The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition Roadster comes with fine-tuning of aerodynamics and chassis as well as a 535 hp AMG V8. What he can, we clarify in the driving report.
“Where I am is in front”. This undoubtedly applies in an Aston Martin Vantage when it is leading the Formula 1 field on the racetrack as a safety car. Nevertheless, if you can afford a sports car like this, you should also find yourself in a position high up on the podium financially.
Even then you still have dreams. Maybe to be closer to Formula 1? We can help there too. Aston Martin not only provides part of the safety cars, but also drives with its own team in the premier class of motorsport. The manufacturer celebrates this with the F1 Edition of the Vantage.
Not only does it get the red F1 stickers, but also a subtle increase in performance. The biturbo V8 supplied by Mercedes-AMG with a displacement of four liters delivers 535 hp instead of 510 hp. There are also changes to the chassis with new dampers and 21-inch wheels. Most notable change is the aerodynamics package. In addition to a carbon splitter at the front, it also includes a monstrous rear wing. The board should bring 200 kilograms more contact pressure on the rear axle at high speeds. You should feel that primarily on the racetrack.
We’re not going there this time. Because after the Aston Martin Vantage F1 as a coupé was already allowed to hunt through the Eifel in the expert hands of colleague Hirschfeld, we open the fabric cap today. The non-limited special series is also available as a roadster. The fully automatic process takes 6.7 seconds until the Vantage is “topless”.
Benz inside, not just with the engine
Bernd Conrad
The Mercedes Comand system controls the infotainment in the Vantage.
In the interior, which is lined with Alcantara covers, there is sufficient space for two people. The sports seats offer good lateral support, only the integrated headrests are a bit short. The infotainment system in the Aston Martin is familiar from older Mercedes models. It was called “Comand” back then. A rotary pushbutton in the center console feels good in the hand, optionally it can be supplemented with a touchpad. However, the constructive age of the system can be seen in the lack of an option to connect the smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Less important, because we want to listen to the sound of the V8. It starts when you press the button that can be found in the center of the cockpit. From the four thick tailpipes, the Vantage rumbles bass-heavy when idling. But he refrains from shouting loudly, seems more subtle than some competitors from Italy.
You can confidently leave the switching work to the cleanly tuned eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. In “track mode”, which can be set using a button on the steering wheel, the control clicks double-declutching when downshifting through the exhaust system. Then the Vantage allows itself a short popping over the flap control. The dampers can also be adjusted in three stages at the push of a button.
In 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h
Bernd Conrad
The biturbo V8 got an increase in performance from 510 to 535 hp.
switchbacks ahead! The Aston Martin claws into the asphalt with the Pirelli P Zero. Despite the expansive hips, it can be maneuvered unerringly through curves and hairpin bends, also thanks to the optimal feedback on the valance. The tuning of the ESP also allows the driven rear wheels to help gently, the Vantage pushes the rear in a controllable manner towards the outer edge of the curve. On the straights, it goes straight to country road speed, which is not surprising. The factory specification for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h is 3.7 seconds – at least 0.1 seconds faster than the Vantage without the F1 kit, which is suitable for regulars.
As a roadster, the Vantage is 305 km/h fast on the empty motorway or the start-finish straight. With the top open, thanks to the glass wind deflector between the rollover protection humps behind the seats and with the side windows up, you can easily reach 160 km/h without having to call out a storm warning in the cockpit. That’s just for the sake of completeness, because roadster driving is known to be much more fun on country roads than on the freeway.
How much does the fun cost?
Bernd Conrad
The plaques on the front fenders indicate the F1 edition.
Let’s get back to the subject of money. Anyone who is “at the front” and is interested in the British sports car must reckon with a price of 187,200 euros. The test car brought some options such as a sound system, red painted brake calipers and carbon decorative elements in the interior. That drives the list price to 197,900 euros.
Price regions in which many Porsche customers are also configuring their 911. In contrast to the competitor from Zuffenhausen, however, the Vantage makes for a completely different appearance. More extravagant, more present, more extroverted. And by the way, he brings with him the proximity to Formula 1. According to current plans, Porsche drivers will have to wait until 2026 for that.
Conclusion
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is an open sports car with great potential for driving pleasure. In addition to the increase in performance for the AMG V8 and a revised chassis, the F1 Edition also brings the unmistakable wings. Friends of maximum driving dynamics accept that, aesthetes will certainly be happy with the 510 hp Vantage Roadster in standard trim.