2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante debuts early

Jun 01, 2023

The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante has made its official debut ahead of Monterey Car Week, showcasing what its creators have labelled the “ultimate open-top super tourer”.

That’s not an overly hard brief given the DB12 coupe was launched as the first self-proclaimed super tourer last month, but the two models were developed in tandem from the outset, which means the Volante gives almost nothing away to its hard-top sibling in terms of dynamics or performance.

Lurking under the bonnet is the same AMG-sourced 500kW/800Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 as seen in the coupe, which continues to drive the rear wheels exclusively via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 111kg weight penalty results in a 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds (0.1sec down on the coupe) and a top speed of 325km/h, but that almost indistinguishable performance handicap is more than offset by the extra drama and appeal of the roadster body and the enhanced aural experience afforded by the retractable roof.

The latter is predictably made of fabric and takes around just 15 seconds to erect (16sec) or lower (14sec) at speeds of up to 50km/h, and folds into a 260mm stack behind the cabin thanks to its new ‘K-fold’ mechanism.

Helping the Volante keep pace with the coupe through the bends is unique tuning for just about every suspension and steering component, plus a bunch of extra rigidity-boosting measures like extra underbody bracing – hence the sizeable weight penalty.

Adaptive dampers are present at all four corners, along with forged 21-inch alloy wheels, behind which reside cast-iron 400mm front and 360mm rear brake discs. However, a beefier carbon ceramic braking system – which saves 27kg of unsprung mass – will be optionally available.

Both the cast-iron and carbon-ceramic stoppers are clamped by six-piston callipers up front and four-piston units at the rear, while the same Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres as the coupe take care of gripping the road.

The whole package is kept in check by an electronic rear differential and a four-way adjustable electronic stability control system.

Removing the fixed roof from the equation may have changed the exterior aesthetic of the DB12, but there have been no changes whatsoever to the cabin layout, meaning customers will be treated to the same driver-centric cockpit as the coupe, but with infinite miles of headroom.

The one tangible difference Aston buffs may notice is the presence of wood veneer or carbon-fibre panels on the seatbacks, which is designed to match the door trim inlays “to create an extra layer of visual interest and luxury”, especially when the roof’s down.

The rest of the Volante’s headline equipment list reads as per the coupe, meaning occupants will be treated to Aston Martin’s first fully inhouse-developed infotainment system, accessed via a 10.25-inch interface and hosting wireless smartphone mirroring, connected services, 3D mapping, live traffic updates and over-the-air updates.

Other equipment highlights include ‘haircell’ leather upholstery, five drive modes, Alcantara headlining, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster, paddle shifters, frameless wing mirrors and adaptive cruise control.

Optional extras meantime comprise the aforementioned carbon-ceramic brakes, an 11-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, painted brake callipers, smoked tail-lights, coloured roof fabric, Sports Plus or carbon-fibre Performance seats, numerous upholstery options, ventilated seats and more.

Aston Martin CEO Amedeo Felisa said the DB12 Volante “changed the rules” for high-end convertibles by blending the character and capabilities of the coupe with the drama and pleasure of “roof down driving”.

“A rare and true sporting convertible in every respect, this is a car to challenge preconceptions and find a new generation of Volante customer,” he said.

Production of the DB12 Volante will start later this quarter ahead of first global deliveries starting towards the end of this year.

Local pricing, specifications and availability are all yet to be confirmed for Australia, where the open-top DB12 will likely command a hefty price premium over the coupe’s circa-$450,000 expected price tag.

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