So, you're an Aston Martin fan and you love the new V12 Vantage? But you would rather have it topless? Well, from the looks of these photos, that will soon be an option. Following the V12 Vantage first photos from a few weeks ago, spy photographers spotted the same V12 Vantage Roadster prototype again while testing recently at the Nürburgring. According to spies, there was no doubt this topless Aston had a V12 under the hood.

The V12 Vantage Roadster will have the same 6,0 liter engine as the coupe, delivering some 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) with 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Due to the extra weight required to stiffen up the chassis, the performance of the Roadster will be slightly stunted compared to the coupe. However, the V12 Vantage Roadster will still be one of the fastest convertibles on the market.

While the V12 Vantage coupe is limited to 1000 units. Rumors already suggest that the roadster will be limited to 500 units. If the rumors are correct, we will probably find out in September during this year's Frankfurt motor show. Then we will also know how much more expensive the roadster is going to be compared to the coupe.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage underwent a significant upgrade last year with the addition of a bigger and more powerful engine, as well as several other minor tweaks. As the 2010 model year approaches, the stylish coupe and roadster are now reportedly due for a new round of updates.

Set to be announced early next year, the latest 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports optional 10-spoke 19-inch wheels with a diamond turned and silver finish, Kevlar and carbon-fiber seats, clear tail-lights similar to those on the V12 Vantage, N400-style side sills, a Magnum silver bonnet and side strakes, and an optional 1,000 watt B&O sound system.

Another important change--at least for some--is a lower CO2 output. Brought about by transmission tweaks and remapped engine management software, the manual equipped V8 Vantage now achieves a CO2 rating of 315 g/km, while the automatic model comes in at 300 g/km.

Sadly, there’s still no sign that the extreme V12 Vantage is heading our ways. Stay tuned for an update.

Aston Martin's two top-of-the-range sports cars; the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black makeover to create a highly desirable special edition.

Celebrating the enormous success of the DBS and V12 Vantage which have surpassed all sales expectations since launch, the new special editions add a typically understated flair to these acclaimed models. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.

Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon - Aston Martin's global headquarters in England.

Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.

Customers who order a Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin's renowned Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge which offers a memorable day helping customers to equip themselves with the skill sets to enhance the enjoyment of their Aston Martin on the track.

The Carbon Black Editions are available to order from the official Aston Martin dealership network now with final pricing (expected to be approximately 5% over current base prices) to be confirmed in the New Year with deliveries to commence from March.