Aston Martin has introduced its DB12 Volante, the convertible version of its DB12 grand tourer that débuted earlier this year at Cannes
 





 
Aston Martin has introduced its DB12 Volante, the convertible version of its DB12 grand tourer that débuted earlier this year at Cannes.

Equipped with the same 680 PS twin-turbo V8 as the coupé, the Volante hits 60 mph in 3·6 s and reaches a top speed of 202 mph.

Aston Martin CEO Amedeo Felisa said, ‘For many of our customers, roof down driving is the greatest pleasure. Aston Martin Volantes have captured that emotion and expressed it in unique style for more than six decades. With the new DB12 Volante, we have changed the rules, creating a car that intensifies those feelings by preserving all the purity and exceptional sporting capabilities of the DB12 coupé. A rare and true sporting convertible in every respect, this is a car to challenge preconceptions and find a new generation of Volante customer.’

The Volante was developed at the same time as the coupé, with a rigid bonded aluminium structure. The aim was for the Volante to deliver the same driving experience, so engineers focused on the underbody to boost its torsional stiffness. The suspension mounting points were upgraded laterally. In total, the Volante has a 3·7 per cent in global torsional stiffness with gains in suspension performance and refinement.

The Volante also enjoys revisions to its rear spring rate and damper tune.

Chief technical officer Roberto Fideli added, ‘No longer the “softer” option, DB12 Volante offers the stimulation of a true sports car with the unique pleasure and satisfaction that only a convertible Aston Martin can deliver.’

The new folding roof has a 260 mm stack height despite its eight layers of insulation, allowing greater luggage capacity. The roof takes 14 s to open and 16 s to close, and can be used even with a 50 km/h headwind.

As with the coupé, the Volante gets Aston Martin’s new in-house-developed infotainment system, bespoke and created from scratch. The navigation system is also brand new.

Bowers & Wilkins is Aston Martin’s new audio partner, and the Volante features a 390 W 11-speaker audio system, with an optional halo system. For those who want greater customization, there is the Q by Aston Martin service.

The Aston Martin DB12 will make its official début at Monterey Car Week this Friday.