Aston Martin Roadster

Here are pictures of Aston Martin's soft-top version of the V8 Vantage. The two-seater, was unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2006 and is set to be called Roadster, rather than adopt the Volante name typical of soft-top Aston Martins. Power comes from the 380bhp 4.2-litre V8 used in the coupe. Expect a price around £90,000.

There's more to the Roadster than a simple tin opener-job on the coupe. While convertibles are typically spun off saloon bodies, the V8 Vantage is a hatchback, so Aston's designers have had to create a new rear end. It's a handsome rump, flowing into a lip spoiler just like the coupe's. The powered, fabric roof stows to reveal those twin buttresses, and a wind deflector folds up to soothe turbulence.

The rest of the Roadster from the wheels up is nigh on identical to the coupe. Both cars are based on Aston's aluminum VH platform. Insiders claim it is so stiff that minimal bracing was needed, to offset the reduced rigidity of going topless. Don't expect too much of a weight gain over the 1630kg coupe.
With the Roadster running the same 380bhp 4.2-litre V8, performance should be similar. Expect 0-62mph in around 5.0sec and a top speed not too far off the coupe's 175mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual 'box, or the new paddle shift 'box unveiled last year on Paris motor show.