Aston Martin is present process a change underneath the management of Lawrence Stroll with a sequence of quicker, sharper and extra superior fashions, and scorching on the heels of the brand new DB12, the agency has unveiled this: the DB12 Volante. 

Designed to ship the DB12’s further efficiency and chunk in an open-top bundle, the Volante presents vital engineering modifications over the DB11 Volante earlier than it, in addition to a brand new cabin structure and much-needed HMI improve. Manufacturing will start later this yr, with first buyer deliveries in the direction of the top of 2023.

As with the coupe, the DB12 Volante’s extra sporting character is obvious within the design, which attracts cues from Aston’s DBS flagship. A brand new, a lot bigger grille and entrance apron give a extra menacing look than the DB11, together with new headlights and reprofiled facet sills. In fact, the principle differentiator to the coupe is a folding cloth roof – taking 14sec to retract and 16sec to shut, the roof comprises eight layers of insulation and may function at speeds of as much as 31mph. 

We had been impressed by the DB11 Volante’s dynamic skill at launch, and the DB12 has each probability of constructing on this with key modifications to its construction and suspension for a extra direct, cohesive really feel. Revisions to its bonded aluminium chassis, together with new rear suspension mounting factors and stiffer entrance axle attachments, have enabled using a solidly-mounted steering column for improved response, with a 3.7 per cent enhance in torsional rigidity offering a extra secure platform for the Volante’s distinctive suspension tune. 

The DB12’s new adaptive dampers have 500 per cent extra bandwidth than these fitted to the DB11, with the Volante gaining a bespoke damping calibration and completely different rear springs to compensate for modifications to its physique stiffness and the added weight of its chassis bracing. Aston quotes a 1796kg dry weight for the DB12 Volante, which compares to 1685kg for the coupe.  

With Aston’s V12 seeing out its days within the DBS and bespoke limited-run specials, the DB12 makes use of an AMG-derived 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 671bhp and 590lb ft of torque. Driving by way of an 8spd automated gearbox with a shorter closing drive than the DB11, the DB12 Volante sprints to 62mph in 3.7sec, and on to a prime pace of 202mph. An electronically-controlled restricted slip differential delivers torque to the rear wheels, with Michelin Pilot S 5 tyres fitted as normal. Carbon ceramic brakes can be found as an possibility for improved efficiency and longevity, chopping 27kg of unsprung mass. 

As with the exhausting prime, the DB12 Volante has undergone a complete transformation inside, with a brand new dashboard, steering wheel and infotainment suite to switch the DB11’s dated and – in some locations – low-cost feeling cabin. With a crisp digital dial pack and a big touchscreen sitting a hand-span away from the steering wheel, the DB12 presents an infinite transformation over the clunky, old-generation Mercedes tech utilized in earlier Astons. Fortunately, the brand new mannequin has a financial institution of bodily switches for its local weather controls and drive modes, with the Volante that includes distinctive trim inlays on the seat backs for a extra distinctive look with the roof down.

Ranging from £185,000, the DB12 coupe sits in a realm occupied by the Ferrari Roma and Bentley’s Continental GT V8 S, and whereas pricing hasn’t been introduced for the Volante, it’s prone to sit nearer to £200,000 to compete with the Continental GTC and Roma Spider.