Wapcar Automotive News – After unveiling the Final Edition V12 Vantage in March of this year, Aston Martin has unveiled the Final V12 Vantage Roadster. This time, only 249 copies will be produced (compared to 333 coupes) and surprisingly, all have been sold out.
Different from other Aston Martin Malaysia car models, these will be the last Vantage Roadsters to feature a V12 engine, in this case a 5.2-litre 4-cam twin-turbo unit with 700hp at 6,000rpm and 753Nm of torque at 5,500rpm / minute. These numbers also make it the most powerful Vantage Roadster ever.
The V12 engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential, driving the rear wheels. The typical 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes just 3.5 seconds, while the top speed is 200 mph (322 km/h). Compared to the standard V8-equipped Vantage Roadster, the V12 Farewell Special is just 0.2 seconds faster to 100 km/h and 16 km/h faster at full throttle – not critical, but just weak. The novelty element was worth much more than the original.
Like the hardtop V12 Vantage, the Roadster’s transmission has been retuned for quicker gearshifts, while its adaptive dampers have been customized. The steering tuning on the Roadster is similar to that on the V12 Vantage, providing maximum steering feel and response. Braking performance is provided by carbon-ceramic brakes – 23kg lighter than the standard steel set – with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
That’s not the only weight-saving measure on the V12 Vantage Roadster, as the front bumper, clamshell hood, front fenders and door sills are made of lightweight carbon fiber. Composite materials are also used on the rear bumper and trunk lid to shed a few extra pounds.
On top of that, it has a lightweight battery while the center-mounted dual exhaust system is 1mm stainless steel. The new exhaust system is 7.2 kg lighter than the standard V8 Vantage Roadster.
To match the V12 Vantage Final Edition, the Roadster has been pumped with a Widebody package to accommodate the wider track. Thanks to the front splitter, rear diffuser and even the layout of the exhaust system under the car, the Vantage Roadster generates “10 times more downforce” than the standard Vantage Roadster.
However, unlike the V12 Coupe, the Roadster doesn’t come with a rear spoiler, although it can be specified as an option. Large 21-inch alloy wheels come standard in satin black or satin black with diamonds, while optional lightweight forged wheels can be specified to save an additional eight kilograms. Michelin Pilot 4S tires (275/35 R21 front and 315/30 R21 rear) are standard.
The standard Sports Plus seats with the “Wings” quilting are eye-catching in the cabin, but for added visual spectacle are the carbon fiber performance seats – an additional 7.3 kgs savings – with the option to manually adjust up to six locations.
Other personalizations can be specified through the company’s own ordering department, Q by Aston Martin. Production of the V12 Vantage Roadster will begin in the third quarter of 2022, with deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
