While Aston Martin is preparing for a transition towards electricity, we get to experience the last V-12-powered models. Among them is the 2023 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage, which is one of the last British Muscle cars. The fixed-head V-12 coupe debuted in March 2022 and now, we get spy footage of the upcoming, open-top variant of the British sports car, almost completely revealed with little camo.

Keeping Tradition Alive

So far, almost all Aston Martin models have come in coupe and convertible forms. The current-generation Vantage is no exception. The 2023 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage was spied during tests at the Nurburgring racetrack, and it looks like it’s almost completely undisguised. This means that the drop-top V-12 Vantage is almost ready to join the 2023 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage coupe on the market.

The open-top, V-12 send-off it deserves

Unfortunately, Aston Martin’s V-12 engine lives on borrowed time. This hardly seems fair given that the 5.2-liter, twin-turbo V-12 has only been around for a few years, unlike the 5.9-liter, naturally-aspirated V-12 which was retired after decades of service in one form or another. Just like the previous V-12 Vantage was an epic send-off for the old V-12, it seems this one will do the same for the twin-turbo V-12. In this application, the 5.2-liter unit packs 690 horsepower (515 kilowatts) and 555 pound-feet (753 Nm).

Like its fixed-head counterpart, the V-12 Vantage Roadster will be produced in a limited quantity of 333 examples, automatically making it a collector’s delight. As a rule of thumb, the roadster is expected to be heavier. We don’t know the exact figures yet, but in the case of the V-8 Vantage, the weight difference is almost 220 pounds (100 kg) in favor of the lighter coupe version. We expect a similar difference for the V-12 model.

Other than that, we see the same aggressive body kit as the V-12 Vantage coupe, consisting of a carbon-fiber splitter, side skirts, diffuser, and a tall rear wing. Naturally, the biggest and only aesthetic difference is in the roof section. The V-12 Vantage Roadster comes with a soft convertible top as opposed to the coupe version’s almost-fastback-type roofline. We expect the V-12 Vantage Roadster to make an official debut sometime between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. This will be the last Aston Martin to get a V-12 engine.

FAQ

Q: What gear should you wear on a motorcycle?

You should always wear as much protective gear as you can: at least a helmet, jacket, jeans, gloves, and boots. ideally, the jacket and pants should have impact and abrasion resistance padding built in.

Q: How much is a full set of motorcycle gear?

You can spend as little as a few hundred dollars for a full set of road riding or off-road gear, right up to several thousands for the top-of-the-range brands.

Q: What is the safest motorcycle gear?

The safest gear comes from well-known and reputable brands, brands that your local motorcycle apparel stockist will already have in their stores. The best gear has been certified according to your country's legislation regarding safety standards.

Q: What should you not wear on a motorcycle?

Shorts, t-shirts, thin cotton clothes, sandals, or flip flops. In short 'nothing' is the worst thing to wear: you should aways have the minimum of jacket, pants, helmet, gloves, and boots.

Q: How much does biker gear cost?

There is biker gear to suit every budget. The golden rule is to buy the best you can afford.