Automotive
New Vantage Roadster: Engineered for Real Drivers, Designed for Open Air Thrills

Aston Martin has introduced the new Vantage Roadster, a convertible stablemate of the world-beating Vantage Coupe. Launched in 2024, the new Vantage continued the marque’s shift in sector defining luxury and dynamic credentials, far exceeding the capabilities and engagement of any Vantage before. Now, Vantage Roadster arrives to enhance the real driving experience even further.
Powered by the Aston Martin 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 665PS/800Nm, Vantage Roadster brings all the class leading performance, dynamic sensations and visual excitement of the coupe, with an additional dimension of top-down freedom and thrills for those addicted to open air motoring. Vantage Roadster brings a new level of emotion to the already unforgettable driving experience, broadening still the phenomenal appeal of this quintessential, yet state-of-the-art British sports car.
New Vantage Roadster has been designed to offer all the style, sense of freedom and adventure for which convertibles are known, but without the limitations traditionally inherent in their design. As beautiful as its hard top companion, with minimal weight increase and the fastest operating fully automatic roof on the market, Vantage Roadster is a convertible without compromise and a worthy new member of the Vantage family.
It continues a tradition of open top Aston Martin Vantage models that date back 75 years to the launch of the Vantage engine upgrade pack for the DB2 (available both as a coupe – known as a saloon – and convertible – known as drophead coupe) in 1950, which featured larger carburettors and a higher compression ratio to raise power for the 2.6-litre twin cam engine from 105bhp to a heady 125bhp.
This year, Aston Martin is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2005 introduction of the V8 Vantage. The first Gaydon-built ‘modern’ Aston Martin to use the name and the first Vantage to be a distinct model in its own right, rather than a derivative, with its own Roadster version arriving just one year later.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Hallmark, said: “The technical and dynamic capability of New Vantage delivered outstanding performance; far beyond any other preceding Vantage and it is now seen as a true class leading sports car. Vantage Roadster was no different feat in that it is a fully reinvented experience, with all the benefits of the Coupe and no compromise to refinement or performance through meticulous work by our engineering and dynamics teams. Vantage Roadster delivers a world-class roof-down driving experience like no other.”

Engineering
Key to Vantage Roadster’s ability to retain the crucial dynamic attributes of Vantage Coupe is that both cars were designed and engineered in parallel rather than in sequence, the Roadster therefore being a fully developed model in its own right, allowing the team to implement features and attributes that result in zero compromises to performance, ride and handling and excessive additional weight.
Compared to the previous Vantage Roadster, Aston Martin’s bespoke 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine has seen power and torque rise by an unprecedented 155PS and 115Nm thanks to larger turbochargers, revised camshaft profiles and an optimised compression ratio. With a total of 665PS and an incredible 800Nm of torque running through an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission to an electronically controlled limited slip differential driving the rear wheels alone, Vantage Roadster combines explosive performance (0-60mph in 3.5seconds, top speed 202mph) and state-of-the-art technology within the classic, front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration adored by those who simply love to drive. With thanks to a retractable roof, even more of the inimitable V8 thunder can be heard by occupants, emanating from under Vantage’s dramatically sloping bonnet and exhaust tail pipes.
Thanks to its ultra-stiff yet lightweight aluminium structure, composite body panels and 49:51 front to rear weight distribution, Vantage Roadster provides the ideal platform for the suspension to act upon. Featuring race-inspired unequal length double wishbones at the front, a multi-link rear axle, coil springs and Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers (with a bespoke tune), along with a non-isolated steering column, Vantage Roadster provides the precision, balance, poise and, above all, the confidence that are the unmistakable hallmarks of the truly great high performance driver’s car.

