Aston Martin Goes Topless With DB12 Volante Convertible
Feel the breeze as the “world’s first super-tourer” flies with a 662-hp twin-turbo V8.
Earlier this year, Aston Martin engaged in some PR magic when introducing the DB12 as the “world’s first super tourer” as opposed to the DB11 grand tourer it’s replacing. That would make the newly unveiled DB12 Volante the world’s first convertible grand tourer.
MotorTrend notes that the crux of a convertible GT—or “ST” in the Aston’s case—is to come as close as possible to replicating the coupe’s characteristics, including handling, comfort and performance.
The DB12 Volante attempts to accomplish this via Aston’s two-stage K-fold roof, which boasts eight layers of insulation and “acoustic enhancement” while offering “brilliant packaging solutions with maximized luggage capacity, swift operation and stunning aesthetics.”
When folded from open in just 16 seconds, it measures a compact 10.2 inches tall, which is a “class-leading figure,” according to the brand. It deploys in 14 seconds at up to 32 mph while behind the wheel or via the key fob from a distance.
Four different roof colors are available, from standard black to red, blue or tow-toned black and silver. The other option that distinguishes the DB12 Volante from the coupe is the seatback veneer, available in either carbon fiber or wood and color-matched to the door trim inlay.
Like the coupe, the DB12 Volante’s interior is outfitted by Aston’s new luxury audio partner—Bowers & Wilkins—which provided a 15-speaker, double-amplified system that was “acoustically engineered for the interior volume and shape to deliver a truly spectacular listening experience.”
Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG but “tuned by Aston engineers” to send a class-leading 662 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 590 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electronic differential. This marks the first time that a DB-marked Aston has used an e-diff, which is capable of locking in milliseconds.
The engine’s extra oomph comes thanks to bigger turbos, better compression ratios and increased cooling, allowing for a 3.5-second 60-mph time and a 202-mph top speed.
The DB12 family also features the first OEM application of Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires, which feature noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts to lower noise transferred to the interior by up to 20 percent. For the Volante, they are wrapped around standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels.
Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli said of the new DB12 Volante: “Volante possesses all the Super Tourer traits so successfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe.
“That we have preserved this class-leading performance and handling is testament to the underlying brilliance of the DB12 platform and the work we have done to maintain the advantage of its superb powertrain and chassis in an open-top version. 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.”