Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Hire UK: 503HP Open-Top Twin-Turbo V8 Self-Drive

The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is the open-top convertible version of the current generation Vantage, sharing the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine, the same rear transaxle ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, and the same rear-wheel drive chassis as the coupe. The Roadster adds an electrically operated fabric roof that opens or closes in 6.7 seconds at speeds up to 31mph, allowing the roof to be managed in moving traffic without stopping. With the roof raised, the Roadster has a top speed of 190mph and reaches 62mph in 3.7 seconds. The kerb weight of 1,565kg is 35kg heavier than the coupe as a result of the additional roof mechanism and structural reinforcements required to maintain body rigidity in an open top configuration. The bonded aluminium chassis has been specifically re engineered for the Roadster to compensate for the removal of the structural contribution made by the coupe’s fixed roof. The ZF 8-speed gearbox sits at the rear of the car in a transaxle layout, giving the Roadster the same near 50:50 front to rear weight distribution as the coupe.

The open-top Vantage experience

The Vantage Roadster’s fabric roof folds away completely behind the seats, leaving a clean open cabin with no visible roof mechanism intruding into the rear view. The fold is compact enough that luggage capacity is not significantly compromised, the boot holds 208 litres with the roof down versus 269 litres in the coupe. In the UK, the roof can be raised or lowered quickly enough to respond to changing weather conditions without planning ahead. With the roof down at speed, the exhaust note is more present and direct than in the coupe. The engine character is a more constant part of the open air experience, and the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8’s exhaust note at high revs in Sport mode is a specific reason to choose the Roadster over the coupe.

Vantage Roadster vs Vantage coupe – which one?

The choice between the Vantage coupe and the Vantage Roadster is straightforward: if open-air driving is part of the reason for the hire, the Roadster is the answer. The coupe is 35kg lighter, marginally stiffer and reaches 195mph versus 190mph for the Roadster with the roof raised. For everyday driving on UK roads these differences are academic. Both share the same 503HP engine, the same chassis and the same rear transaxle gearbox layout, so the driving experience is consistent across both body styles with the roof raised.

The Vantage Roadster on UK roads

In summer on fast A-roads with the roof down, the Roadster’s combination of 685Nm of torque, rear wheel drive and an active electronic rear differential provides a driving experience that justifies every aspect of the specification. At motorway speeds with the roof raised, wind noise is well suppressed by the fabric roof and the cabin is composed enough for longer journeys. The Roadster works well on the same open UK roads suited to the coupe: the A417 in the Cotswolds, the Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District or the B4246 through the Brecon Beacons are routes where the car’s weight, width and power can be used without exceeding legal speed limits.

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Aston Martin Vantage Roadster self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre purchased at the time of booking.