Drop-top Aston launched in LA

• V8 Vantage Roadster unveiled
• Soft-top drops in 18 seconds
• Long waiting list despite £91k price tag

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Aston Martin has launched its latest convertible, the V8 Vantage Roadster, at the Los Angeles motor show.

The soft-top two-seater Vantage is the 14th convertible from the company, continuing a heritage that stretches back to 1950. Its canvas hood stows in 18 seconds and can be opened or closed on the move at speeds of up to 30mph.

The car has the same aluminium-and-composites structure as the two-year-old coupe, keeping weight down to a respectable 1710kg, and is powered by the same 380bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine.

Structural changes to make space for the folded hood have meant the coupe's rear luggage shelf behind the driver and passenger has been being replaced with three storage recesses. Two of these are in cowled areas which incorporate coat hooks.

The first right-hand-drive versions of the £91,000 Roadster are likely to be delivered to customers next spring, and already the order book stretches to the end of 2007.