Aston Martin has always made cars that are fun to ogle. The storied British automaker also makes cars that sound great; that’s never been an issue. There have been times when these beautiful things didn’t work as well as you’d hope, however. In the past few years, of course, that’s changed for the better. Now? These cars are rock-solid superstars, and the latest Vantage is a truly wonderful sports car. For those of you who prefer to let the sun shine in, the Roadster version has finally arrived.
I’ve driven the coupe. It’s excellent. In fact, it’s the greatest Vantage of all time on a strictly dynamic basis. Visually, my heart will always beat heaviest for the ’70s-era muscle-car Vantage. But in terms of performance, this modern machine is a masterpiece. Thankfully, the Roadster is the same as the coupe… just with more noise and sun on your face.
Power arrives courtesy of an AMG-sourced but Aston-tuned 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It’s good for 656 hp and works wonderfully well with its ZF 8-speed powertrain partner.
Forgetting the performance of it all, though, just look at the god damned thing. The lines are excellent. Those fenders are pushed to their limits. And that side strake is a masterpiece. Inside, everything works, which wasn’t something you could say about Astons of the past. Those days are officially gone.
If you’re fortunate enough to shop in this segment, you could certainly choose something that places performance above all else. You’d be wrong to do so, of course. Especially now that Aston Martin has closed that dynamic gap on its more sporting competitors. Massively so, in fact. This car delivers sensory overload in the best way.
See the gorgeous shape. Feel the awesome power. Touch the gorgeous leather. And hell… I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to lick the fenders, too.
By Jeff Glucker
Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway.
IG: @HooniverseJeff