Photography: David Lewis Taylor
The Hamptons—long revered as a summer playground for the rich, the powerful, and the effortlessly stylish—has expanded its influence beyond NYC’s social elite. These days, you’re just as likely to find guests from London, Dubai, and Los Angeles soaking up the coastal glamour. Against this backdrop of refined indulgence, the all-new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster couldn’t feel more at home.
We took to the secluded, winding back roads of Montauk to put the Vantage Roadster’s 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine to the test. This new model is more than a pretty face, though it certainly is that. It’s a visceral, finely tuned machine that brings the full force of Aston Martin’s performance heritage to an open-air experience. And while our test model arrived just before the official U.S. rollout of Apple CarPlay Ultra, we were able to activate the cutting-edge infotainment system via a quick software update through our Aston Martin dealer—just another reminder of the brand’s seamless blend of analog thrill and digital sophistication.
There’s an unmistakable magnetism to the Vantage Roadster. Its silhouette is sleek, assertive, and unmistakably Aston—an evolution of the marque’s iconic design DNA. The wide grille, sculpted sides, and bold rear haunches project purpose and poise. With the roof up or stowed, the Roadster feels like a design object in motion.
Inside, the cockpit is tailored to the driver, where supple leather, carbon fiber details, and finely tuned ergonomics create an immersive, focused atmosphere. It’s both luxurious and athletic—a duality that defines the new Vantage.
At the heart of the Vantage Roadster lies its beating soul: a hand-assembled 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, delivering an exhilarating 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of catapulting from 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph.
Yet for all its firepower, the Roadster remains remarkably composed. The engine note is sharp and purposeful—growling just enough to announce its arrival without overwhelming. In Montauk’s open stretches, it delivered performance that was immediate, responsive, and addictively smooth.
The Vantage Roadster sets a new benchmark with industry-leading Active Vehicle Dynamics, giving drivers unparalleled feedback and control. Whether navigating the winding inland turns or charging down coastal roads, the chassis responds with exceptional precision.
Its adaptive damping, torque vectoring, and rear electronic differential work together to provide confidence at every turn. This isn’t just about speed—it’s about refined control, where every movement feels intentional and perfectly weighted.
One of the most impressive technical marvels on the Vantage Roadster is its record-setting convertible roof, the fastest of any electric folding top in production today. It can be fully retracted in just under 7 seconds, even while moving at speeds up to 31 mph.
That kind of instant transformation—from coupe to cabriolet—makes every drive feel cinematic. One moment you’re cocooned in a grand tourer, the next you’re open to the sun, the wind, and the sound of that unforgettable V8.
Aston Martin understands that today’s driver expects not only performance but also digital elegance. With Apple CarPlay Ultra now standard across all new Aston Martin orders in the U.S. and Canada, the interface is sharper, more intuitive, and better integrated than ever.
Our vehicle, an early test model, received the update via a remote software upgrade—seamless and swift, like the car itself. In a brand where analog passion meets digital clarity, this kind of thoughtful detail feels entirely on brand.
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster isn’t just another performance convertible—it’s a statement. It speaks to a life of taste, power, and motion. Whether pulling into the gravel driveway of a Hamptons estate or hugging the curves of a forgotten country lane, the Roadster delivers one of the most complete and emotionally engaging driving experiences available today.
As Aston Martin writes its next chapter, this car reminds us that performance and beauty still belong together—roof down, engine roaring, eyes on the horizon.