Elite Traveler Fall 2021

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AstonMartin Vantage Roadster As automakers continue racing to conquer what feels like all of the superlatives, Aston Martin preserves its sense of refinement and effortless beauty. Sure, the Vantage Roadster’s 4.0-liter, 503 hp twin-turbo engine gurgles and growls enough to catch the attention of any passersby. But it’s the understated design — the uncluttered, iconic grille, subtly arched hood and clean side body that wraps around to a taut tail — that turns a passing glance into a stare. Specifically tuned for the Roadster, a choice of sport, sport+ and track chassis modes work in concert with sport, sport+ and track powertrain modes retained from its Coupe. There are no wild changes or top-secret additions; instead, there's a V8 that sounds good and feels great underfoot with nine possible driving options. It’s rare for a vehicle to age like a fine wine. Take the Vantage Roadster’s fabric roof — refined courtesy of the compact powered Z-fold mechanism, it can be lowered in 6.7 seconds or raised in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. (Both convenient and thoughtful, should the summer sun or the winter breeze prove unwieldy.) Fear not; the trunk can still fit a full-sized golf bag, a point of pride for the British brand. Conversely, it also easily manages a grocery run or a couple of weekender totes. Aston Martin Vantage Roadster from $147,000, astonmartin.com

NEED TO KNOW A drop-top version of its most recognizable silhouette, the Vantage Roadster is a driver-focused sports car.