A V12 Engine Boasting 517ps in a Front Midship Configuration

The DBS Volante is a model developed based on the DBS, which is powered by a 6-liter V12 engine, and is equipped with an electric soft top. The sub-name "Volante" means "to move freely" and is a traditional name that has sometimes been used for open models of Aston Martin in the past.


The DBS Volante is equipped with a 517ps V12 engine in the front of its 4721mm long body, in what is known as a front midship position, slightly behind the front axle. It employs a transaxle system that integrates the transmission and the rear differential gear. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, which Aston calls "Touchtronic 2," is available.


The basic chassis structure, like other Aston models, is based on aluminum, bonded using a special technique. "The advantage is greater strength than spot welding," says the production manager. This technology, developed by Hydro Aluminium, now owned by Lotus, is essential for sports cars like Aston Martin, enabling a lightweight yet highly rigid body.

Like an Athlete with a Top Trainer at the Gym

The chassis is a composite of aluminum and carbon fiber. The body also features a hood, trunk lid, and front fenders made of carbon fiber. Aston Martin, a luxury sports car manufacturer, is known for its significant investment in its vehicles. For instance, the meticulous attention to detail, such as using a patented technology called "Surface Pale" to ensure the carbon fiber weave pattern is not visible in the paintwork, is another extravagance. Regardless, the low ride height, aggressive styling, and flared wheel arches create a powerful shape, much like an athlete with a top trainer at the gym.


What was the concept behind the styling? We asked Design Director Marek Reichman.


"In a word, a tough guy. But a tough guy in a dinner jacket. I designed the DBS Volante with that image in mind."


The designer, who also worked on the V12 Vantage and DBS Coupe, provided this answer. He succeeded Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker and is now also working on upcoming new models such as the "Rapide" and "I-77."

Also Capable of Enjoying an Elegant Drive

What kind of sports car is the new Aston Martin DBS Volante, which we finally got to experience firsthand? We had the opportunity to drive it primarily in the rural Cotswolds, about an hour and a half's drive from London.


"It can be operated up to 30 mph and folds completely in 14 seconds," says an Aston engineer about the soft top. As befits the UK, a country with the longest history in creating full-open sports cars, the car has a beautiful presence, and the view from the cockpit is expansive and pleasant. With the DBS Volante, a long press of the top open/close button also operates the four side windows.


In open-top models based on sedans, the rear seatbacks, which deflect wind forward, are far from the driver, so there's less wind buffeting. However, with the DBS Volante, a 2+2 with small seats directly behind the front seats, you experience open-air driving with a noticeable amount of wind. If this is undesirable, fitting a wind deflector behind the front seats to suppress wind turbulence allows for a considerably more serene driving experience.


So, is the DBS Volante a car for enjoying an elegant drive? Of course, that's also possible. Road vibrations are well suppressed, and with the 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen "BeoSound DBS" audio system, it's not unpleasant to drive at a relaxed pace.