Aston Martin DB12 Volante - The open-top 'Super Tourer'
Image: Aston Martin
A little over 2 months ago, Aston Martin pulled the covers off the DB12, a roaring V8 beast with a stunning design, powerful performance, and a luxurious interior. While it can easily pass as a supercar or a grand tourer, for that matter, Aston Martin introduced it as a "Super Tourer," a "new" category that merges the GT and Sports Car concepts, emphasizing ultra-luxury, power, and sporting dynamics.
Revealed at the recently concluded 2023 Monterey Car Week, the DB12 Volante is the convertible version of the DB12 coupe, maintaining a similar style and profile but, of course, without the latter's fixed roof. Replacing the DB11 Volante, and just like the coupe, this new iteration boasts a bolder, more futuristic design complemented by an enhanced interior.
Engine
Borrowed from the DB11 and tweaked for both the DB12 Coupe and the Volante, Aston Martin's trusted 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is on duty to deliver the open-top Super Tourer's thrilling performance. Loved for its fabulous soundtrack, the V8 produces a staggering 671 bhp at 6000 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque, propelling the convertible from 0-60 mph in 3.6 secs with an impressive top speed of 202mph, a 34% increase in performance compared to the DB11.
Image: Aston Martin
This hand-built engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, channeling all its might to the rear wheels. Notably, the car features five driving modes, a four-stage ESC system, a shortened Final Drive Ratio that maximizes in-gear thrust, and an upgraded Electronic Rear Differential, ensuring agility and stability even at top speeds.
Exterior
With a silhouette similar to that of the DB11, the DB12 Volante maintains the Aston Martin look and aesthetic that we've grown accustomed to. That being said, the new boy, just like its coupe sibling, sure looks a lot bolder and more aggressive with a larger grille, hood air intakes, and a lower lip spanning the entire front, among some of the most apparent tweaks.
Image: Aston Martin
Compared to the coupe, the soft-folding electrically-operated 'K-fold' roof is the main differentiator, with its eight layers of fabric providing enough insulation to the occupants from the elements. Operable via a remote key, the fabric top takes 14 seconds to open and just 16 seconds to close and can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph.
Interior
On the inside, the Volante has undergone a significant makeover, trading the DB11's switches and buttons with a sleek, modern touchscreen interface. Hard to ignore, a 10-inch touchscreen display powered by Aston Martin's next-generation infotainment system integrates the latest features and connectivity options, while a collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins provides a premium sound system with 15 speakers.
Image: Aston Martin
Of course, the interior is spacious and exceptionally luxurious (the minimum for a Super Tourer), with hand-stitched leather upholstery, carbon fiber accents, and an ambiance that quite literally exudes class. Q by Aston Martin, the British manufacturer's bespoke service, offers any customization options customers may desire.
Big, agile, and luxurious, the open-top DB12 is the first convertible under Aston Martin's new generation of Super Tourers. A decent upgrade over its predecessor, the all-new DB12 Volante, is pretty exciting, to be honest, and in my view, cements Aston Martin's spot as one of the de facto leaders in the GT segment.
Image: Aston Martin
Pricing and availability details haven't been released by Aston Martin yet, though we suspect it'll cost more than the coupe's $ 250,000 asking price.
