Meet Aston Martin’s fastest production convertible to date: the new V12 Vantage S Roadster with a 565hp 12-cylinder engine and a top speed of 201mph or 323 km/h. The ragtop model can also complete the sprint to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, or if you prefer the metric system, 0-100km/h comes in 4.0 seconds.

The Roadster edition follows the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched in 2013, with which it shares its 6.0-liter V12 engine that returns 565hp and a peak torque of 620Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,750, with 510Nm (376 lb-ft) readily available from as low as 1,000rpm.

The naturally aspirated mill feeds the rear wheels through Aston’s Sportshift III 7-speed automated manual that replaces the six-speed stick-shift found in the previous 510hp V12 Vantage Roadster, which Aston says, was also 20kg / 44 pounds heavier.

Along with the uprated engine, the Roadster borrows the V12 Vantage Coupe’s suspension with three-stage adaptive damping (Normal, Sport & Track), carbon ceramic brake discs all round and ZF Servotronic power assisted steering.

It gets the same cosmetic revisions as the coupe, such as the bespoke front grille trimmed in carbon fiber with black or titanium silver mesh, pronounced bonnet louvres and available graphics package. The interior is upgraded with new trims, with available carbon fibre lightweight seats.

If you want an even more bespoke look, Aston Martin’s Q division offers a special pallet of exterior and interior colors, along with a wide selection of trim options.

By John Halas

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