How do you make one of the world's most beautiful cars even more desirable? Rip its top off. At any speed under 30 mph, hold down a button and in eighteen seconds, the V8 Vantage convertible's three-layer fabric top drops, exposing its exquisitely crafted interior to the elements. More importantly, it exposes your ear canals to the wailing assault of the Vantage's 4.3-liter V-8. It's quite possible that the Vantage's exhaust sounds as good as the car looks, and what better way to experience it than through the open air?
The V8 Vantage roadster was developed alongside its coupe sibling, so we're expecting the decrease in structural rigidity to be minor. Aston promises that the weight gain is negligible, and that acceleration remains unchanged at 4.9 seconds to 60 mph. Top speed will also stay the same at 175 mph.
A new Sportshift automated manual will be available in addition to the standard six-speed stick. Prices for this droptop beauty have not yet been announced, but there's no rush, as it won't be on sale until the spring of 2007. But with looks like this, cost is merely an afterthought.
Photos are available at: www.automobilemag.com