Aston Martin proudly introduces the DB12 Volante, the open-top counterpart to the groundbreaking DB12 Coupe, marking a new era for the marque’s sports cars. This stunning convertible seamlessly blends exhilarating Super Tourer performance with the unmatched sensory experience of open-air driving. The Aston Martin Db12 Volante stands as a class-defining vehicle, embodying elegance and a sporting spirit, continuing Aston Martin’s legacy of exceptional high-performance convertibles. It revitalizes timeless style and meticulous craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art engineering, delivering a driving experience honed to perfection.
Aston Martin CEO, Amedeo Felisa, emphasizes the significance of open-top driving for their clientele: “For many of our customers, roof down driving is the greatest pleasure. Aston Martin Volantes have embodied this emotion with unique style for over six decades. The new Aston Martin DB12 Volante revolutionizes this experience, intensifying those feelings while maintaining the purity and exceptional sporting capabilities of the DB12 Coupe. This rare and truly sporting convertible challenges conventions and appeals to a new generation of Volante enthusiasts.”
Uncompromising Performance and Dynamics
Developed alongside the DB12 Coupe, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante incorporates the same revolutionary design, engineering, and technological advancements. As the latest evolution in Aston Martin’s distinguished lineage, it boasts class-leading power, purebred sports car dynamics, and transformative enhancements. The DB12 Volante firmly establishes itself as a driver-centric machine, prioritizing an unparalleled driving experience.
The foundation of this performance-focused approach lies in the DB12’s exceptionally rigid bonded aluminum structure. Engineered to support the dynamic capabilities of the DB12 Coupe, it also ensures the DB12 Volante delivers the same unrivaled driving experience. Detail engineering and meticulous specification of the Volante’s underbody components were crucial to achieving this. Key structural reinforcements, including rear suspension upper mounting points, lateral connections, and an engine cross brace, collectively enhance the DB12 Volante’s global torsional stiffness by nearly 5%.
Equally vital for structural integrity and dynamic performance, the mounting points for all suspension attachments underwent substantial lateral upgrades (140% on the front axle). These refinements, mirroring those in the DB12 Coupe’s development, enabled the implementation of a non-isolated steering column and complementary steering and damper tuning. This results in precise on and off-center steering feedback and class-leading linearity in vehicle response.
Thanks to these underbody enhancements, including the engine cross brace, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante achieves a 3.7% increase in global torsional stiffness. Furthermore, focused improvements in lateral stiffness and gains in suspension performance and refinement are evident. The non-isolated steering column and a stiffer front axle (+140%) contribute to enhanced steering feel both on and off-center, fostering an overall heightened sense of driver connection with the Aston Martin DB12 Volante.
Potent Performance and Thrilling Soundtrack
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante’s performance figures speak volumes. Its best-in-class 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine delivers formidable power and a captivating soundtrack. Tuned by Aston Martin engineers to produce a class-leading 680PS (671bhp) at 6000rpm and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque between 2750-6000rpm, this hand-built engine is a masterpiece. It features modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger turbos, and enhanced cooling, resulting in a remarkable 34% power increase compared to the DB11. The Aston Martin DB12 Volante accelerates from 0-60mph in a mere 3.6 seconds (0-62mph in 3.7 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 202mph, delivering truly breathtaking performance.
Power is channeled through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, mirroring the DB12 Coupe and offering shift strategies tailored to each dynamic driving mode. The Volante also incorporates the same shortened Final Drive Ratio to maximize in-gear responsiveness and an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) for an ideal balance of agility and stability. With four-stage ESC and five pre-defined dynamic modes, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante empowers drivers to precisely customize its handling characteristics.
Further enhancing the driving experience are new-generation intelligent adaptive dampers, boasting a 500% increase in bandwidth of force distribution compared to previous systems. This gives the DB12 Volante a dynamic range and character far surpassing its rivals. Notably, the primary distinctions between the DB12 Coupe and Volante lie in refined rear spring rates and a dedicated damper tuning specific to the open-top model.
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) with a non-isolated steering column and a constant 13.09:1 ratio rack provides pure and direct steering feel with a responsive yet natural rate of turn-in. Standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels are equipped with ‘AML’ coded Michelin Pilot S 5 tires, engineered to Aston Martin’s exacting specifications. Braking is handled by standard cast-iron 400mm front and 360mm rear discs, with optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) available for enhanced braking performance, reduced brake fade, and a 27kg reduction in unsprung mass.
Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli, highlights the DB12 Volante’s comprehensive capabilities: “The Volante embodies all the Super Tourer attributes successfully introduced in the DB12 Coupe. Preserving this class-leading performance and handling in an open-top form is a testament to the DB12 platform’s inherent brilliance and our efforts to maintain its powertrain and chassis advantages. The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is no longer the ‘softer’ option; it delivers the thrill of a true sports car with the unique joy and satisfaction only an Aston Martin convertible can provide.”
Electrically Operated ‘K-Fold’ Roof and Design Elegance
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante offers an extraordinary breadth of capability, seamlessly blending intense performance and precise handling with the intoxicating pleasure of open-top driving. This is further enhanced by cutting-edge connected technology and a spectacular surround sound audio system, creating a truly contemporary and ultra-luxury ownership experience.
