Replacing the DBS Volante as Aston’s range-topping open GT car, the 6.0-litre V12-powered Vanquish Volante is capable of the same 0-62mph sprint of 4.1sec and 183mph top speed as its coupé sibling. Its full carbonfibre bodywork is also a first for an Aston Volante model.
Other improvements over the DBS Volante include a 50 per cent larger boot at 279 litres with the roof up or down. Aston says the roof is of triple-skin lightweight fabric construction and of an aerodynamic design, and it can be opened and closed in 14 seconds.
The outputs of the 6.0 V12 engine match that of the Vanquish coupé, meaning a maximum 565bhp is available at 6750rpm and peak torque of 457lb ft arrives at 5500rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Aston says the Volante is able to match the performance of the Vanquish coupé as weight increases have been kept to a minimum. The Volante weighs 1844kg, a 9kg increase over the coupe.
Underpinning the car is the latest fourth-generation development of Aston’s venerable VH platform. Carbonfibre is used in semi-structural components and bonding techniques are derived from the aerospace industry.
As such, Aston claims this Vanquish Volante is 14 per cent torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante and much more resistant to flex and predictable to handle as a result.
Aston also says the spring and damper rates have been calibrated to give the Volante the same ride and handling characteristics as the coupé. The weight distribution is 51:49.
The Volante shares the same look as the Vanquish coupe, but with a few notable changes in addition to the roof. The windscreen is now full height, the glass running up to meet the fabric for a cleaner, more coherent look. This full-height windscreen on a Volante is another first for Aston Martin.
The design of the 2+2 interior of the Vanquish coupe carries over to the Volante unchanged, save for the switches necessary to operate the retractable roof.
Chassis features include adaptive dampers with three distinct modes - Normal, Sport and Track - a quick-ratio steering set-up, Brembo-supplied carbon ceramic brakes, and Dynamic Stability Control and Positive Torque Control electronic systems.
Order books are now open for the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante ahead of the first deliveries later this year. Prices start from £199,995.
