The Ultimate Open-Top GT Experience
Meet the Aston Martin DBS Volante
Aston Martin has opened the roof on its ultimate open-top driving experience; the new DBS Superleggera Volante. Combining three iconic nameplates in one flagship model, the new DBS Superleggera Volante delivers all the evocative talent of the British marque’s critically-acclaimed Super GT flagship
Need to know
1
The DBS Volante takes the title as Aston Martin’s fastest convertible, with a top speed of 211mph possible and zero to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds.
2
Aston Martin thoroughly tested the DBS Volante’s folding roof in its development, pushing the mechanism through more than 100,000 cycles to simulate 10 years of usage.
3
The folding roof takes just 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close - and it can be operated via the key.
DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin. With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name.
Design
DBS Volante continues the aerodynamic masterpiece of the coupe model, commanding and exploiting the surface airflow to maximum effect. At the front, the car’s splitter and airdam work in unison, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes. The new deeper side strake draws more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and aid high-speed stability.
Each dynamic driving mode brings its own level of noise too, feeding the level of emotional character and connection. In GT mode, the engine note simmers, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the acoustics become progressively more intense. Conversely, when you wish to be discreet, ‘quiet start’ offers a low-key alternative to DBS Coupe Volante’s otherwise rousing flare of revs on start-up.
Volante is a name that can only be attributed to convertible cars bearing the iconic Aston Martin wings badge, and thus the defining feature of any Volante is its roof. An advanced fabric system allows for an innovative and beautiful formed flowing roof line. Incorporating eight layers of insulation materials and acoustically enhancing materials, the canopy greatly improves the comfort of the interior cabin for all occupants when up, but allows a true orchestra of sound to pour into the cabin when retracted.
Behind the front wheels, the ‘curlicue’ allows air to escape and flow smoothly along the car’s flanks, while the double diffuser at the rear allows air to exit cleanly and neutralise lift as efficiently as possible. A revised iteration - to accommodate the Volante’s clothed roofline - of the revolutionary Aeroblade ll system continues to deliver additional downforce at the car’s rear. At VMAX, DBS Superleggera Volante produces 177kg of downforce, just 3kg less than the coupe, an impressive feat when considering the car’s fundamental aerodynamic changes.
Tech
Included on the new Aston Martin DBS Volante is an eight-inch screen, controlled via a touchpad to access all media and navigation functions. As well as integrated digital radio, this system also offers smartphone integration via Bluetooth, which means that you’re able to play music or podcasts through the car’s player.
A helpful feature for parking is the DBS Volante’s standard-fit 360-degree parking camera, which works in conjunction with the front and rear parking sensors to make positioning the car a little easier. A park distance display also displays how near or far the vehicle is from an object when parking and this is accompanied by audible alerts, too. All of these should help to make parking an absolute breeze in the DBS Volante.
Engines & Performance
Each dynamic driving mode brings its own level of noise too, feeding the level of emotional character and connection. In GT mode, the engine note simmers, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the acoustics become progressively more intense. Conversely, when you wish to be discreet, ‘quiet start’ offers a low-key alternative to DBS Superleggera Volante’s otherwise rousing flare of revs on start-up.
900Nm of torque is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. Strengthened to cope with the V12’s massive torque output, this transmission also has a shorter final drive for increased responsiveness and in-gear acceleration. Specially developed adaptive software gauges the conditions the car is operating in, along with the driver’s demands, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.
Statistics
Powered by Aston Martin’s own 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, producing 715BHP 900Nm of torque, and with a top speed of 211mph, the DBS Superleggera Volante boasts ferocious acceleration. While covering 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.7 seconds.
When it comes to fuel economy, clever cylinder deactivation technology - which can deactivate a bank of cylinders when at a cruise - means that the DBS Volante can return a respectable 20.1mpg, while CO2 emissions stand at 295g/km.
0-62 mph
3.6 seconds
Top speed
211mph
CO2 emissions
295g/km
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including factory-fitted options, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Further information about the test used to establish fuel consumption and CO2 figures can be found at www.astonmartin.com