Aston Martin is known for crafting stylish convertibles and the newly revealed DB12 Volante stands as a testament to that reputation. The drop-top variant of the DB12 arrives three months after its coupe sibling, losing the V12 option of the DB11 Volante while gaining a redesigned face and an overhauled interior with new technology. Catering to enthusiasts who relish open-air driving, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante preserves its predecessors’ hallmark fabric reclining roof. Notably, the convertible boasts even more captivating proportions than the coupe when the roof is stored beneath the hard tonneau cover, exposing the beautiful materials of the cabin and putting more emphasis on the sexy tail.
The electrically-operated fabric roof
takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Folding is done in a two-stage pattern, resulting in a 260 mm stack
height that doesn’t compromise much of the cargo capacity. Contrary to popular
belief that convertibles are not as quit as coupes, Aston Martin says that the
roof has been “acoustically enhanced”, featuring 8 layers of insulation. The
standard roof color is black, although it is optionally available in red, blue,
and “black and silver” creating countless different combinations with the
exterior shades and interior upholstery options. Different from the ones in the
Coupe, the Volante’s seatbacks are available with wood veneer and carbon fiber
panels matching the door trim inlay. Speaking of personalization options,
owners can go a step further taking advantage of the Q by Aston Martin division
with an extra charge.
The highlight of the interior is Aston
Martin’s next-gen infotainment which was developed in-house and brings all of
the latest connectivity features. The system is integrated within the new
10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen and is connected to Bowers & Wilkins
audio systems available with 11 speakers (390 Watt) as standard, or optionally
with 15 speakers (1,170 Watt). Just like its DB12 Coupe counterpart, the
Volante is exclusively equipped with an AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8
engine, producing 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque.
This power is channeled to the rear axle through an 8-speed ZF automatic
transmission, assisted by an electronic rear differential (E-Diff).
The convertible GT achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds, trailing the coupe by only 0.1 seconds,
and matching the top speed of 325 km/h achieved by its hardtop
counterpart. In the future, we expect a plug-in hybrid option that will likely
bring improved power and performance compared to the non-electrified V8. The
bonded aluminum structure of the DB12 Volante is an upgraded version of the one
used by the DB11. Structural reinforcements lead to a 5% boost in torsional
stiffness in contrast to the coupe’s 7% increase). The new adaptive dampers get
a convertible-specific setup, as with the rear spring rates. In that context,
Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s Chief Technical Officer, says that the DB12
Volante offers “class-leading performance and handling” and is no longer poised
as “the softer option” in the range.
Behind the standard 21-inch forged alloy
wheels shod in bespoke Michelin Pilot S 5 tires, we find standard cast-iron
discs measuring 400 mm (15.8 inches) at the front and 360 mm (14.2 inches) at
the rear. Those can be optionally traded with carbon ceramic brakes which
reduce fade and shave 27 kg off the unsprung mass.
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante will make
its public debut this Friday at The Quail, as part of the Monterey Car Week in
California. The drop-top model will enter production within the third quarter
of 2023, while the first deliveries are set to follow in the fourth quarter.
