Droptop Gorgeous: 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante revealed
All-new DB12 Volante is proof Aston Martin can still make sexy convertibles
When Aston Martin revealed the all-new DB12 to the world, almost everyone's jaws dropped to the floor. With its sleek and curvaceous body, unmistakable grille, driver-centric cockpit, and twin-turbo V8 pushing out 680 PS, the DB12 now serves as Gaydon's newest super tourer.
But what if James Bond or any other driver prefers a V8-powered super tourer as a droptop? Luckily, the Gaydon-based luxury brand has revealed the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and it's a looker.
Specially designed for those who want to enjoy driving with the top down, the DB12 Volante carries the same twin-turbo V8 as the coupe version but has the benefit of a fabric roof that can be automatically deployed or stowed away. The roof itself features 8 layers of insulation and is acoustically enhanced for improved interior cabin comfort. There are also four different colors available for the fabric roof, Black, Red, Blue, and Black & Silver.
When it comes to operating it, the fabric roof takes 14 seconds to deploy and 16 seconds to fully close at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The folding is done via a two-stage pattern which allows for a 260mm stack height. This means cargo space is not compromised at the back should the driver and passenger pack a weekend's worth of luggage.
Despite the folding roof, Aston Martin says both the DB12 and DB12 Volante share a rigid bonded aluminum structure. Not only was this engineered to support the handling dynamics of the super tourer, but it was also designed to deliver the same unrivaled driving experience for the droptop DB12 Volante. Did we mention the DB12 Volante also comes with huge 21-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot S 5 tires?
Step inside and occupants are greeted by the same stylish and high-tech dashboard as the one found in the DB12 coupe. Sitting at the center is a 10.25-inch touchscreen powered by the brand's first in-house system. The screen supports full capacitive and multi-finger gesture control for easier manipulation. Other features available include; satellite navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an 11-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Like the hardtop DB12, the Volante also gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood. It makes a whopping 680 PS with 800 Nm of torque which allows the two-door droptop to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in a brisk 3.7 seconds, 0.1 second slower than the coupe. Keep your foot on the accelerator and the DB12 Volante will reach a top speed of 325 km/h, matching the coupe's top speed.
Helping the DB12 Volante shave off speed are 15.8-inch discs at the front and 14.2-inch discs at the rear. However, those who want better braking performance can opt for the carbon ceramic discs which reduce brake fade as well as shed 27 kg from its curb weight.
The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante will officially make its public debut at this year's Monterey Car Week in California. It will first make its presence felt at the annual The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday. Production of the DB12 Volante will begin in Q3 of 2023 while first deliveries will start in Q4 of 2023.