Brake discs measuring 410mm at the front (with carbon ceramic brakes) clamped by six piston monoblock calipers ensure Vantage Roadster can shed speed even more rapidly than it is gained – and do so repeatedly. The necessary grip is provided by bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres, specially developed by Michelin and tuned by Aston Martin with a compound tailored to the specific requirements of the Vantage. These provide not just superlative grip in both dry and wet conditions but also outstanding steering feel and progressive breakaway characteristics.
All of this hardware is supported by an electronic architecture using six axis sensors, capable of creating an astonishingly detailed overview of precisely how the car is behaving, allowing the ESP system to adopt optimal settings both for the road conditions and the style in which the car is being driven. In addition, Vantage Roadster carries over the innovative Advanced Traction Control system from the Vantage Coupe, allowing the driver to choose one of eight settings for the traction control; the default setting of five is optimised for achieving the fastest, cleanest laps. The lower the number the greater the level of intervention, providing an additional level of reassurance and safety in, for example, adverse weather conditions, while drivers wishing to hone their skills most likely on track have the option to turn traction control off and experience the car free of any electronic influence.
From the outset several measures were designed into the structure of Vantage Roadster to ensure the Vantage spirit, astonishing ability and love of the open road were passed across from Coupe to Roadster in undiluted form. To do this, two primary goals, traditionally seen as diametrically opposed objectives, were given top priority from the start. These were to keep the Roadster as light as possible relative to the Coupe and to maintain structural rigidity at an outstandingly high level for a convertible car.
These include identifying the load paths through the structure and body and modifying the way the body is attached at the back of the car to add additional stiffness relative to the Coupe. In addition, weight-optimised shear panels have been added in strategic positions to laterally stiffen the structure further even than the Coupe in order to offset the reduction in rigidity inherent in any convertible car.
The roof itself comes in ‘Z-fold’ configuration, which is both faster and lighter than a traditional ‘K-fold’ roof and removes the requirement for a tonneau cover, further saving weight and lowering the centre of gravity. The roof on Vantage Roadster can be opened or closed at any speed up to 31mph (50km/h) with the entire roof fold operation (open or closed) taking just 6.8sec – the fastest fully automatic deployable roof mechanism on the market today. Additionally, this slick operation can be performed when seated in the car or remotely via the key, so long as the operator is within a two-metre radius of the car.

Despite the extraordinary speed of the roof operation and its lightweight design, no sacrifice to refinement has been made. The roof comprises no fewer than eight levels of insulation ensuring that cabin sound levels with the roof up are comparable to those of Vantage coupe.
The Z-fold action results in a simpler and therefore lighter roof, leading to Vantage Roadster delivering an overall weight increase of just 60kg, an outstanding achievement – and class leading – for a car in this category.
Even the roll-over structure has been carefully optimised to be both as strong and lightweight as possible. The aluminium Roll-Over and Protection System (ROPS) is formed using a process called ‘Castrusion’ for the way it combines optimal elements from both casting and extrusion to create a system that is robust, light and simple to package.
Finally, attention has also been paid to the suspension system to account both for the change in mass and weight distribution. Minimal though these changes are, the fact that Vantage Roadster has recalibrated software for its rear dampers and retuned mountings for its rear mounted gearbox just shows the lengths Aston Martin engineers go to in order to ensure a full measure of the legendary Vantage handling prowess is carried over from Coupe to Roadster.
Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance, said “Vantage made headlines last year for the huge increases in power and torque over the outgoing model, and the vivid way in which it deployed such immense performance completely seduced enthusiasts and purists alike. Developing both Vantage Coupe and Roadster simultaneously meant we were able to retain the outrageous dynamic capabilities and agile sporting character of Vantage with no compromise upon removal of the roof, allowing drivers to revel at the limit with the added exposure to the elements. This has been achieved from meticulous optimisations in the body structure combined with Roadster specific chassis tuning carried out by our skilled dynamics team and is the perfect stablemate to its Coupe cohort.”

Design
It was essential that all of the visceral impact and beauty of Vantage Coupe was retained for Vantage Roadster, and that it should retain its stunning lines whether the roof is in its raised or lowered position. So successfully has this been achieved that when the roof is stowed Vantage Roadster looks like it was never designed to be anything else. The dramatically angled windscreen joins with the car’s high waistline to create a proportionally perfect thoroughbred sports car profile.
The roof stows seamlessly behind the seats with no need for a bulky and heavy tonneau cover while the bootlid deck slopes gently downwards until it meets the dramatic upkick of the distinctive rear spoiler. The widened stance introduced on the coupe is retained on Roadster, as is the increased aperture of the signature Aston Martin grille; an object lesson in how to combine beauty with function, with the large grille increasing air flow the powerful engine by almost 30 per cent.
With a spectacular canvas to create a sporting masterpiece, three new paint colours – Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire and Bronze Flare have been added to the paint palette, while the Vantage Roadster’s roof can be specified in Black, Red, Blue or Black and Silver. To enhance the cars sporting character further still, a selection of painted liveries can also be applied in a choice of 21 complementary colours. There are four 21” wheel styles, available in a range of finishes, behind which can be seen one of seven different colour choices of brake calipers.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, said: “This new Vantage Roadster is a sculptural masterpiece. The resonant roar of its engine brings its simple yet refined surface design to life, creating a connection that’s impossible to ignore. Its form exudes beauty, its athletic stance conveys predatory intent, and its sound delivers a visceral, sensory experience. Created as both art and performance, the engine’s sound amplifies this balance, turning the auditory experience into an essential part of the journey. With the roof down, the soundscape becomes as dynamic as the design, blending simplicity, power, and a visceral connection that transcends driving into an unmatched sensory experience.”
Like all Aston Martin models, Vantage customers can explore endless bespoke and customisation possibilities via the Q by Aston Martin personalisation service. Enlisting the skills of Q’s designers and crafts people, customers take an unforgettable personal commissioning journey that can encompass everything from a single small distinguishing detail to full-scale engineering and production of entirely bespoke components to create a true one-off.

