New Aston's roofless streak

A roadster version of Aston Martin's stunning new V8 Vantage will reach showrooms in early 2007.

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A roadster version of Aston Martin's stunning new V8 Vantage will reach showrooms in early 2007.

The drop-top incarnation of Aston's new sports car will first be shown to the public in late 2006 before going on sale a few months later.

Power will come from the same 4.3-litre V8 employed in the coupe. With 380bhp under the bonnet, the V8 Vantage reaches 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 175mph.

Although the body-stiffening necessary to turn a coupe into a convertible will inevitably increase the car's weight, company insiders promise the driving experience won't be compromised, so expect performance figures only slightly shy of the coupe's.

Aston Martin drop-tops have always taken the Volante name, but the V8 Vantage will break from tradition. The company says that while 'Volante' conjures up the image of a gentleman's GT car, the V8 Vantage roadster will be an out-and-out sports car.

There's no firm word on price, but expect a substantial hike from the £79,995 of the hard-top model.

Return to the site on Tuesday, August 30 for Whatcar.com’s first drive of the V8 Vantage.