Apr 14, 2006 3:58:38 AM
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Ron (Houston)
- Rennteam Moderator
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- Loc: Houston, TX , United States
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AMV8 Volante Pictures
Autoexpress (c)
Quote:
Our exclusive photographs record the first public steps of the legendary firm's new cabriolet, the sensational V8 Roadster - set to make its official debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November.
Forget the grainy pictures that you may have seen of the car so far. These world premiere shots reveal the finished machine in showroom-ready trim with the soft-top down. Spied in action on Britain's roads, it is the first chance we have had to see the newcomer close-up. Based on the V8 Vantage, the car keeps the coupé's stunning profile and size. However, the big surprise is that the drop-top won't use the famous Volante name which graces cabriolet versions of the DB9, and is christened Roadster instead.
According to our sources, the Volante name is reserved for four-seat machines such as the DB9, while the Roadster moniker will be applied to all future two-seater models. Aimed at the likes of the latest Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Mercedes SL, the new Aston aims to offer style and exclusivity in measures its rivals cannot match. Not only will that be backed up by limited production numbers, but by the car's hand-crafted feel. For example, the Roadster will feature a comfortable yet sporting cabin which includes the switchgear and instumentation shared by the V8 Vantage and the DB9.
The interior blends a crisp, modern design with traditional materials such as aluminium, hand-stitched leather and highly polished wood. As with the Vantage, the Roadster will give plenty
of opportunity for customers to choose their own unique colour schemes.
Driving the test car is Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's chief executive. He has a strong engineering background, and has been heavily involved in the technical side of the model's development. Together with his team, he's ensured that the driving experience offered by the Roadster will match that of the excellent new Vantage, tested by Auto Express in issue 879.
Based on Aston's versatile VH aluminium chassis, the Roadster will have impressive handling thanks to its rigidity and near-perfect weight balance. Because the gearbox is mounted on the rear axle, and the engine located far behind the front axle, the steering should also prove very responsive.
With its high-revving 4.3-litre V8 powerplant and slick-shifting six-speed gearbox enabling a 0-60mph time of around five seconds, the Roadster will retain the coupé version's straight-line performance. Top speed is tipped to be 175mph. Although our images show the car with the roof stowed away, the two-seater will have an electrically powered soft-top controlled by a single switch located within the leather-trimmed cabin. Rear visibility will be aided by the model's glass back screen, while the fabric top will be insulated to improve refinement.
There's no word yet on exactly how long the roof-folding operation will take. However, it's suggested that the unit will work even at low speeds. The V8 Roadster will hit showrooms next year, with an expected premium of at least Pounds5,000 over the coupé's Pounds79,995 tag. Sales will start in spring, with the first deliveries made in summer.
Dan Strong
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