Today’s Special: the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Roadster

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It’s been only days since Aston Martin announced its last limited-edition model, but now the interminable wait for another variant is at an end, with the unveiling of the new GT12 Roadster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.

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Actually this is an ultra-limited edition: just one car, commissioned from Aston’s bespoke Q division. As its name suggests, it basically combines the powertrain fitted to last year’s GT12 Vantage—which featured a track-honed mechanical package inspired by the company’s GT3 racer—with an open-topped roadster body.

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Although Aston’s Q division started out to deliver personalized color and trim options, its role has expanded dramatically in recent years—it was behind the Vulcan track car that was spun out of the One-77. The GT12 Roadster stands as proof that if you’ve got a desire and pockets deep enough to pay for it, pretty much anything is possible, with customers now being able to commission full-scale design projects.

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The GT12 Roadster was designed, engineered, and built in a nine-month period. It has a 595-hp version of Aston’s familiar (and wonderful) naturally aspirated V-12 engine. Sadly, its buyer didn’t choose to specify it with the new seven-speed dogleg gearbox that’s recently been offered in yet another Aston limited edition, the V12 Vantage S manual. Instead, the buyer opted for the single-clutch automated Sportshift gearbox. Like the GT12 Coupe, the Roadster’s bodywork features extensive use of carbon composites, and the car also has a magnesium intake manifold and a titanium exhaust system.

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• 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition Is Track-Focused Hotness

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• Aston Martin to Build Zagato, But You Can’t Have One

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• Aston Martin Full Coverage: Reviews, News, Pricing, and More on Every Model

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This sort of exclusivity won’t come cheap, of course, although Aston isn’t telling us how much the GT12 Roadster cost. If you’re tempted by something similar, then get in touch with Q and ask them to build one for you.

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from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com/todays-special-the-aston-martin-vantage-gt12-roadster/