Aston Martin V12 Vantage Ends Its Reign with the Launch of the Roadster

In March, Aston Martin unveiled its new generation V12 Vantage, but unfortunately, the car was to be the last of its kind.

Aston Martin announced at the time that only 333 would be built. However, Aston Martin did not state that a V12 Vantage Roadster was also planned. The convertible was unveiled late Friday night at the 2022 Monterey Car Week when Aston Martin exhibited in Club 1913. The car was presented along with the DBR22, a steaming hot speedster developed by the Q by Aston Martin personalization division.

The roadster version of the V12 Vantage is a limited edition of 249 cars designed to compete with extreme track-focused cars like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, with the roadster body style being a unique proposition.

The V12 Vantage is powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 that produces 690 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. These are the same figures the engine delivers in the 2020 V12 Speedster Special Edition, which shares many similarities with the V12 Vantage, helping it accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds (3.5 seconds for the Roadster) and reach a top speed of 200 mph.

Along with the powertrain enhancements, the chassis and aerodynamics have also received a number of improvements, many of which are unique to the Roadster. The list includes new dampers, anti-roll bars, bushings, spring rates, body reinforcements, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a widened track. The huge rear wing, which provides up to 476 pounds of downforce, is also not to be missed. On the coupe, the wing is standard, but can be removed. On the Roadster, the wing is offered as an additional option.

Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic brake rotors with 16.1-inch, six-piston calipers in the front and 14.2-inch, four-piston calipers in the rear. The carbon ceramic is said to reduce unsprung weight by 50.7 pounds compared to regular steel rotors. 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot 4S tires (275/35 front, 315/30 rear) are also standard.

Unlike the previous V12 Vantage, which had a manual transmission, this time the Vantage's only transmission is an 8-speed automatic. Fans will have to get used to the automatic. The Vantage is the last car for Aston Martin to have a manual option, and the manual option will be phased out with the arrival of the improved Vantage scheduled for 2023.

One might wonder why Aston Martin is also discontinuing the V12 Vantage. This electrification strategy will extend to the sports car lineup as well, as Aston Martin plans to introduce hybrid and electric vehicles in the future. In fact, Aston Martin has already decided to introduce an electric sports car for 2025.

As noted above, only 249 units of the V12 Vantage Roadster will be built, and all production slots have been filled. Deliveries will begin in late 2022.