Introducing the Aston Martin DB12 Volante: A Super Tourer Convertible of Unrivalled Performance and Luxury
Aston Martin proudly unveils the DB12 Volante, a mesmerising convertible that dances in perfect harmony with the recently introduced DB12 Coupe. As the vanguard of the marque's new generation of sports cars, this extraordinary vehicle melds the heart-pounding performance and deft handling of a Super Tourer with the pure ecstasy of top-down motoring.
The DB12 Volante, an unrivalled masterpiece, exudes boundless elegance and a distinctive sporting spirit. Carrying the torch of Aston Martin's tradition of high-performance convertibles, this model weaves timeless artistry and artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation and state-of-the-art engineering, culminating in a driving experience like no other.
Amedeo Felisa, the visionary at the helm of Aston Martin, expressed, "Roof-down driving is an unparalleled delight for many of our discerning patrons. For over six decades, Aston Martin Volantes have encapsulated that emotion and translated it into a singular style. With the new DB12 Volante, we have rewritten the rulebook, crafting a vehicle that intensifies these sentiments by preserving the pure essence and exceptional athletic prowess of the DB12 Coupe. A bona fide, rarefied sporting convertible in every sense, this car defies conventions and beckons a new generation of Volante aficionados."
Developed hand in hand with its Coupe sibling, the DB12 Volante shares the same pioneering design, engineering marvels, and technological strides showcased by the latest iteration of Aston Martin's storied emblem. Possessing an unrivalled powertrain, performance, and authentic sports car dynamics, the DB12 Volante establishes itself as the quintessential driver's car.
The linchpin of unwavering commitment to performance and handling resides in the DB12's extraordinarily robust bonded aluminium structure. This engineering tour de force not only bolsters the heightened dynamics of the DB12 Coupe but also upholds the unmatched driving experience for the DB12 Volante.
To match the vehicle's exceptional capabilities, exhaustive attention was lavished upon refining the engineering and specifications of every facet of the Volante's undercarriage. Vital structural elements, such as the rear suspension upper mounting points, lateral connections, and performance-enhancing components like the engine cross brace, contribute to an astonishing 5% surge in global torsional stiffness for the DB12 Volante.
Equally instrumental to the car's integrity and dynamic brilliance, suspension attachment points underwent a substantial lateral overhaul, boasting an astounding 140% augmentation on the front axle.
In perfect harmony with the development of the DB12 Coupe, these enhancements paved the way for adopting a non-isolated steering column and precision steering and damper tuning, resulting in unparalleled on and off-centre steering responsiveness and class-leading linearity in-vehicle feedback.
The DB12 Volante flaunts awe-inspiring performance credentials. Propelled by a 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, it delivers staggering potency, bestowing the DB12 Volante with formidable performance and an awe-inspiring symphony of power. Meticulously calibrated by Aston Martin's virtuosos to yield a staggering output of 680PS/671bhp at 6000rpm and 800Nm/590 lb-ft between 2750-6000rpm, this exceptional handcrafted engine boasts modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and enhanced cooling, resulting in a remarkable 34% upswing in output compared to the DB11. Rocketing from 0-60mph in a mere 3.6 seconds (or 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds) and achieving a top speed of 202mph, the DB12 Volante's performance is breathtaking.
The power surges seamlessly through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, akin to its DB12 Coupe counterpart, with many shift strategies that seamlessly complement each dynamic driving mode. The Volante shares the exact shortened Final Drive Ratio, maximising in-gear acceleration, alongside the Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff), striking a flawless equilibrium between agility and stability. The DB12 Volante empowers the driver to tailor their behaviour with surgical precision with a quartet of ESC stages and five predefined dynamic modes.
Additional standout features encompass the new-generation intelligent adaptive dampers, boasting a remarkable 500% expansion in force distribution bandwidth compared to the prior generation's hardware. This translates into an expansive array of dynamic capabilities and personalities that eclipse those of its class rivals. The primary distinctions between the DB12 Coupe and Volante are subtle refinements to the rear spring rate and bespoke damper tuning.
The Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) features a non-isolated steering column and a steadfast 13.09:1 ratio rack, delivering a pure, unadulterated connection with a swift yet natural response rate. Standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in coded Michelin Pilot S 5 tires, tailored to Aston Martin's specifications. The braking system comprises standard 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs. In contrast, an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system offers heightened braking performance, reduced brake fade, and a 27kg reduction in unsprung mass.
Roberto Fedeli, the virtuoso behind Aston Martin's technical prowess, extolled the DB12 Volante, stating, "The Volante encapsulates all the attributes of a Super Tourer that were masterfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe. The fact that we have preserved this class-leading performance and handling speaks volumes about the intrinsic brilliance of the DB12 platform and the extensive effort we invested in retaining the supremacy of its extraordinary powertrain and chassis in an open-top variant. DB12 Volante is no longer the 'softer' alternative; it offers the thrill of an authentic sports car experience with the unique gratification and delight that only an Aston Martin convertible can bestow."
The result is a convertible vehicle with a boundless range of capabilities. From blistering performance and surgical handling that mesmerises even the most discerning driver to the sheer joy of open-air driving, all enhanced by cutting-edge, interconnected technology and an auditory masterpiece of a sound system. These elements merge to forge an utterly contemporary ownership experience. The DB12 Volante epitomises the zenith of luxury, heralding a new era of ultra-luxury.
At its core lies an electrically-operated K-fold roof, the soul of the Volante experience. Its moniker is derived from the two-stage folding process designed to achieve an unparalleled 260 mm stack height. This innovative design harmoniously blends intelligent packaging solutions with maximised luggage capacity, swift operation, and captivating aesthetics.
Cloaked in eight layers of insulation, the fabric roof canopy is acoustically optimised to elevate cabin comfort to sublime levels. When raised, the elegantly contoured roofline preserves the DB12's immaculate profile. Upon lowering, the K-fold mechanism retreats discreetly beneath a solid tonneau cover, bestowing a sophisticated rear end.
The roof ballet takes 14 seconds to unveil and 16 seconds to enfold, remaining operational at up to 31mph, even in the face of a 31mph headwind. For added convenience and a touch of theatre, the roof can be effortlessly operated via the remote keys*, provided the user is within a two-meter radius of the vehicle.
Choose from a palette of four distinct exterior hood colours, with Black as the standard option and Red, Blue, Black and Silver as tantalising alternatives.
