Following the recent teaser and announcement of the new McLaren MP4-12C Spider, comes news of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster. The V12 Vantage first entered production in 2009, but it’s the V8 Roadster S that’s remained the most powerful Vantage rag-top available (read our review of the V8 Vantage Roadster S).

The V12-powered roadster has been given a number of updates over the Vantage Roadster S model, in the same way the V12 Coupe was over its smaller V8 sibling. The Roadster has been given the same front air intake and splitter as the V12 Coupe, as well as a larger spoiler integrated with the boot lid for improved high-speed aerodynamics. The V12 Roadster’s suspension has been modified to handle the extra power and resulting cornering forces, while Aston Martin have given their flagship drop-top a unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior highlights include carbon fibre side strakes, mirror housings and taillight inlays, while further cosmetic options include a black grille, side strake meshes and tailpipes.

The interior is comparable with the V12 Coupe, with the exception of the Aston Martin logos with black backgrounds and glass switches in place of black plastic items in the centre stack. Carbon fibre trim elements are optional, which feature on the centre stack and gearshift surround.

As the title suggests, the V12 engine is shared with the Coupe model, which produces 380 kW and 570 Nm of torque. Expect acceleration to be slightly slower than the Coupe, which will be slightly lighter too, with a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in the region of 4.5 seconds. Top speed should be fast enough, at a touch over 300 km/h.

Production of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is set to start in the final quarter of 2012, with a production run limited to 101 cars, as evident by the plaque shown in the images.

via V12VantageRoadster.com

While Aston Martin may not have a lot of cash going around for the development of new platforms or engines, the British automaker is trying to make the best of what it already has. What this means is that it is churning all sorts of models and body styles based on the same hardware (and design…) for almost a decade now…

We’re not sure how long Aston Martin can keep doing it, the limit may have been reached,  but for the time being, word on the street is that Aston Martin will introduce a V12 Vantage Roadster at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Power for the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is expected to come from the same V12 in the coupe. The 6.0-litre V12 engine is good for 380 kW with a maximum torque of 570 Nm. That gives the coupe the ability to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 304 km/h. Of course, those figures are likely to change for the Roadster.

In other Aston news, CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez has apparently confirmed that the DBS replacement is in the works and could produce more than 440 kW.

Few will ever contest the exclusivity of owning an Aston Martin. Any Aston Martin will do, but it doesn’t get any better than the supercars in the line-up, being the DBS and V12 Vantage.

But if you reckon there are a few too many of these models around, then I suspect you’ll be more than pleased with the Carbon Black Special Editions, which the company has just announced.

If you choose either of these models, expect bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist for a rich patina finish.

But this is no ordinary paint job. Each car will require an incredible 50 man-hours of hand painting with stringent quality control to ensure a perfect finish.

The traditional Aston Martin side strake is finished in proper carbon fibre, backed by black mesh along with a set of superb gloss black 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels.

It’s all about black inside the car too with Obsidian Black leather with contrasting sliver course stitch – hand stitched of course by craftspeople at Aston Martin headquarters in England.

Special lightweight seats made from carbon fibre and Kevlar replace the standard sports seats, saving a significant 17 kilograms per seat.

Continuing with the all-black theme, the facia, centre stack and centre console are trimmed Piano black along with anodised black tread plates and carbon sill plaques.

Audio in the V12 Vantage is a 700w premium system, which we rate as the best standard fit in car audio system we have heard in 2009, while the DBS is fitted the incomparable Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS system as standard kit.

Order the Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage then you will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin’s Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge, which should be hugely rewarding for any owner.

Adapted from CarAdvice