Vantage Roadster, like its Coupe counterpart, is the latest model to feature Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment. Created in-house and first introduced on DB12, it is entirely bespoke and developed in-house from scratch. The system combines a fully integrated multi-screen system with full online connectivity, featuring 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control. Touchscreen commands remain balanced with the tactility of physical switches, with buttons retained for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation. There are also control switches for Chassis, ESP and Exhaust, Active Safety System settings and Park Distance Control, ensuring the most used controls can be operated intuitively and without the need to take your eyes off the road. Supplemented by a new Aston Martin customer connectivity app which supports iOS and Android devices, it allows interaction, control and feedback to and from the customer’s Vantage via their personal device.
Vantage Roaster is fitted as standard with the Aston Martin 390w 11 speaker audio system. Developed utilising advanced hardware, this system features a Surround sound mode with QuantumLogic® surround sound processing for an immersive soundscape. However, if a musical soundtrack to the drive is deemed truly significant, some customers will delight in the optional system developed with Aston Martin’s audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins. Acoustically engineered to the Vantage Roadster’s interior volume and shape, this exceptional system uses technologies and innovations found in Bowers & Wilkins’ acclaimed world-class loudspeakers.
Vantage Roadster deliveries will commence in Q2 2025. It joins its Coupe sibling, the DB12 and DB12 Volante, the stunning new Vanquish and, of course the Supercar of SUVs, DBX707 as well as the forthcoming Valhalla supercar to form unquestionably the most capable, comprehensive and desirable product line up in the 112-year history of the Aston Martin marque.
Automotive
VOYAH Free Brings Premium Luxury EREV Design to the Emirates

VOYAH has entered the UAE with a clear ambition: to redefine modern mobility for the Emirates. Distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors, a homegrown mobility enabler founded in 2021, the brand brings together premium design, advanced technology and sustainable performance. More than a new automotive marque, VOYAH UAE positions itself as both a luxury EV player and a sustainability partner, aligning closely with the UAE’s vision for smart, technology-driven progress.
The brand’s design philosophy is shaped by cultural heritage and harmony with nature. At its heart lies the Kunpeng, a mythical creature from Daoist tradition that symbolises limitless ambition and the pursuit of greatness. This inspiration is reflected in VOYAH’s winged logo and in the flowing light signatures across its vehicles. The result is a design language that blends elegance, balance and innovation, uniting craftsmanship with advanced technology to create a holistic identity for the UAE market.

Leading the charge is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) that embodies the promise of sustainable luxury. With a pure electric range tailored for daily commutes, the Free engages a compact petrol engine only when needed to recharge the battery on longer journeys. Drivers, therefore, enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without being restricted by charging availability, a particularly relevant solution in the Emirates, where infrastructure is developing. By delivering electric-first performance with the reassurance of extended range, the Free removes barriers to adoption and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, including the national target for half of all vehicles on the road to be hybrid or electric by mid-century.
Inside, the Free offers a distinctly premium experience. Its cabin features sustainable materials and a tri-screen digital cockpit that pairs next-generation technology with refined design. The spacious layout creates first-class comfort, ensuring that every journey feels both immersive and elegant. Ownership is enhanced with complimentary 1-year car insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation. Confidence continues long term through 5 years or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, 8 years or 150,000 km battery warranty and 3 years or 60,000 km service contract. Combined with expert after-sales care and customer education, these measures provide an ownership experience that is seamless and reassuring.

