Open-Air Pleasure

Convertibles or roadsters offer, like no other automobile can, added pleasures to driving, so on this occasion, we have decided to bring you, dear reader, two prime examples of this sector.  The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, as well as the BMW M6 Cabrio, two dream cars that not only conjugate a powerful image, luxury interiors and high equipment levels, but also the pleasure of feeling the wind on our faces. 

We have also decided to bring you another important representative of convertible automobiles: the powerful Ferrari F430 Spider, which although has been on the market for several years, combines a truly sporting performance with the pleasure of open-air driving like no other car.

 

 

Ferrari F430 Spider

Asphalt Devourer

In Maranello, far from the bustle of the city and indiscreet looks, Cavallino Rampante’s firm has brought together a select group of enthusiasts to inspire life into this impressive creature. The powerful F430 Spider is a dream convertible with a furious response and brutal performance that raises the adrenaline to the maximum in every acceleration. Its athletic and stylized lines contrast masterly with the stylish and elegant details.

The cabin has been created true to the most faithful sporting tradition where the finest quality materials emphasize its exclusive racing character.

 

Powerful and exciting

In the manufacture of its chassis, for example, Ferrari has used aluminum in order to create a very light structure, weighing only 1,450 kilos, but at the same time very solid and producing a very stable and predictable behavior.

 

 

At the heart of this convertible lies a very compact and light V8 engine, with 4,300 cc that generates 490 hp at 8,500 rpm; in other words, it produces specific power of 114 hp per cubic liter, which produces a heart-stopping response.

Its enormous torque of 465 Nm at 5.200 rpm, and taking into account that its power to weight ratio is only 2.8 kilos per single horsepower, the new Ferrari F430 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 315 km/h. To achieve this acceleration, a new sequential-change gearbox is used, which is derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 car.  The gear change time is reduced to 150 milliseconds, which allows the driver maximum enjoyment of the F430’s amazing performance.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMW M6 Cabrio

A convertible without limits

The M6 Convertible conjugates the sporting edge over the BMW M series with the comfort and elegance of a high-end saloon.  The side skirts give it a very dynamic look, as well as its exclusive 19 inch wheels shod with very impressive tires.  It boasts a chrome front grille divided into two aggressive optical groups, while the rear end boasts accentuated rear skirts and four chromed exhaust pipes.

Its main identifying characteristic is its three-layer hood: a waterproof exterior layer, an embellished interior layer and a polyurethane-foam acoustically and thermally insulated layer. The rear trunk can be opened and closed independently from the action of the hood, either by remote-control or by pushing a button underneath the instrument panel.

 

 

The cabin offers a state-of-the-art design using materials and finishes of unbeatable quality.  The instrument panel includes ergonomic controls on the steering wheel for the most important functions.

 

The Power of M

With its monstrous 5.0 liter V10 engine beating under its hood, the BMW M6 Cabrio takes only 4.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to100 km/h and can reach 250 km/h in no time at all.

For the most part, this amazing performance is achieved through the excellent work of the 7-speed SMG sequential gearbox with ‘Drivelogic’, which makes for use of the engine’s power output. The suspension uses the bases from the 645Ci, with important modifications to guarantee stability and total domination over the car’s reactions in any situation.  The electronic driving support systems have been adapted to the demands of the M6 to give it a sporting character.  

 

 

 

 

 

Aston Martin Vantage Roadtster

Caress of the Wind

The majestic V8 Vantage Roadster is built using the platform from the coupe version, from which it inherits all its mechanical and dynamic virtues, but takes them to another level thanks to the option of being able to drop the hood. 

Its design represents the latest evolution in the synthesis of craftsmanship and technology.  It is a vehicle of fluid and muscular lines, full of tension, underlined by strong cosmetic elements that give the car a completely aggressive and sophisticated image. The electrically-opening canvas hood transforms the car from an imposing sporting coupe into a beautiful convertible in just 18 seconds. The hood can be dropped at road speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Its interior is lavished with the highest quality materials, which conjugate in a state-of-the-art design dashboard to create a captivating atmosphere.

 

 

Powerful, confortable and full driving enjoyment

The giver of life to this roadster is its aluminum 4.3 liter V8 engine that produces 385 HP at 7,000 rpm  and a torque of 410 Nm at 5,000 rpm. It can reach 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds before propelling the car onto its maximum speed of 280 km/h. The engine is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox with short and precise gearshifts in order to make full use of the engine’s power or as an option, it comes equipped with the six-speed automatic Sportshift gearbox.

In synthesis the Vantage Roadster is a delight to drive, both for its noble behavior and agile reactions and for its great response and sporting behavior; and if to this we add the possibility of lowering its hood to enjoy open-air driving, we can confirm that Aston Martin has created one of the best roadsters in the world today.  

 

 

 

 

 

Text: Roberto Pérez S. ± Photo: Cortesía de las marcas.