Hot on the heels of the new DB12 Coupe grand tourer (or 'super tourer' if you buy into Aston's hype) launched earlier this year, Aston's open-top DB12 Volante has broken cover. With an electrically operated 'K-fold' fabric roof, Aston Martin claims the new convertible will add extra "elegance and engagement" to the DB12's repertoire when deliveries begin at the end of the year.
Compact folding roof
Naturally, the biggest difference between the DB12 Volante and the coupe version is the folding roof, which tucks away under a hard tonneau cover that blends into the car's tail. With eight layers of insulation, the roof is designed to offer maximum soundproofing, as well as looking as stylish as possible when raised.
Speaking of which, the roof can be raised in 16 seconds and lowered in just 14 seconds, all while travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h, even in a 50km/h headwind according to its maker. And if you're outside the vehicle, the roof can be raised or lowered using the key fob, providing the keyholder is within a two-metre radius of the car.
When the roof is folded away, the two-step 'K-fold' movement allows it to stack into a 260mm bundle, allowing Aston Martin to maintain as much of the DB12's boot space as possible. In fact, the Volante matches the DB12 Coupe's boot space of 262 litres.
Underbody strength
With the removal of the DB12's roof, Aston Martin has had to strengthen the rest of the car to keep the same level of rigidity. Although the DB12 was always designed to be a convertible, and the aluminium architecture was developed with an open-top car in mind, Aston Martin made tweaks to the suspension mounting points and added an engine cross brace to increase torsional stiffness.
As a result, the British brand reckons the DB12 will have the same "level of dynamics" as the DB12 Coupe. That's despite the company having to make some changes to the spring rates and the damping to deal with the slightly different body. Total weight is up 111kg.
Similar specification
Although Aston Martin has made modifications to handle the open-top design, the DB12 Volante sits on much the same basic chassis as its hard-top sibling, and it has the same V8 engine under the long, sculpted bonnet.
The Mercedes-AMG-derived twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produces up to 680hp and 800Nm of torque, making it 34 per cent more powerful than the engine in the old DB11. All the power heads to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an electronically controlled differential. While that allows the DB12 Coupe to get from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, the heavier DB12 Volante is a tenth of a second slower, although both cars achieve the same 325km/h top speed.
Of course, Aston Martin has targeted more than just straight-line speed with the DB12 models, fitting 21-inch forged alloy wheels and electrically assisted power steering that's designed to offer "uncorrupted feel" and rapid responses. The engineers have also gone for special Michelin Pilot S 5 tyres and massive cast-iron brakes, while customers can opt for carbon-ceramic brakes as an option.
No longer the 'softer' option
"Volante possesses all the super-tourer traits so successfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe," said Aston Martin's chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli. "That we have preserved this class-leading performance and handling is testament to the underlying brilliance of the DB12 platform and the work we have done to maintain the advantage of its superb powertrain and chassis in an open-top version. No longer the 'softer' option, DB12 Volante offers the stimulation of a true sports car with the unique pleasure and satisfaction that only a convertible Aston Martin can deliver."
Luxurious cabin
While Aston Martin says the focus is on performance, the DB12 Volante still meets the same luxurious standards as the coupe, with the same new navigation system and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, not to mention the customer connectivity app. And buyers who want to personalise their car beyond the usual options can use the Q by Aston Martin configuration service, allowing them to specify anything from bespoke stitching to specially made components.
The new DB12 Volante will be on display at the Monterey Car Week in California this week, starring at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, and the Aston Martin Club 1913 clubhouse at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance over the weekend.