The Aston Martin Vantage RS roadster has surfaced in early spy shots, offering the first look at an unexpected open-top version of the brand’s rumored hardcore Vantage. The development mule remains in the relatively early stages of testing, but its aggressive aerodynamic hardware and potential for more than 700 horsepower suggest Aston Martin is preparing its most extreme drop-top Vantage yet.

Vantage RS Roadster Gets Aggressive Aero

The latest prototype follows spy shots of a very crude, early development mule for a hardcore Aston Martin Vantage coupe received last month. Unlike that earlier prototype, the roadster features a more attractive fixed rear wing, with shapes that call to mind the Valkyrie AMR Pro.

The roadster also uses a relatively traditional four-pipe exhaust setup. The exhaust exits sit close together within the rear diffuser, although it remains unclear whether Aston Martin has something more extreme planned for the production car.

At the front, the development mule features a deep splitter. Beyond the splitter and fixed rear wing, however, the rest of the styling appears relatively restrained.

V12 Could Power the Hardcore Vantage

The hardcore Vantage is expected to receive carbon-ceramic brakes and stiffer suspension. The 4.0-liter AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 would be the obvious engine choice, but some insiders claim Gaydon’s engineers could fit a V12 under the hood.

Aston Martin engineers have previously admitted that installing a V12 is technically possible. Whichever engine is ultimately selected, the prototype appears positioned as the most extreme Vantage roadster yet.

The wild aerodynamic package also suggests the car is aimed at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The Vantage RS is expected to easily outmuscle that car in terms of power, unless the turbo GT3 RS rumors prove true.

More than 700 horsepower is described as all but guaranteed for the baby Aston. For comparison, the regular Vantage produces 670 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Vantage RS Could Deliver Sub-Three-Second Acceleration

The rumored RS variant is expected to cut the 0-60 mph sprint to below three seconds. A recalibrated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is expected to help deliver that performance.

Significant weight-reduction measures are also expected, including expanded use of carbon fiber. Together with the more aggressive aerodynamics, upgraded brakes and stiffer suspension, those changes would give the roadster a substantially more focused setup than the regular Vantage.

A Potential Final Chapter for the Vantage

The Aston Martin Vantage is the brand’s most accessible sports car, making a hardcore treatment for the model particularly notable. The current Vantage debuted in 2024 as an evolution of the car that debuted in 2018.

Aston Martin has now revealed the Valen with a wildly different aesthetic, making a special-edition send-off for the Vantage seem like the right opportunity to gradually introduce customers to a more aggressive design direction before the Vantage’s styling is reinvented again.

European emissions regulations could also make this Aston Martin’s last chance to put its biggest engine in its smallest car.

Expected 2027 Debut and Higher Price

Because this is the first sighting of the development mule, Aston Martin likely still has considerable work to complete. The Vantage RS is nevertheless expected to debut in 2027.

Its starting price is expected to sit far beyond the regular Vantage’s sub-$200k base MSRP, positioning the rumored RS roadster well above Aston Martin’s standard Vantage.