Aston Martin DB12 Volante Takes the Stage
The new Aston Martin DB12 is more than just a grand tourer that packs an impressive punch and stunning looks; it’s a more accomplished Aston Martin and a thoroughly modernised successor to the DB11.
There’s a newly-refined AMG-sourced 4.0-litre V8 powerplant beating underneath its elongated bonnet with 500kW and 800Nm. It stands out, particularly at a time when traditional grand tourers are becoming less relevant.
Accompanying the recently-revealed DB12 is the new Volante, an open-top model that blends the Super Tourer’s performance and handling with all the thrills of driving with the top down.
With the same power output as the coupe, the Volante sprints from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds before hitting the Vmax at 325km/h, similar to its coupe counterpart. It shifts through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with a shortened final drive ratio as well as an electronic rear differential.
In addition to the impressive numbers, the Aston Martin Volante showcases the ‘K-fold’ roof. It’s a two-stage folding mechanism that achieves an impressively well-packaged 260mm stack height.
The fabric roof features eight layers of insulation and can be opened in 15 seconds and closed in 16 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. For the sake of convenience, the roof can be operated via the remote key within a 2m radius of the car.
Inside, the DB12 Volante epitomises style with wood veneer and carbon fibre panels on the seatbacks that match the door trim inlays. It also boasts a digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.
Aston Martin plans to debut the DB12 Volante this week at the Monterey Car Week in California and production is earmarked to start in the third quarter of 2023 with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
Could this be the absolute DB11 Volante successor that we have been waiting for? We reckon it is.
