Aston announces V12 Vantage Roadster

When Jeremy drove the V12 he thought it was an ending to a beautiful story (see below). It turns out it's not: there's actually a sequel.

Unlike McLaren who took a mere 12 months to decide to chop the roof from the MP4-12C, it's taken Aston three years to get around to ripping the lid off the smallest Aston. What technical and dynamic changes have they made in that time? Not many. But have a look (and then imagine the noise). Do you care?

See all the pictures of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster 

It's still got the same 6.0 V12 that squeezes out 510 bhp and 570 Nm of torque at an ear-pleasing 5,750 rpm. It's also quite possibly the last supercar to utilise three pedals and a stick to change gear (and a manual stick is the only option available). 

If you do get your gearshifts right, you'll see 62mph come up on the speedo from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. And with five more gearchanges, plus a right foot firmly pressed into the carpet, you'll eventually hit 190mph.

The styling hasn't changed - but there's new carbon fibre. Lots of carbon fibre. Carbon fibre side strakes, a carbon fibre front splitter, carbon fibre rear diffuser, carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon fibre rear lamp infills. Not enough carbon for you? Then spec the interior package that adds a carbon fibre facia and carbon fibre gearshift surround.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez says, "I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster's prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver."

He may well be right. There's no doubt the V12 Vantage stirs Top Gear's emotions like few cars before or since, as the video below will confirm. And we'll give you the full run down when we get to drive to car soon. Order books are open now but it'll cost you £150,000 to get your name in one...

See all the pictures of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster