New this year from Aston Martin is a soft-top convertible model of the Vantage, which complements the sleek coupe that has been in production since 2018. Straightaway, the 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster brings the thrill of driving an exotic sports car and the visceral experience of top-down motoring.
The Heart & Soul Of The 2021 Vantage Roadster
High-octane performance and bespoke craftsmanship elevate this sports car to an exhilarating level. The symphonic rumbling of the twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG and tuned by Aston Martin, will manifest 503 hp and 505 lb.-ft. of torque.
Roadster owners have to settle for the 8-speed automatic transmission, as the 7-speed manual is only offered in the hardtop.
Nevertheless, the hardware underneath the clamshell one-piece aluminum bonnet will catapult the Vantage Roadster from naught to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 190 mph.
The bones of the Vantage is a lightweight bonded aluminum chassis shared with the DB11. Engineered with a 49/51 weight distribution, adaptive dampers, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, dynamic torque vectoring, and high-performance tires specifically designed for the Vantage by Pirelli, the result is a drive experience that’ll surpass expectations and quicken the heart rate.
5-Star Entertainment Value
Unmistakably, the svelte, two-seat Roadster exists purely as entertainment—a sports car ideal for hunting quiet backroads and testing your mad driving skills.
At your command is a choice of three drive modes —Sport, Sport+, and Track—and electronically adjustable suspension settings. Consequently, handling is lively and predictable. The buttons are mounted on the steering wheel and within easy reach of your thumbs. Thus, you can readily satisfy whatever tickles your fancy at the moment.
Whether you’re running down your favorite ribbon of tarmac or flogging it on a race track, the steering feel is spot on with the right amount of weight. And with each flick of the shifter paddles, the baritone of the twin-turbo V-8 becomes more boisterous and more entertaining because of the epic soundtrack erupting from quad pipes.
Initially, I found the power, disposition, and price tag of the Vantage intimidating. However, the Pirelli P Zero tires, developed specifically for the Vantage and its adaptive suspension system, hook up beautifully and build confidence quickly. After some drive time, I had a pretty good grasp of the convertible’s capabilities and felt more in control.
For fun, disable traction control and ESP for smoky burnouts of those expensive Pirellis that’ll shame any Hellcat owner at the next gathering. However, the smartest move is to leave the electronic safety systems on for tackling any road condition with perfect poise. If the rear-end steps out unexpectedly, any oversteer is reigned in quickly.
Room For Two & Not Much More
There’s a coziness to the Vantage’s interior that makes it feel like a proper sports car. Hence, the cabin arrangement only allows taking one passenger with you. Yet, the boot will fit a couple of shopping bags or a set of golf clubs, even with the top folded in place.
Missing from the Vantage is the latest generation of automotive tech. So don’t expect to find features commonly found in many new cars, such as adaptive cruise control, pre-emptive braking, Apple Car Play, or a head-up display. The lack of modern tech features further emphasizes the Vantage’s core strength—a harmonious enthusiast driving experience.
One of the rare modern tech conveniences is the 360-degree around-view camera. Given the Vantage’s high window lines, this feature is invaluable when parking and ideal for avoiding crunching the front spoiler on tall curbs.
The Verdict: 2021 Vantage Roadster Review
If you seek something more exotic than a Jaguar F-Type and more exclusive than a Mercedes-AMG GT, turn to the Aston Martin Vantage. Coupe or Roadster: the Vantage feels balanced, powerful, and looks downright gorgeous. Moreover, it’s a bundle of fun to drive—and it’ll make you feel special.
| 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster | |
|---|---|
| MSRP (incl. destination) | $147,000 |
| Price as Tested | $199,186 |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Power (hp) | 503 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 505 @ 2,000 – 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Curb Weight | 3,589 lbs. |
| Estimated Fuel Economy | 15 / 28 / 24 (city/hwy/combined) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 inches |
| Length x Width x Height | 175.8 x 84.76 x 50.1 inches |
| Maximum Speed | 190 mph |
| 0 – 60 MPH | 3.7 seconds |
For more details and to design your own 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, click HERE.
