Paris Preview: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

For years, Aston Martin has been entrusted with providing transport for the world's favourite spy, James Bond.

During Pierce Brosnan's tenure, the super spy drove a Bimmer. But the really good Bond actors always drove an Aston Martin. It's not because they're the fastest, or the most advanced supercar in the world. It's because they were the prettiest.

So, now they've given us a new car to lust after: the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster.

Just like the N420 Coupé, the N420 Roadster comes with the Sport Pack suspension, sport tuned exhaust, special wheels, an aero package, and loads of carbon fibre to save weight.

The 4.7 litre V8 still produces just 420 hp. But that should be sufficient, unless of course, you're trying to outrun a super-villain.

The N420 cars pay homage to AM's many accomplishments at the famed Nurburgring 24-hour race. Thus, the 'N' stands for Nurburgring, and the 420 stands for the car's horsepower.

Official specs haven't been released yet, but the N420 Roadster is scheduled to début at the upcoming Paris Motor show. However, the N420 Roadster will be available in the same (loud) racing liveries as the N420 Coupé.