A new era begins with the introduction of the DB12 Volante by Aston Martin. This drop-top companion to the recently revealed DB12 Coupe marks the vanguard of the marque’s upcoming generation of sports cars. It seamlessly melds the performance and handling prowess of a Super Tourer with the exhilarating sensory pleasures of open-air driving. The DB12 Volante carries on Aston Martin’s storied tradition of crafting high-performance convertibles.
Developed in tandem with its Coupe counterpart, the DB12 Volante mirrors the revolutionary design, engineering, and technological leaps of this latest iteration of Aston Martin’s distinguished lineage. Boasting unrivaled power, performance, and the essence of a true sports car, the DB12 Volante embodies a transformative evolution, unequivocally positioning it as a purist’s driver’s car.
The foundation of this unwavering dedication to performance and handling excellence rests upon the DB12’s impressively rigid bonded aluminum framework. Meticulously crafted to not only accommodate the enhanced dynamics of the DB12 Coupe but also to deliver an unmatched driving experience for the DB12 Volante.
Attention to detail in engineering and specifications was imperative to match the vehicle’s capabilities. Critical structural components, like the rear suspension upper mounting points and lateral connections, alongside performance enhancements such as the engine cross brace, work together to elevate the DB12 Volante’s global torsional stiffness by nearly 5%.
Equally vital for both vehicle integrity and dynamic prowess, the attachment points for suspension components underwent significant lateral enhancements (a 140% increase at the front axle). These modifications, aligned with the DB12 Coupe’s development, facilitated the adoption of a non-isolated steering column. Coupled with finely tuned steering and damper settings, this configuration provides precise on-center and off-center steering feedback, characterized by class-leading linearity in the vehicle’s response.
Through adjustments to underbody components, including the engine cross brace, the DB12 Volante achieves a 3.7% surge in global torsional stiffness. Concurrently, lateral stiffness sees targeted improvements, as does suspension performance and refinement. A non-isolated steering column and a stiffer front axle (enhanced by 140%) synergize to enhance on-center and off-center steering sensation, fostering an overall heightened connection between driver and machine.
The DB12 Volante’s performance credentials are compelling in their own right. The heart of this car, a 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, bestows the DB12 Volante with impressive potency and an intoxicating exhaust note. Aston Martin’s engineers fine-tuned this remarkable hand-crafted engine to generate an industry-leading 680PS/671bhp at 6000rpm, coupled with a peak torque of 800Nm/590lb ft in the range of 2750-6000rpm. Achieving a remarkable 34% increase in output compared to the DB11, this engine features modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger turbos, and improved cooling.
The DB12 Volante accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 3.6 seconds, or 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 202mph—making its performance truly breathtaking. Power is channeled through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, offering an array of shift strategies that complement the various dynamic driving modes. Similarly, the Volante shares the same shortened Final Drive Ratio for optimal in-gear acceleration and the Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) to strike the ideal balance between agility and stability. With a four-stage ESC and a choice of five predefined dynamic modes, the DB12 Volante grants the driver precise control over its behavior.
Noteworthy upgrades encompass the new generation intelligent adaptive dampers, which exhibit a remarkable 500% increase in force distribution bandwidth compared to prior hardware iterations. This furnishes the DB12 Volante with a range of dynamic capabilities surpassing those of its rivals. Notably, the primary distinctions between the DB12 Coupe and the Volante lie in nuanced adjustments to the rear spring rate and a tailored damper tune.
In the realm of steering precision, the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) takes the spotlight. Equipped with a non-isolated steering column and a constant 13.09:1 ratio rack, it offers an unadulterated and responsive feel. The steering’s quick yet natural response enhances the driving experience. On the ground, the Volante boasts standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot S 5 tires with ‘AML’ coding, tailored precisely to Aston Martin’s specifications. Braking prowess relies on cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs as the baseline. For an elevated braking performance, reduced brake fade, and a 27kg weight reduction in unsprung mass, there’s an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system.
Central to the Volante’s charm is its electrically-operated ‘K-fold’ roof. The moniker stems from its two-stage folding process, designed to achieve an industry-leading 260 mm stack height. This ingenuity blends smart packaging solutions with heightened luggage capacity, swift operation, and striking aesthetics. Comprising 8 layers of insulation, the fabric roof canopy brings enhanced acoustics for improved cabin comfort. With the roof raised, the DB12’s iconic profile remains untouched. Lowered, the K-fold mechanism elegantly conceals itself beneath a hard tonneau cover, creating a beautifully sophisticated rear end.