Central to the Volante experience is its electrically operated ‘K-fold’ roof. Named for its two-stage folding mechanism, which achieves a class-leading 260mm stack height, this innovative design combines exceptional packaging with maximized luggage space, rapid operation, and stunning aesthetics.
The fabric roof canopy, featuring eight layers of insulation, is acoustically optimized for enhanced cabin comfort. When closed, the beautifully sculpted roofline maintains the DB12’s immaculate silhouette. When lowered, the K-fold mechanism neatly tucks beneath a hard tonneau cover, creating an elegantly streamlined rear profile.
The roof operates swiftly, opening in 14 seconds and closing in 16 seconds, and can be activated at speeds up to 31mph and against a 31mph headwind. For added convenience and visual appeal, the roof mechanism can be controlled remotely via the car’s keys* within a two-meter radius.
Four exterior hood colors are available: standard Black, with optional Red, Blue, and ‘Black and Silver’. This palette offers extensive customization possibilities to complement the vast array of body and interior color choices.
Visually, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante presents its own distinctive interpretation of the Coupe’s bold and assertive exterior design. Leveraging the low-profile packaging enabled by the K-Fold roof, the Aston Martin design team has sculpted a sleek and athletic form that is captivating whether the roof is raised or lowered. The taut fabric hood gives the Volante a unique character compared to convertibles with folding metal roofs. With the roof lowered and concealed, the Volante reveals its defining feature: a sleek, uninterrupted beltline that provides a tantalizing glimpse of the opulent interior and culminates in a lithe and muscular tail, overshadowing the bulky designs of compromised rivals.
Ultra-Luxury Interior and Cutting-Edge Technology
High performance and striking style are inherent to the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, alongside exceptional comfort, quality, and craftsmanship. A unique interior detail distinguishes the Volante from the Coupe: wood veneer or carbon fiber panels on the seatbacks, matched to the door trim inlay, adding an extra layer of visual richness and luxury when the roof is down.
This ultra-luxury environment envelops both driver and passengers in an all-encompassing experience. Clean, contemporary design and the finest materials create an atmosphere unique to Aston Martin. The DB12’s bespoke infotainment, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound hi-fi, and HMI systems immerse occupants in a fully connected, state-of-the-art experience.
The DB12 range marks the debut of Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Entirely bespoke and developed in-house with industry-leading suppliers, it is Aston Martin’s first proprietary system. It is complemented by a new Aston Martin customer connectivity app for iOS and Android, enabling seamless interaction and control of the DB12 via personal devices.
The new system is a fully integrated multi-screen setup with comprehensive online connectivity, displayed on a 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen with capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control. Balancing touchscreen functionality with tactile controls, physical buttons are retained for essential mechanical operations like gear selection, drive mode selection, and climate control. Override switches for Chassis, ESP, Exhaust, Lane Assist, and Park Distance Control ensure frequently used controls are always readily accessible.
The all-new navigation system in the Aston Martin DB12 Volante features online connectivity for a smarter, faster, and more informative experience. New 3D mapping provides intuitive guidance with lane assist and real-time traffic updates. Connected dynamic routing avoids unnecessary delays, and satellite view offers detailed visualization of the surroundings. For pinpoint accuracy worldwide, the navigation system and the new Aston Martin connected app support WHAT3WORDS destination input. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless access to device applications.
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante also offers a new level of audio enjoyment through Aston Martin’s partnership with Bowers & Wilkins. The standard 390W 11-speaker audio system provides a Surround sound mode and utilizes QuantumLogic® sound processing for an immersive audio experience perfectly matched to the DB12. For discerning audiophiles, an optional halo system, incorporating technologies from Bowers & Wilkins’ world-class home hi-fi systems, is available. This 15-speaker, double-amplified 1,170W surround sound system features high-performance loudspeakers including Aluminium Double Dome tweeters, Continuum® midrange speakers, dedicated 3D headline speakers, and a powerful subwoofer, enveloping occupants in their favorite music.
Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, reflects on the DB12 Volante’s design heritage: “Creating open-air performance machines has always been central to Aston Martin, since our first Volante model in 1965, the legendary Short Chassis. It remains a design inspiration for us. The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is another emotional Aston Martin design, built to be driven. We’ve sculpted a graceful, muscular form that reflects its immense capabilities, built upon advanced structural elements, with a clean, contemporary interior. Designed through performance for those who share our passion for open-air adventures, the new DB12 Volante is exhilarating and a worthy addition to our history.”
Q by Aston Martin: Bespoke Personalization
Q by Aston Martin, the ultra-luxury personalization service, allows owners to further customize their Aston Martin DB12 Volante. Leveraging the expertise of Q’s designers and craftspeople, customers can embark on a unique commissioning journey, ranging from subtle bespoke details to full-scale engineering and production of entirely unique components. With Q by Aston Martin, the possibilities for creating the ultimate personalized DB12 Volante are limitless.
Global Debut and Availability
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante made its global debut at Monterey Car Week in California, showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and at the exclusive Aston Martin Club 1913 at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance.
Production of the Aston Martin DB12 Volante is scheduled to commence in Q3 2023, with first deliveries expected to begin in Q4 2023.
