Test Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

But there is also a nod to old school motoring in the Vantage roadster, most readily apparent in the folding soft-top. No doubt Aston engineers could have designed a folding hardtop into the Vantage, a la so many luxury convertibles on the market today – but instead chose a traditional soft-top. Of course, the Alcantara headliner and push button operation of the top are a far cry from the ragtops you’d need to wrestle with to put up and down back in the day, but the visual cue of the soft-top adds to the roadster’s appeal.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage roadster. Click image to enlarge

While the mechanicals of the ‘09 Vantage Roadster haven’t changed from the ‘08 model, a spirited drive in the new Vantage reveals that’s probably because there was no need. Wringing performance out of this rear-wheel drive car is not a problem, given the 420 horsepower produced by the front mid-mounted all-alloy engine, the strong yet responsive suspension (boasting Bilstein dampers), and the slotted Brembo brakes. Aston lists a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 290 km/h, presumably with the top up.

My test Vantage roadster came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the optional Sportshift gearbox, and the most surprising thing about the ride was the NASCAR-like growl emanating from the roadster’s twin pipes. Judging from the looks on a few curbside faces, that kind of raucous exhaust roar doesn’t quite fit with the Vantage’s elegant, almost dainty lines.

Pricing: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Base price: $151,300 (includes freight, PDI, fuel tax) Options: $17,420 (High spec alarm: $340; Premium audio: $1,740; Battery conditioner: $165; Bluetooth: $870; Silver brake calipers: $520; First aid kit: $165; Bright finish grille: $520; HID headlights: $870; Heated front seats: $520; Cruise control: $520; Power fold mirrors: $520; Memory seats and mirrors: $520; Piano black veneer: $870; Front parking sensors: $520; Garage door opener: $340; Sports pack with 5-spoke wheels: $4,400; Satellite navigation: $3080; Umbrella and holder: $265; Wind deflector: $675) A/C tax: $100 Freight: Included in base price Price as tested: $168,820 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Specifications: 2009 Aston Martin Vantage Competitors Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet Buyer’s Guide: 2009 BMW M6 Cabriolet Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Jaguar XKR convertible Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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