The recently unveiled DB12 Volante is a testimony to Aston Martin’s reputation for producing stylish convertibles. Now, the DB12 drop-top model debuts three months after its coupe counterpart, sacrificing the V12 option of the DB11 Volante in exchange for a fresh exterior and an updated interior with modern electronics.
We recently got to witness the DB12 coupe’s debut here in Malaysia and now, it already has an open-top variant. The Volante maintains the distinctive fabric reclining roof of its predecessors, appealing to aficionados who like driving in the open air. Notably, when the top is tucked away under the hard tonneau cover, revealing the luxurious inside materials and emphasising the attractive tail, the convertible has even more alluring proportions than the coupe.
At top speeds of 50 km/h, the electrically controlled fabric roof opens and closes in 14 and 16 seconds, respectively. Two stages of folding are used, producing a stack height of 260mm that doesn’t significantly reduce the cargo capacity.
Assumption states that convertibles are not often considered to be as quiet as coupes. However, according to Aston Martin, the top has been “acoustically enhanced” and has 8 layers of insulation.
The default roof colour is black, but it is also optionally offered in red, blue, and “black and silver,” allowing for an almost limitless number of external colour combinations and interior upholstery choices. The seatbacks of the Volante may be ordered with carbon fibre panels that match the door trim inlay and wood veneer, unlike the ones in the coupe.
Customers also have greater customisation possibilities with Q by Aston Martin, which provides extra components and upgrades for standard Aston models with an emphasis on colour and trim.
Standard cast-iron discs with dimensions of 400mm up front and 360mm back are located behind the standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot S 5 tyres. With the possibility to switch them in with carbon ceramic brakes, the unsprung mass is reduced by 27kg and the fade is decreased.
The next-generation infotainment system from Aston Martin, which was created in-house and includes all of the newest connection technologies, is the interior’s standout. The audio system is connected to a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that come with 11 speakers as standard or 15 speakers as an option and is incorporated into the new 10.25-inch pure black touchscreen. There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.
The DB12 Volante’s bonded aluminium construction is an improved version of the one utilised by the DB11. Compared to the coupe, structural enhancements result in a 5% improvement in torsional stiffness. As with the rear spring rates, the new adaptive dampers are configured specifically for convertibles. Aston Martin’s Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli, claims that the DB12 Volante no longer qualifies as “the softer option” in the lineup and instead provides “class-leading performance and handling” in terms of this.
The Volante, like the DB12 coupe, has a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine from AMG that makes 671hp and 800Nm of torque. An electronic rear differential (E-Diff) helps an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox transfer this power to the back axle.
The convertible accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe, and reaches a top speed of 325km/h, the same as its hardtop sibling.
The DB12 Volante will make its world debut this week at Monterey Car Week in California. It will go into production in the third quarter of 2023, with the first deliveries following in the fourth quarter.
