Aston Martin announced the launch of the fastest and most powerful Roadster they’ve ever built. This car is an open-top version of the V12 Vantage S, and it is alfresco motoring at its best, what with 565 bhp and 620 Nm, and a top speed of 201 mph.

Those are amazing numbers for a car whose underpinnings are ancient by today’s standards. That makes you wonder whether Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster can handle its power without falling to pieces after five minutes. Aston says it can, because it uses race-derived and motorsport-proven technology.

Compared to the V12 Vantage Roadster, the S version is 20 kg lighter, mainly thanks to the new Sportshift III 7-speed transmission and a more generous use of carbon fiber. Singing all the way to the redline with its sports exhaust system, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Crucially, Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster gets the superb looks of its siblings, but with a few bespoke touches such as a carbon fiber grille inspired by that of the CC 100 concept. Inside you get new-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fiber lightweight seat options.

There is a range of new personalization option available for the Vantage S model including a Carbon pack, and unique interior and exterior appointments from Q by Aston Martin.