Aston Martin 4.7-litre V8 Vantage Roadster Sportshift (2008) CAR review

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was introduced only a year ago, but already it’s been revised, the headline stats being a V8 that’s been bored and stroked from 4.3 to 4.7-litres (new pistons, liners and crankshaft), pushing power from 380bhp to 420bhp and torque from 302lb ft to 346 lb ft. The price? It rises from £91k to £93k – Sportshift carrying an additional £3k premium.

Have they even bothered to change the way the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster looks?

If you’ve already got a Roadster you’ll be pleased to hear that the new model is indeed identical on the outside, so to the casual observer you won't suddenly be driving round in last season's lines. It's inside that the changes have occured, with a DBS-inspired centre console. And the DBS's awkward Emotional Control Unit and theatrical push-the-key-in-the-slot start-up procedure. There are also some useful extras including iPod and MP3 integration and a 30GB hard disc drive sat-nav replaces the previous DVD-based system.

And it still sounds great, right?

Yes indeed, and even better than the Coupe because you can tuck the roof away on the Roadster. The bypass valve in the exhaust still opens at around 4000rpm, so it still has that head-turning soundtrack. Thanks to the bigger engine the Aston Martin Roadster now also has the go to match the show. There’s instant shove as soon as you drop the accelerator and you get one big rush all the way to 7000rpm.

Click 'Next' below to read more of our Aston Martin 4.7-litre V8 Vantage Roadster Sportshift first drive