The first details of the new Aston Martin DB12 Volante have been released, before a public debut later this week.
Building upon the considerable changes brought to the DB12 Coupe, the new convertible version is said to combine performance with ‘the irresistible sensory thrills of roof-down driving’.
The open-top version of the DB12 has been developed by Aston Martin alongside its Coupe sibling. As such, Aston Martin states that the engineering improvements found in the DB12’s aluminium structure were intended not only to make the Coupe better, but the Volante as well.
‘The ultimate open-top Super Tourer’
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, 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 Coupe”.
Power for the Volante comes from the same 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine as found in the DB12, producing 680hp and 590lb ft of torque. Combined with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the DB12 Volante can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the Coupe.
Top speed is the same 202mph, though.
Intelligent adaptive dampers, and upgraded electronic power-assisted steering, having been tuned to make the DB12 Volante just as potent in the corners. As Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli says, the Volante is “no longer the soft option”.
Rapid car, rapid roof
Key to the appeal of the new DB12 Volante is the ‘K-Fold’ convertible roof. Featuring eight layers of insulation, the fabric roof is able to squeeze itself into a stack height of just 260mm. Aston says this boosts luggage capacity, and allows the Volante to have a low-level tonneau cover.
Offered in a choice of four colours, the hood takes 14 seconds to open, and can be operated when moving at speeds of up to 31mph.
Like the DB12 Coupe, the Volante benefits from a significantly upgraded interior in comparison to the DB11. The Mercedes-Benz infotainment system has been ditched, with an all-new bespoke user interface included.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, whilst a 1,170W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with 15 speakers can be found on the options list.
A global debut in California
To celebrate the launch of the new DB12 Volante, Aston Martin will display its latest open-top creation during Monterey Car Week.
The DB12 Volante will be on show at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering this Friday 18 August, and then at the exclusive clubhouse Aston Martin Club 1913 at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance over the weekend.
Production of the DB12 Volante is due to commence in the third-quarter of 2023, with delivery of the first completed examples planned for the fourth-quarter.
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