Aston Martin is testing its revamped V8 drop-top sports car.
We’ve only recently caught the facelifted Aston Martin Vantage testing but it looks like the convertible Roadster version will closely follow suit as it’s begun appearing on the road as well.
The Gaydon-based car maker introduced the current-generation V8 Vantage back in 2018 with the Roadster following in 2020, we expect both of the facelifted models to appear in 2024, joining its bigger brothers – the new Aston Martin DB12 and recently unveiled DB12 Volante. As with the coupe, the Vantage Roadster will receive a host of exterior and interior tweaks.
Despite still being mostly camouflaged, we can ascertain plenty of design details of the revised Vantage Roadster. It should mimic the coupe model with a new front end with fresh headlights, a smaller grille and a reshaped front splitter.
A significant alteration we’ve spotted is the change from a clamshell bonnet to a conventional design – having a knock-on effect to the side strake and front wing. The wheels on this test car look to be a new design, although it remains to be seen if they’ll debut on the facelifted car. The rear looks unchanged beneath the camouflage but Aston Martin still has time to implement some design changes back there.
What should remain unchanged is the powertrain. Gone will be the V12 – the 515kW 2022 version marked the last time we’ll see a V12 Vantage. AMG’s twin-turbocharged four-litre V8 should be the only engine offered, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power will be sent to the rear wheels through an electronic differential.
Inside the Vantage we expect to see further tweaks thanks to Aston Martin’s growing relationship with Mercedes-AMG. We should see more integration from the infotainment display and on-board technology too – potentially taking some features from the latest AMG GT. Plenty of Mercedes’ driver assist technology should make its way over to the new Aston.