2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster First Steer
October 14, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster – First Steer
This is the Vantage as it should have been
Model Tested:
- 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster 4.7-litre Sportshift – $292,949 (RRP) / $309,744 (As Tested)
Options:
- Contemporary Paint $1250 (Fitted); HID Headlamps with Power Wash $1250 (Fitted); Powerfold Exterior Mirrors $745 (Fitted); Convertible Wind Deflector $995 (Fitted); Front Parking Sensors $745 (Fitted); Bluetooth $1250 (Fitted); Premium Audio System Dolby Pro-Logic II $2500 (Fitted); Satellite Navigation $4350 (Fitted); Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror $240 (Fitted); Memory Seats $745 (Fitted); Cruise Control $745 (Fitted); Heated Seats $745 (Fitted); Smoker’s Kit $365 (Fitted); Umberalla & Holder $380 (Fitted); Volumetric & Tilt Sensor Alarm $490 (Fitted)
Engine Response, Chassis Balance, Graceful Styling
Coarse Transmission, Disparate Brake Pedal Feel
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Whilst my colleagues were out in the Snowy Mountains enjoying the spoils of the first Australian steer in Aston Martin’s stunning new Vantage Coupe last fortnight, I was contented to sit in the office a little longer waiting patiently for my first steer in the exquisite 09MY 4.7-litre V8 Vantage Roadster. Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.
Now before I begin please allow me to quantify my next comment, for it is not my intention to detract from the previous 4.3-litre engined car’s capabilities in any way. I dearly loved the previous model, but by the same token I hasten to add that this is the Vantage as it should have always been.
The 4.7-litre, or 09MY (2009 Model Year in Aston language), is a far better balanced, much more responsive and so dexterously agile example of a sports roadster than the predecessor, yet it remains as fantastically docile (when the mood takes you) and gracefully attractive as always was the V8 Vantage.
As I was only afforded a relatively short time with the Roadster, a First Steer is par for the course for now, with a full review expected when next we drive the Vantage twins in December.
But that aside, the new Vantage Roadster proved in a short space of time that it is arguably the ultimate example of what a high performance luxury roadster can be. It truly is a beautiful piece of machinery. The exterior skin, whilst stunning and flowing, tells only half the story though with the full experience only lived once you’ve been in the driver’s seat.
The cockpit is a thing of beauty, for not only is the Vantage a purposeful sports car, it is a contemporary example of luxury sports motoring at the same time, with all the modern features you’d expect of a modern car, plus a comfort and level of satisfaction only achieved from placing yourself behind the wheel of something so truly magical as an Aston Martin (I am especially fond of the 700W Premium Audio System).
Yes very nice but the options are a silly price.. They should really be standard.. 300k plus on roads! Far too much for a British Roadster IMO. Cant think of another car for that price that has so little torque..
DanMan, i’m with you. The F430 managed 360kW; RS4 + M3 all get 309kW with 4.2 and 4.0 V8’s respectively and both are getting a bit long in the tooth (moreso RS4). But you are right, it is the torque that annoys me most; it barely makes its’ capacity in torque, and for that money you would want a little bit more of twist for a supposed RWD luxury tourer (as opposed to a harder, more track focused car, F430). Because this thing seriously doesn’t have the speed to hang with Ferrari or Lambo, Porsche, M and AMG. Kind of depressing to spend so much on a car that is gonna struggle to satisfactorily nail Turbo Falcons from the lights. Funny then FPV is my anti-spam word.
My neighbor has the old V8 Vantage with the Sportshift gearbox.
It is one of the worst gearboxes on the market! It’s so shuddery and it’s overly easy to roast the clutch just doing a u-turn!
Manual all the way.
An F430 with auto/man will set you back another $180K and it still doesn’t have the class or looks to match the Vantage. This is probably the stiffest Roadster in the class with a top speed of 290km/h – not fast enough for you?
Weight: 1710kg (Tare)
Torque: 470Nm @ 5000rpm
No way does the above get you to 290KPH.
250 maybe…
For the price i would have an Audi r8 anyday..
DanMan, more torque doesn’t got you a higher top speed, horsepower gives you the top speed, torque gives you acceleration.
Astons are not about being the fastest, it is more about how they go about being so fast that makes them special. Unfortunately, but true, if you don’t understand that comment, then you will never understand Aston.
It’s all about torque, gearing and the frontal area (CO drag efficency)..
hmmm have to go to wikipedia me thinks..
the weight is also a big issue. even with 313kw, it wont get there..
Well they been Bankrupt about 4 times so alot of people dont get it..
I love this car. I think the options are fine and people who complain are only complaining because they cant afford it. DanMan, in your first comment, you talk like british roadsters aren’t any good? I like those wheels, but not as much as the old seven spoke ones and I dont like the five spoke ones on the sports pack, I dont think they go with the car. In the next gen. model, I would like to see both the transmissions improved. The manuals good, much better than the Sportshift, but it is a bit jerky. And it goes without saying the Sportshift needs improving. Aston Martin should strike up a deal with Porsche to get the PDK Transmission. I know it’ll never happen, but Aston Martin would have a great transmission and they could add the much needed paddle shifters. Finally, Frontman, I definitely understand your comment but I think maybe Aston Martin wants to change that to get more 911 sales.
Its a convertible…they’re not built for speed even though they have the goods to do it..
Real performance freaks would take the roofed version and save some money in the process.
The extra pork comes from the chassis being re-enforced because it’s missing a roof though I’m hoping y’all knew that :D
And what years were they bankrupt DanMan you knucklehead? Try 30 years ago or 50 years ago or even 90 years ago.
It\’s the same story with Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Maserati and the list goes on. These car companies are all profitable now with demand greater than ever.
You clearly don\’t know your automotive history mate.
don’t worry about measurements so much, no amount of torque or kW will make up for lost inches, enjoy the face, the sensuality, the texture, the sounds, the experience
That is a ridiculous list of options for a car which costs this much. It also means that if you start ticking the option boxes, you could be waiting a long time for delivery.
Chucky, if you’re spending this much on a car, wouldn’t you want to sod delivery and get the one you want rather than compromising? The next generation should use Jaguars technology so they dont need to add all the extra weight to reinforce the car for lack of roof.