Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

There's not much we'd change about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as it's compact, stylish and thoroughly addictive already. But that hasn't stopped the British marque from launching a series of updates and upgrades. The latest came in July with the launch of the N420 edition coupe, a race-car-for-the-street variant inspired by the company's motorsports prowess at the Nurburgring. At the time, Aston announced that the N420 – itself the successor to the earlier N400 – would be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, but it has only now released the drop-top model ahead of its debut later this week at the Paris Motor Show.

Like the N420 coupe, the roadster keeps the same 420-horsepower V8 engine and the optional Sport Pack suspension as standard, and upgrades with a sport exhaust system, new wheels, aero package and reduced weight as compared to the standard model. Prices should come in around the $145k mark, available with either a six-speed manual or Sportshift automatic. Have a closer look at the Gaydon goodness in our gallery below, and stay tuned for live shots straight from the Parisian show floor.