VOYAH UAE also seeks to inspire a wider shift towards sustainability in everyday life. Each Free model contributes to reducing transport-related emissions and encourages greener choices among consumers. Intelligent battery management, AI-enabled mobility, advanced safety systems and seamless connectivity all demonstrate how innovation, luxury and responsibility can progress together.
Through the Free model, VOYAH UAE and Performance Plus Motors are introducing more than a car to the Emirates – they are setting new standards for premium mobility. By combining cultural inspiration, extended-range electric innovation and uncompromising craftsmanship, VOYAH presents a vision that is both practical for today and transformative for the journeys of tomorrow.
Automotive
Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

Metadome.ai, in collaboration with Jameel Motors Egypt, one of the country’s most prominent automotive distributors, has launched an AI-assisted virtual sales assistant designed to support the entire customer journey — both pre-sales and post-sales.
Jameel Motors, a key player in Egypt’s automotive market, brings decades of expertise in the mobility sector and a reputation for representing some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands. Its expansive sales and after-sales network position the company as a trusted name in delivering customer-centric innovation.
As a collaboration between two leading technology innovators, Jameel Motors Egypt is stepping into the future of customer engagement by bringing the power of AI to the showroom floor and beyond. Developed by Metadome.ai, the newly launched virtual assistant provides customers with round-the-clock, real-time support across all digital touchpoints. Whether learning about car models, comparing features, booking test drives, or tracking vehicle delivery, the assistant acts as a knowledgeable and responsive digital partner throughout the pre-sales experience.
More than just a sales tool, the assistant also supports post-sales services. Customers can authenticate themselves, book maintenance appointments, access previous service records, receive live maintenance updates, activate warranties, locate service centers, and request spare parts and accessories. It also delivers automated maintenance reminders and other services that’s helping streamline after-sales support while keeping customers fully informed and connected.
“At Metadome.ai, we’re driven by one simple idea—technology should feel intuitive, human, and helpful. That’s exactly what we aimed for with this product. By combining Jameel Motors deep automotive expertise with our conversational AI capabilities and tech backbone, we’ve created an experience that feels less like a bot—and more like a knowledgeable, always-available assistant,” said Shorya Mahajan, Co-founder and COO of Metadome.ai
The assistant is already live at select Jameel Motors digital touchpoints, with early feedback indicating stronger online engagement, faster response cycles, and increased customer satisfaction.
Tarek Abdullatif, Regional Director Jameel Motors Egypt, stated: “We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can transform industries. This assistant is more than a chatbot it’s a smart, responsive designed to meet the needs of today’s connected customer.”
He added, “In the coming months, the virtual assistant solution will roll out across Jameel Motors entire network, in Egypt as part of the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service.
Automotive
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

INEOS Automotive has hit a major milestone in the Middle East, delivering its 1,000th Grenadier 4X4 – just over two years after launching in the region. The rugged British-designed off-roader has quickly gained traction with adventurers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

Building on its fast-growing global footprint, INEOS Automotive is making a bold move and expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa. Leading this next chapter is the newly appointed Head of Region, Dan Balmer – a highly accomplished executive with a CV that spans top roles at BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Rolls-Royce.
Balmer will be based in INEOS Automotive’s brand-new regional headquarters in the Arenco Tower in Dubai’s Media City, where a growing team – including relocated staff from the UK – will drive sales, marketing, aftersales, and the dealer network.
With a strong existing footprint across six countries and seven dealer sites, the company is now gearing up to expand further across the GCC and break into new Middle Eastern and African markets. “The 1,000th Grenadier delivery signifies that drivers across the region are embracing what we’ve built,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We’re backing that enthusiasm with serious investment: a new regional HQ, a growing team, and an exciting leader in Dan Balmer, who’s ready to take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT AT THE HELM
Newly appointed regional chief, Dan Balmer, brings deep global expertise and local insight to the role. Having previously led teams in major markets for some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, he’s now focused on growing INEOS Automotive’s presence and partnerships throughout the region.
“Hitting this milestone delivery is just the beginning,” said Balmer. “The Middle East and Africa offer huge potential, and I’m thrilled to lead our efforts here – from expanding into new markets to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Balmer started his automotive career as an apprentice design technician, and progressed through the ranks at BMW and Rolls-Royce. His first regional leadership appointment was as General Manager Asia Pacific for Rolls-Royce from 2012. Joining Aston Martin in 2014, Balmer led several regional offices, latterly as President of UK, Middle East & Africa. And at Lotus from 2021, he saw success as President and CEO of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and most recently held the position of President and CEO of Lotus Cars Europe.
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