After letting the DB11 coupe build some momentum and launch in AMG-V8 spec, Aston Martin has pulled the curtains back on the DB11 Volante. The Volante lives at that same special juncture of muscular aggression and sensual curvaceousness, only lets a bit more air flow through the driver's hair. And with a 503-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 at the helm, not even the hardiest coiffure is safe.
Aston Martin relies on the lighter, more rigid aluminum DB11 architecture to deliver a raft of Volante performance and comfort benefits. You'll have to drive it to experience the entirety of those benefits, but the 4.1-second 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time and 187-mph (301-km/h) top speed provide an appetite-whetting preview of the car's skill set, besting not only the DB9 Volante but even the 540-hp V12-powered 2016 DB9 GT coupe and its 4.5-second 0-62 mph and 183-mph (295-km/h) top speed.
For reference, when equipped with the same V8 engine as found in the Volante, the DB11 coupe does the 62-mph deed in 4 seconds flat and tops out at the same 187 mph (301 km/h).
We think drivers will quickly forgive the Volante for that 0.1-second setback when they're shooting the corners, wind in their hair and sun on their cheeks. The new soft top drops into fully open mode in 14 seconds. When it's time to shut the weather out, the Volante's roof rises back to form in 16 seconds. It can be operated remotely with the key or from inside at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The new compacted hood system has opened up an extra 20 percent in trunk volume over the DB9 Volante.
The 503-hp 4.0-liter V8 engine will be the only option upon launch, meaning no 600-hp V12, the original engine launched on the coupe. That V8 is paired with an eight-speed paddle-shift, and three drive modes help the driver find just the right balance, fine-tuning the settings of the transmission, electric power steering, and limited-slip differential with dynamic torque vectoring. The dynamic stability control, emergency brake assist, traction control, 360-degree view cameras, front and rear parking sensors and other technologies help the driver along the way.
"With the DB11 Volante, we have maximized the advantages of the DB11's all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that's 26 kg (57.3 lb) lighter and 5 percent stiffer than its predecessor," says Aston Martin technical chief Max Szwaj. "The result is a truly magnificent car, one that combines greater performance and agility with increased comfort, refinement and interior space for occupants and their luggage."
The Volante's styling is much the same as the coupe, incorporating the single-piece aluminum hood, menacing glare, C-shaped taillight blades, "Curlicue" aerodynamic cut in the front fender, and muscular rear haunches. It rides on 20-in 10-spoke alloy wheels. The 2+2 interior includes full-grain leather, an Alcantara headliner, a touchscreen sat-nav system and a heated steering wheel. Rear seat ISOFIX attachment points are a first on a Volante model.
Aston Martin will roll out the first DB11 Volante in Q1 of 2018, with pricing starting at US$216,495. Buyers will be able to choose a bordeaux red, black silver or grey silver soft-top.
Source: Aston Martin
