Aston Martin has introduced the new DB12 Volante. Companion to the recently introduced DB12 Coupe - the first in the marques next generation of sports cars, this open-top model combines spectacular Super Tourer performance and handling with the irresistible sensory thrills of roof-down driving.
A class-defining car of unmatched elegance and sporting character, the DB12 Volante is the latest addition to Aston Martin’s illustrious tradition of high-performance convertibles. Timeless qualities of style and craftsmanship have been revitalised by advanced technologies and state-of-the-art engineering, while the driving experience has been honed to its keenest possible edge.
Developed in parallel with its Coupe stablemate, the DB12 Volante boasts the same game-changing design, engineering and technology advances made by this latest evolution of Aston Martin’s most distinguished nameplate. With class-leading power and performance and purebred sports car dynamics, it is a transformative evolution. One that unashamedly positions the DB12 Volante as a true driver’s car first and foremost.
The foundation of this focus on uncompromised performance and handling is the DB12’s exceptionally rigid bonded aluminium structure. Not only was this engineered to capably support the new level of dynamics on the DB12 Coupe, but also to deliver the same unrivalled driving experience for the DB12 Volante.
To match vehicle level capability, the focus was on the detail engineering and specification of all elements of the Volante’s underbody. Key structural elements, such as the rear suspension upper mounting points and lateral connections, as well as performance additions, including the engine cross brace, boost the DB12 Volante global torsional stiffness by near 5%.
Of equal importance for vehicle integrity and dynamic performance, the mounting points for all suspension attachments were extensively upgraded laterally (140% on the front axle).
These changes, in line with the development of the DB12 Coupe, allowed the use of a non-isolated steering column and complementary steering and damper tuning to deliver precise on and off-centre steering connection with class-leading linearity of vehicle response.
Thanks to changes to underbody components, including the engine cross brace, the DB12 Volante sees a 3.7% increase in global torsional stiffness, along with focussed improvement in lateral stiffness and gains in suspension performance and refinement. A non-isolated steering column and a stiffer front axle (+140%) contributes to improvements in on and off-centre steering feel and an overall sense of driver connection.
The Volante’s performance credentials speak for themselves. Best-in-class potency from its 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine endows the DB12 Volante with formidable performance and a fabulous soundtrack. Tuned by Aston Martin engineers to deliver class-leading 680 PS at 6,000 rpm and 800 Nm between 2,750-6,000 rpm, this exceptional hand-built engine features modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling to achieve an increase in output of 34% compared with the DB11. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.6 or 0-62 mph in 3.7sec and powering on to a top speed of 202 mph, the DB12 Volante’s performance is truly breathtaking.
Power
is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which like the DB12
Coupe, features a range of shift strategies complimenting each of the
dynamic driving modes. The Volante also uses the same shortened Final
Drive Ratio to maximise in-gear punch and Electronic Rear Differential
(E-Diff) for the perfect mix of agility when you want it and stability
when you need it. With four-stage ESC and a choice of five pre-defined
dynamic modes, the DB12 Volante allows the driver to precisely tailor
its behaviour.
Other highlights include new generation
intelligent adaptive dampers, which have a 500% increase in bandwidth of
force distribution compared to previous generation hardware, giving the
DB12 Volante a range of dynamic capability and character far in excess
of class rivals. Indeed, the main difference between the DB12 Coupe and
Volante are detail revisions to rear spring rate and a dedicated damper
tune.
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) with a non-isolated
steering column and constant 13.09:1 ratio rack has pure and
uncorrupted feel with a swift but natural-feeling rate of response.
Standard 21in forged alloy wheels are fitted with ‘AML’ coded Michelin
Pilot S 5 tyres made to Aston Martin’s precise requirements. Braking is
provided by cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs as
standard, with an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system offering
increased braking performance, reduced brake fade and a 27kg weight
saving in unsprung mass.
The result is a convertible car with an
extraordinary breadth of capability. Intense performance and pinpoint
handling to enthrall the most demanding driver, combined with the
intoxicating pleasure of roof-down driving and supported by the very
latest connected technology and spectacular surround sound audio system.
Together they deliver a truly contemporary ownership experience. In
providing the finest of all things, the DB12 Volante exemplifies the new
age of ultra-luxury.
Central to the Volante experience is its
electrically-operated ‘K-fold’ roof. Named due to the two-stage folding
procedure engineered to achieve a class-leading 260 mm stack height,
this exceptional design combines brilliant packaging solutions with
maximised luggage capacity, swift operation and stunning aesthetics.
