Aston Martin Introduces DB12 Volante as an Ultimate 202-MPH Open-Top 'Super Tourer'

Presented in honor of the British marque's 110th anniversary, the all-new Valour is as rare as possible, with just 110 units prepared for production. It's also very close to what the DBS offers, namely 705 horsepower and 555 lb-ft (753 Nm) as opposed to 715 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm). And why are we telling you all that? Well, simply because we just wanted to have another word with you about that purist supercar that is only available with a manual gearbox!

Anyway, if that's too much for your mild-mannered ethos, then perhaps Aston Martin may still interest you with the introduction of the DB12 Volante, the "ultimate open-top Super Tourer." Obviously, this is the sibling to the recently introduced Ferrari Roma foe, the Aston DB12, and aims to "add the elegance and engagement of open-top driving to a class-leading blend of ultra-luxury, power, and sporting dynamics."

Both were developed simultaneously, so the Coupe and Volante share many traits, including the "exceptionally rigid bonded aluminum structure" that also makes the latter 5% stiffer regarding the global torsional rating. The front axle, alone, is 140% stiffer than before, by the way. And all that adds to the exceptional performance, of course.

More precisely, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante features the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG to the tune of 680 ps/671 hp at 6,000 rpm and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque between 2,750 and 6,000 rpm. Although it's uncommon for convertibles to match their closed-roof peers, the DB12 Volante only loses a tenth of a second (3.6s) when sprinting to 60 mph (96 kph) and hits the same top speed of 202 mph (325 kph).

Power is sent to the wheels via a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission, there's an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff), four-stage ESC, and five dynamic modes, plus there is also a new generation of intelligent adaptive dampers and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) alongside an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system. And, of course, there's also the cool new roof feature.

Aston Martin states, "central to the Volante experience is its electrically-operated 'K-fold' roof." It involves a two-stage folding engineering procedure that allows it to reach a 280-mm stack height. It needs just 14 seconds to open and another 16 seconds to close, at up to 31 mph (50 kph) and into a 31 mph headwind, with black as the standard color and no less than eight layers of insulation. Of course, it can also be had in Red, Blue, or Black-and-Silver colors for added depth in personalization choices.

The Aston Martin DB12 Volante, like most other crucial August novelties (aside from Toyota's Land Cruiser), will make its public debut at the events linked to the Monterey Car Week taking place in California. More precisely, it will feature on stage at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday and then at the exclusive clubhouse Aston Martin Club 1913 at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance over the weekend. Meanwhile, first deliveries are programmed soon – production kicks off during the third quarter and sales during the fourth quarter of the year.