2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Preview

New Aston Martin Roadster Unveiled

The 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster will be mechanically identical to its coupe twin but will have a powered soft-top.

Aston Martin gave a sneak peek of two exciting 2008 models — the DBS coupe and V8 Vantage Roadster — at a private event in October for 300 guests, including Aston Martin owners, prospective clients and dealers. Executives at the event would not release details on either car, such as pricing, sales volumes or specifications, but ForbesAutos.com was among the few members of the media on hand to snap some photographs.

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A 2008 V8 Vantage Roadster was on display and drew attention from cocktail-sipping attendees. It features a powered, multilayer soft-top and is otherwise identical to the existing V8 Vantage coupe, said Geno Effler, brand communications manager for Aston Martin North America. He didn’t know whether it would weigh more or less than its solid-roofed sibling but said that it compromises nothing by way of performance and handling capabilities, and it will feature the same powertrain as the coupe.

Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman said that the V8 Vantage Roadster’s multihued red paint finish simulates looking into a fire’s orange, red and yellow flames: Depending on how the light hits it, the lustrous finish varies in color. A soft-top to was chosen instead of a folding metal hardtop as part of Aston Martin's minimalist design directive of having everything you need for a beautiful, exhilirating sports car and nothing more. "A folding hardtop is a luxury, not a necessity," Marek said.

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