Aston Martin Adds the Convertible "Volante" to the DB11 | Aston Martin

Aston Martin DB11 Volante

Aston Martin Adds the Convertible "Volante" to the DB11

Aston Martin has announced the addition of the new convertible "DB11 Volante" to its lineup, following the debut of the "DB11 Coupe" in 2016. The Volante is said to be the latest evolution of the 2+2 open-top sports GT, setting new standards in performance, innovation, and style.

Text by HARA Akira

4.0-Liter V8 Twin-Turbo + Fabric Top

Aston Martin'sDB11now features an open-top variant, the "DB11 Volante."

The front-mounted 4.0-liter 90-degree V8 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 375 kW (510 ps) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 675 Nm between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift-by-wire, mounted mid-rear. It boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h. With three-stage powertrain and chassis modes, drivers can adjust engine response and chassis characteristics to suit road conditions, weather, or mood.

The sleek body incorporates a new extruded aluminum structure. This design is lighter and more rigid than previous models, enhancing performance and handling while also improving design refinement, comfort, and interior space.

Exterior highlights include the beautiful soft top, the one-piece aluminum bonnet inherited from the DB11 Coupe, the aerodynamic "Curlicue" feature on the fenders, slim "Light Blade" taillights creating a bold C-shaped graphic, and newly designed 20-inch forged alloy wheels.

The interior features new wood or carbon fiber panels on the seatbacks, along with amenities for enjoying open-air motoring year-round, such as steering wheel heating. It also enhances usability with features like ISOFIX attachment points in the rear seats.

Aston Martin DB11 Volante

Aston Martin Adds the Convertible "Volante" to the DB11 (2)

Soft Top Passes Extreme Durability Tests

The convertible top, a crucial element of the Volante, can be chosen from three colors: Bordeaux Red, Black Silver, and Grey Silver. It opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16 seconds, with remote operation also available. The top can be opened or closed while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. When folded, it stows nearly flat, and unlike the previous "DB9", it successfully increases trunk capacity by 20 percent.

The newly designed 8-layer fabric roof offers excellent sound insulation and absorption, providing a comfortable cabin even in adverse weather. Its quality and durability have been confirmed through rigorous testing. For instance, the Lifecycle Durability (LCD) test involved over 100,000 open-close cycles in a specialized climatic chamber. This facility, developed to simulate the world's harshest weather conditions, can replicate 10 years of aging in just one month. The results were validated through real-world tests conducted in Death Valley and the Arctic Circle using DB11 Volante prototypes.

Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer stated, "For Aston Martin customers, especially those who have been with us for generations, the Volante has always represented an emotional appeal distinct from other open-top models. The new model fully embodies these qualities and promises the driving pleasure and enjoyment that can only be experienced in an Aston Martin open-top car."

Pricing has been announced at £159,900 in the UK, €199,000 in Germany, and $216,495 in the US. Orders are being accepted immediately, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Spring 2018.