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2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

Aston Martin previewed its most powerful, quickest-accelerating and fastest production roadster ever at this year's Pebble Beach Concours. The 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster is essentially a convertible version of the V12 Vantage S Coupe, which we reviewed last year, a model that drops the automaker's most potent powertrain into its smallest chassis. Unlike the outgoing V12 Vantage Roadster, this new S model boasts a more powerful engine, a new transmission, new adaptive suspension and more luxurious appointments along with freshened styling. While last year's beloved six-speed manual gearbox is gone – a thought that continues to bring tears to our eyes – everything else about the updated roadster piques our interest. We recently spent a full day in the mountains and deserts surrounding Palm Springs with a China Grey (with red carbon fiber accents) version of the British automaker's latest. Driving Notes Mirroring its coupe sibling, the Vantage S Roadster features an all-aluminum monocoque platform with lightweight aluminum body panels. To replace stiffness lost when the roof was removed, a rigid cross member has been added to the open platform. The Roadster's power-operated soft top is fully automatic in operation, opening and closing in about 20 seconds at speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour with the touch of a switch. When tucked away, the entire assembly is hidden cleanly beneath an integrated hard tonneau cover. So as not to be mistaken for its predecessor, Aston Martin has upgraded the model's signature grille from aluminum to carbon fiber with black or titanium silver mesh, with or without body-color accents. The lightweight, forged aluminum, 10-spoke alloys are also new, as is the obvious scripted red "S" on the trunklid. Inside, occupants will find additional grippy Alcantara on the seats and new patterns in the stitching. There are also a slew of upscale options and access to Aston Martin's bespoke Q treatment available. Aston's famed, naturally aspirated, 6.0-liter V12 has been upgraded with a larger throttle body, dual variable valve timing, a revised intake manifold, an improved fuel pump and fully machined combustion chambers. Combined, the improvements are enough to warrant a new AM28 engine designation. On a dyno, the engine cranks out 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.

Paul McCartney's Aston sells for $1.8M; Ringo Starr's old Mini goes to a Spice Girl

The Bonhams Bond Street auction in London was the place to be for fans of both The Beatles and automobiles as two cars once owned by former members of the band were up for auction. The first was an Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney, and the second was a Mini Cooper owned by Ringo Starr. Both went for substantial sums, and the Mini went to an interesting owner. The Aston brought the big bucks, or pounds, since it was a British auction. The final price with premium was barely over $1.8 million, which fell smack in the middle of Bonham's estimate. It's an impressive price on its own, but more so when compared with its sale back in 2012. Back then it was painted in the same blue it had originally, and it only sold for $495,000, making this new sale more than three times higher. View 22 Photos The Mini went for much less, at just under $137,000 with premium. But the car went to an interesting owner, Geri Horner, nee Hollowell, whom you may know better as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls. The Mini itself is interesting, too. Each of The Beatles owned a classic Mini at some point, but Ringo Starr's was unique because the flip-down tailgate was converted to a modern-style lift-up hatch incorporating the rear window. Reportedly the reason was so Starr could easily fit his drum kit in the back. It also featured a custom grille, driving lights, hood vents, and soft sunroof among other things. It even appeared on " Top Gear" in 2001. And before we forget, McCartney's DB5 also has " Top Gear" history in that it was owned by former host, Chris Evans. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1964 Aston Martin DB5 owned by Paul McCartney View 13 Photos Image Credit: Bonhams Celebrities Aston Martin MINI Auctions Coupe Hatchback Classics aston martin db5 the beatles

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante is the belle of the Pebble Beach ball

While Aston Martin is showing off the Vanquish Zagato Coupe for the first time in North America, it's also using the Monterey Car Week to confirm a convertible version of the stunning supercar. Limited to just 99 cars – many of which will be spoken for this week by those visiting Aston's Carmel, California pop-up shop – the Volante will share the coupe's enhanced V12, cranking out 592 horsepower. The 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds is almost as quick as the 3.5 touted by the new DB11. And, of course, the topless models will distinguish themselves in several ways aesthetically. The Vanquish Zagato Volante gets the same rounded taillight reflectors and "bladed LED technology" of the Vulcan supercar. Lower carbon fiber sills that run the length of the car add a pronounced, sporty emphasis. Zagato's trademark twin cowls blend into the rear deck, concealing the folded top used in the Vanquish Volante. Design director Marek Reichman says the Zagato version is more muscular and flowing that the coupe. The interior gets the Zagato "Z" quilt pattern stitch on the seats and doors, and an embossed "Z" on the headrests and doors add additional flourish. The Vanquish Zagato Volante is the latest result of Aston's partnership with the Italian design house dating back to the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato race car. Aston says this latest Zagato model is aimed especially for the North American market, much like the 2003 DB AR1, an open-topped Zagato-bodied DB7 that was also limited to 99 units and is now considered a collectible. Aston's pop-up shop this week attracted enthusiasts and owners alike, and featured the cream of the DB lineup, the iconic DB5, DB10 from the latest Spectre Bond film, and, of course, Aston's newest series-production GT car, the DB11. Check out the new Vanquish Zagato Volante in the gallery up top, and the brand's pop-up shop below. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante View 9 Photos Related Gallery Aston Martin's pop-up shop at Pebble Beach View 9 Photos Design/Style Misc. Auto Shows Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Performance Pebble Beach zagato