Featuring
8 layers of insulation the fabric roof canopy is acoustically enhanced
for improved interior cabin comfort. When raised, the beautifully
sculpted roof line maintains the DB12’s immaculate profile. When lowered
K-fold mechanism sits low beneath a hard tonneau cover to create a
beautifully elegant tail.
The roof operation takes 14 seconds to
open and 16 seconds to close and can be used at speeds of up to 31 mph
and into a 31 mph headwind. For additional convenience and pleasing
theatre, the roof mechanism can be operated via the remote keys, as long
as you are within a two-metre radius of the car.
There are four
different exterior hood colours to choose from. Black is standard, with a
choice of Red, Blue and ‘Black and Silver’ as options. This palette
allows for a wide variety of customisation and to ensure there’s a shade
to compliment the near-endless choice of body and interior colours.
Visually
the DB12 Volante puts its own unforgettable spin on the Coupe’s bold
and assertive exterior design. Exploiting the lowline packaging made
possible by the brilliant K-Fold roof mechanism, the Aston Martin design
team have achieved a sleek and athletic form that looks sensational
with the roof raised or lowered. The taut fabric hood lends the Volante a
distinctive look denied to convertibles equipped with folding metal
roofs. Once lowered and concealed beneath the sculpted hard tonneau the
Volante plays its trump card, the sleek uninterrupted beltline giving a
tantalizing glimpse of the opulent interior and culminating in a lithe
and muscular tail that puts the lumpen efforts of package-compromised
rivals to shame.
High-performance and high-style are intrinsic to
the DB12 Volante, but so too is exceptional comfort, quality and
craftsmanship. One delightful detail distinguishes the Volante interior
differs from its Coupe counterpart; wood veneer or carbon fibre panels
on the seatbacks matched to the door trim inlay to create an extra layer
of visual interest and luxury when the roof is lowered.
This
ultra-luxury environment delivers an all-encompassing experience for
both driver and passengers throughout. Clean, contemporary design and
the finest materials create a look and feel unique to Aston Martin, with
the DB12’s bespoke infotainment, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound
hi-fi and HMI systems immersing occupants in a fully connected
state-of-the-art experience.
The DB12 range is the first to
receive Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Entirely
bespoke and developed from scratch with industry leading suppliers of
hardware, UI, UX and audio systems, it is Aston Martin’s first in-house
system. It also supplemented by a new Aston Martin customer connectivity
app. Developed for iOS and Android it allows interaction, control and
feedback to and from the customer’s DB12 via their personal device.
The
new system is a fully integrated multi-screen system with full online
connectivity and displayed using 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen
technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control.
Understanding the need for balance between touchscreen commands and the
positive tactility of physical switches, buttons are retained for the
key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating
and ventilation. There are also override switches for Chassis, ESP and
Exhaust, Lane Assist and Park Distance Control, ensuring the most used
controls are always conveniently to hand.
The all-new navigation
system for the DB12 features online connectivity for a smarter, quicker
and more informative experience. The new 3D mapping gives intuitive,
clear instruction with lane guidance and real time traffic overlays.
Connected dynamic routing avoids unnecessary delays and satellite view
is available for those who like to see details, dynamically downloaded
to visualise the surrounding area as you drive. And for pinpoint
accuracy anywhere in the world, the DB12’s navigation system and the new
Aston Martin connected app feature WHAT3WORDS destination input. With
Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, occupants can also access their
device applications seamlessly.
The DB12 Volante also offers a
new experience in listening enjoyment thanks to Aston Martin’s new audio
partners, Bowers & Wilkins. The standard-fitment 390W 11 speaker
audio system offers a Surround sound mode and employs QuantumLogic sound
processing to create a soundscape and audio performance designed to
match the DB12 perfectly. For true audiophiles Aston Martin has
developed an optional halo system taking technologies and innovations
found in Bowers & Wilkins’ world-class domestic hi-fi.
Acoustically
engineered for the DB12 interior volume and shape, this 15-speaker,
double amplified 1,170W surround sound system features high-performance
loudspeakers such as Aluminium Double Dome tweeters and Continuum
midrange speakers together with dedicated 3D headline speakers and a
powerful subwoofer to immerse occupants in their favourite music.
Q
by Aston Martin; the ultra-luxury personalisation service allows those
who wish to put their own stamp on the DB12 Volante. By accessing the
skills of Q’s designers and crafts people, customers enjoy a one-off
personal commissioning journey that can encompass everything from a
single small distinguishing detail to full-scale engineering and
production of entirely bespoke components. With Q by Aston Martin
on-hand to realise a customer’s vision for their ultimate DB12 Volante,
the sky really is the limit.
Production of the DB12 Volante is due to commence in Q3 of 2023, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 2023.
