roadster. I dont think it looks as beautiful as an Aston should look.