ASTON MARTIN DBS VOLANTE | The Open-Top Addition to Aston's Flagship DBS
Car
April 20, 2015

ASTON MARTIN DBS VOLANTE | The Open-Top Addition to Aston's Flagship DBS


ASTON MARTIN DBS VOLANTE | Aston Martin DBS Volante


Aston's Flagship DBS Gains an Open-Top Variant


On February 25, Aston Martin announced the addition of the "DBS Volante," a four-seater open sports car with an electric soft top, to its flagship "DBS" series.


Text by Giraffe




Power Unit Similar to the DBS



The power unit installed in this new model is the same 6.0-liter V12 engine as the DBS. The output is also identical, with a maximum output of 517 ps at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 58.1 kgm at 5750 rpm. The performance generated by this power and torque boasts 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 307 km/h. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed sequential "Touchtronic" available as an option.

One of the reasons this performance is achievable is weight reduction. The DBS Volante uses carbon for the hood, front fenders, and trunk lid, successfully limiting the vehicle's weight to 1810 kg.







Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio System Included as Standard



The soft top opens and closes via an electro-hydraulic system, taking 14 seconds to complete. The top can be operated while driving at speeds below 48 km/h.

The interior makes extensive use of carbon and genuine leather, creating a perfect balance of luxury and sportiness that is distinctly Aston Martin. The Bang & Olufsen premium audio system and HDD navigation system are also standard, promising a comfortable drive.

The official unveiling of the DBS Volante will take place at the Geneva Motor Show, opening on March 5. Sales in Europe are scheduled to begin around July-September.

BRAND HISTORY
Currently garnering global attention as the coolest sports car brand, Aston Martin of the United Kingdom stands out. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, this small company came to bear the Aston Martin name after achieving success in a hill climb competition known as Aston Clinton, and has since left a brilliant mark on the history of motorsport and sports cars.

Conversely, the company has faced numerous financial crises, each time receiving a helping hand, charting a truly tumultuous course. For example, David Brown, who became owner in 1947, left his name on the sports car "DB2" and the racing machine "DBR1" by leveraging his excellent management skills and engineering acumen. More recently, Ford's sale of its shares to an investment group led by David Richards, founder of Prodrive, is still fresh in memory.

However, Aston Martin has consistently pursued the creation of sports cars imbued with surging power and beautiful styling throughout its history. The current lineup includes the "V8 Vantage" and "DB9." Furthermore, the new flagship model "DBS," which will succeed the "Vanquish," is expected to make its debut in Japan in the near future.