The Aston Martin DB12 Volante has arrived
and it comes as no surprise to car enthusiasts. This open-topped version of the DB12 is a welcome addition to the Aston Martin lineup. The DB12 Volante features a power-operated fabric roof that folds in just 14 seconds. With the roof up, the car can reach a top speed of 202 mph thanks to its impressive 671-hp V-8 engine.
As with previous Aston Martin convertibles
the DB12 Volante follows the same pattern of being introduced after the coupe version. It is the convertible iteration of the regular DB12 that was recently test-driven in Europe. Aston Martin describes the Volante as a “super tourer,” combining the performance of a sports car with the grand-touring capabilities of a traditional Aston Martin.
Mechanically
the DB12 Volante is identical to its fixed-roof counterpart. It is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter AMG-sourced V-8 engine that generates 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The option of a V-12 engine is no longer available for the Volante, as Aston Martin has reserved it for the upcoming replacement of the DBS Superleggera.
Despite having a smaller engine, the DB12 Volante is still incredibly fast. Aston Martin claims that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, only one-tenth slower than the coupe version. Both the coupe and the Volante have a top speed of 202 mph, although the Volante can only achieve this with the roof in place. The convertible is slightly heavier than the coupe, weighing around 4350 pounds.
The standout feature of the DB12 Volante is its eight-layer fabric roof. When lowered, the roof hides entirely beneath the rear deck, giving the car a sleek and elegant appearance. The absence of the black trim that extends from the coupe’s greenhouse further enhances its roof-down profile. The Volante will be available in four convertible-top fabric colors: black, red, blue, and black/silver. The roof can be opened or closed in just 14 or 16 seconds, respectively, and can operate at speeds of up to 31 mph.
The DB12 Volante will only be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. It features an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear to sharpen its reactions. The car also comes with standard adaptive dampers that have a 500 percent increase in force distribution compared to the DB11 Volante. The Volante has different rear springs and a specific damper tune, making it softer than the coupe. Aston Martin claims that the Volante has 5 percent better torsional rigidity than its predecessor.
One of the most significant changes in the DB12 Volante is its redesigned and higher-quality cabin. Aston Martin has improved the ergonomics and replaced the cumbersome turn-and-click controller with a touchscreen interface. This gives the Volante a more modern and user-friendly interior. Although the car is mechanically similar to the DB11, the new cabin makes the Volante feel like a completely new car.
The DB12 Volante will make its debut during Monterey Car Week and will enter production in time for customers to take delivery before the end of the year. The official pricing has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be around $265,000 in the U.S. This is a modest increase compared to the DB11 Volante’s price of $236,000, given the significant improvements of the DB12 Volante.
In conclusion
the Aston Martin DB12 Volante is a highly anticipated convertible version of the DB12 coupe. It features a power-operated fabric roof, a powerful V-8 engine, and impressive performance capabilities. The Volante offers a refined and luxurious driving experience, further enhanced by its redesigned cabin. With its sleek design and exhilarating performance, the DB12 Volante is set to make a statement in the convertible sports car market.