November 27, 2006. Copyright 2006, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Up for sale Aston Martin unveils Vantage Roadster
By Neil Winton

LONDON, November 27, Graphic News:  Some cars are so exclusive, so expensive, so unobtainable, that they are barely recognised by the general public.

BritainÕs Aston Martin fulfils all of the above criteria, but thanks to being the vehicle of choice of movie icon James Bond, these luxury sports cars are as instantly identifiable as any humdrum Ford or Volkswagen. The British master spy drives an Aston Martin DBS in the latest blockbuster movie, Casino Royale, not to be confused with the 2007 Ford Mondeo which also takes a bow with a cameo appearance in the film. With well-orchestrated timing, the companyÕs new car, the V8 Vantage Roadster, is making its debut at the Los Angeles auto show.

The Vantage Roadster is powered by the same engine as the fixed roof version -- a 4.3 litre V8 motor which produces 380bhp and thrusts the car from rest to 60mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed would be 175mph (280 km/h) if speed limits were suspended. You can order a six-speed manual gearbox, or a Sportshift automated manual transmission, which either changes gear by itself, or by using fingertip controls behind the steering wheel. Aston Martin hasnÕt revealed the fuel consumption figures or the price, which is expected to start at about 100,000 euros. This makes it the cheapest in the Aston range, which is headed by the flagship Vanquish V12 priced at 260,000 euros.

The Vantage Roadster will be built at Aston MartinÕs headquarters at Gaydon in the UK, and includes luxury features like hand-stitched leather seats. The body incorporates high technology lightweight alloys, advanced composite materials and much use of aluminium. Even the mechanism to open the roof is fast, taking 18 seconds from pressing a button on the centre console, to having it stowed behind the seats, without human intervention. Most convertibles need to be stationary before opening and shutting the roof. But this carÕs roof can be moved at speeds up to 30mph (50km/h).

Aston Martin is owned by AmericaÕs gigantic but financially troubled Ford Motor Co., and is currently up for sale. Two of EuropeÕs richest men are said to be considering a bid; Bernard Arnault, who controls Louis Vuitton, Moet Hennessy (LVMH) of France and Albert Frere, chairman of BelgiumÕs Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, are said to be thinking about a bid of 1 billion euros. Other prospective buyers are believed to include Dubai-based private equity firm Istithmar, the American buyout company Texas Pacific Group, and Alchemy Partners, run by Jon Moulton and Jac Nasser, the former chief executive of Ford.

German luxury car maker BMW was thought to be looking at Aston Martin, which makes about 7,500 cars a year. BMW already owns British premium brands like Rolls Royce and Mini, but has denied any interest in buying Aston Martin.

Aston Martin aficionados will hope that whoever buys the company will want to endorse its ambitious expansion plans. This includes a hybrid petrol/electric engine for the Vantage by 2010, a new four-seat Rapide to replace the Vanquish at the top of the range in 2008, and the revival of the storied Lagonda brand with an SUV in 2010 and a big 4-seater Lagonda by 2015.

Meanwhile, visitors to the Los Angeles auto show will be able to drool over the stunning superstructure of the Vantage Roadster, and if they can stump up the cash, can take delivery in spring of next year.
/ENDS