The roof’s unveiling takes a mere 14 seconds, while closing it requires 16 seconds. Remarkably, this operation can occur at speeds of up to 31 mph, even against a 31 mph headwind. Adding a touch of convenience and theatrical flair, the roof can be controlled via the remote keys* as long as one is within two meters of the car.
A spectrum of four exterior hood colors awaits. Standard is black, with the option to choose from red, blue, and ‘black and silver.’ This palette invites an array of personalization possibilities to complement the plethora of body and interior hues.
In terms of visual appeal, the DB12 Volante imparts its own distinctive essence onto the Coupe’s bold exterior design. Capitalizing on the lowline packaging facilitated by the innovative K-Fold roof mechanism, Aston Martin’s design team has achieved a sleek and athletic form that impresses whether the roof is up or down. The taut fabric hood lends the Volante a distinct character, differentiating it from convertibles equipped with folding metal roofs. When lowered, concealed under the sculpted hard tonneau, the Volante’s sleek beltline tantalizingly reveals the lavish interior. The design culminates in a lithe and muscular tail, leaving less adeptly designed competitors trailing.
While high performance and style are intrinsic to the DB12 Volante, it also holds exceptional comfort, quality, and craftsmanship at its core. One notable distinction in the Volante’s interior is the presence of wood veneer or carbon fiber panels on the seatbacks, echoing the door trim inlay. This adds an extra layer of visual opulence and luxury when the roof is lowered.
This ultra-luxurious ambiance caters to both driver and passengers. Clean, contemporary design and premium materials create a look and feel unique to Aston Martin. The DB12 boasts bespoke infotainment, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound hi-fi, and HMI systems, which immerse occupants in a fully connected state-of-the-art experience.
Leading the way in the DB12 range is Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Developed entirely from scratch in collaboration with industry-leading suppliers of hardware, UI, UX, and audio systems, it marks Aston Martin’s inaugural in-house system. Complementing this is a new Aston Martin customer connectivity app, compatible with iOS and Android devices, facilitating interaction, control, and feedback with the DB12.
The new system comprises an integrated multi-screen setup with comprehensive online connectivity. Displayed on a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen with capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control, it strikes a balance between touchscreen commands and tactile physical switches. Essential mechanical operations like gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation retain dedicated buttons. Override switches for Chassis, ESP and Exhaust, Lane Assist, and Park Distance Control ensure that frequently used controls remain conveniently accessible.
The newly introduced navigation system for the DB12 boasts online connectivity, enhancing the driving experience with increased intelligence, speed, and information. The updated 3D mapping provides clear and intuitive directions, complete with lane guidance and real-time traffic overlays. Through connected dynamic routing, the system efficiently navigates around delays, while a satellite view option offers a detailed perspective of the surroundings, with data dynamically downloaded to reflect the terrain as the car moves. For pinpoint accuracy in global navigation, the DB12’s navigation system and the recently introduced Aston Martin connected app incorporate WHAT3WORDS destination input. Occupants also enjoy Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, ensuring seamless access to their preferred device applications.
A novel realm of auditory delight awaits DB12 Volante passengers, courtesy of Aston Martin’s new audio collaborator, Bowers & Wilkins. The standard 11-speaker audio system, delivering 390 watts, introduces Surround sound capabilities. It employs QuantumLogic® sound processing to create an auditory landscape designed to harmonize perfectly with the DB12’s character. For those with a keen ear for quality, Aston Martin has developed an optional flagship audio system, drawing on technologies and innovations from Bowers & Wilkins’ esteemed home hi-fi systems.
Tuned to acoustically complement the interior volume and shape of the DB12, this premium audio setup comprises 15 speakers and a double-amplified 1,170W surround sound system. It features high-performance components such as Aluminum Double Dome tweeters and Continuum® midrange speakers, accompanied by dedicated 3D headline speakers and a potent subwoofer, immersing occupants in a captivating music experience.
In the realm of personalization, the Q by Aston Martin service empowers individuals to imprint their unique identity onto the DB12 Volante. Leveraging the expertise of Q’s designers and craftsmen, customers embark on a personalized commissioning journey. This ranges from minor, distinctive details to fully custom-engineered and produced bespoke components. With Q by Aston Martin facilitating the realization of customers’ visions for their ultimate DB12 Volante, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
The global unveiling of the DB12 Volante is set to take place at Monterey Car Week in California. It will make its debut at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, showcased on Friday, and then appear at the exclusive Aston Martin Club 1913 at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance over the weekend.
Production of the DB12 Volante is slated to commence in the third quarter of 2023, with the first deliveries anticipated to roll out in the fourth quarter of the same year.