The Aston Martin DB12 Volante Is A 202 Mph Convertible
Aston Martin chopped the top off its DB12 grand tourer with the new DB12 Volante convertible. Typically, convertibles are ever so slightly slower than the hard top variant as its usually heavier, and the fact it doesn't have a roof augments the aerodynamics. However, that is not the case with the Volante as it boasts a top speed of 202 miles per hour, not a single mile per hour slower than the standard DB12.
That wicked top speed is made possible in part by its 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 powerplant that has absolutely no issues pumping out 670 horsepower. The DB12 Volante can rocket itself (in a stately and refined manner, of course) to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.6 seconds, in case you were curious.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin's engineers wanted to make sure the convertible model wasn't the "lesser" option, and tuned every possible suspension and handling bit to ensure that.
Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin's chief technical officer says in a press release: "Volante possesses all the Super Tourer traits so successfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe. That we have preserved this class-leading performance and handling is testament to the underlying brilliance of the DB12 platform and the work we have done to maintain the advantage of its superb powertrain and chassis in an open-top version."
An elegant drop top
The convertible top itself utilizes what Aston Martin calls a "k-fold" design, meaning that it does its best to fold quickly and maximize storage in the car. According to a press release, the top is composed of eight layers of insulation, ensuring that you aren't too exposed to the outside elements when driving with the top up — and it doesn't sound like you're in a wind tunnel. It takes 16 seconds to electronically drop the roof, and 14 seconds to put it back up. It can be operated at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin notes that the interior has one little finishing touch to separate itself from the visually similar DB12 coupe, and that is the addition of either a carbon fiber panel or wood veneer on the back of the seat "to create an extra layer of visual interest and luxury when the roof is lowered." The Volante also comes with a 390 watt 11-speaker sound system from Bowers & Williams.
Aston Martin will start building Volantes during the third quarter of this year, and deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2023.