Aston Martin Reveals The DBS Superleggera Volante

Aston Martin has unveiled the convertible version of the DBS Superleggera, called the DBS Superleggera Volante.

The DBS Superleggera Volante, which is the second Aston Martin to carry the Volante name, is powered by Aston Martin’s own 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 715 hp and 900 Nm of torque.

All the power is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. Strengthened to cope with the V12’s massive torque output, this transmission also has a shorter final drive for increased responsiveness and in-gear acceleration.

Plus, the car also comes with specially developed adaptive software which gauges the conditions the car is operating in, along with the driver’s demands, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.

Capable of hitting a top speed of 340 km/h, it boasts an impressive 0-100 km/h run in just 3.6 seconds.

On the exterior, the car’s splitter and airdam work in unison at the front, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes.  

Behind the front wheels, the ‘curlicue’ allows air to escape and flow smoothly along the car’s flanks, while the double diffuser at the rear allows air to exit cleanly and neutralise lift as efficiently as possible.

Due to the clothed roof, the DBS Superleggera Volante produces 177 kg of downforce, which is only 3 kg less than the coupe.

The car’s roof is made of an advanced fabric system which allows for a smooth flowing roof line. It also incorporates eight layers of insulation materials and acoustically enhancing materials to provide a quiet and comfortable cabin when the roof is up.  

According to Aston Martin, the main goal of the DBS Superleggera Volante was to “retain the coupe’s powerful dynamics, aggressive poise, and also its astonishing performance.”

With a class-leading stack height of 260 mm for the car’s folded roof, the DBS Superleggera Volante maintains a smooth seamless rear profile and maximised luggage capacity. Roof operation takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close, and can be operated from inside or, for added convenience, from the remote key within a two-metre radius of the car.

Exposed to conditions as extreme as the heat of Death Valley and the extremities of the Arctic Circle during development, the roof mechanism has been put through more than 100,000 cycles. Simulating 10 years of usage into a one-month test, Aston Martin says that the functional capability of the roof mechanism has been thoroughly tested.

Continuing the brand’s habit of offering extensive levels of customisation, the DBS Superleggera Volante’s hood is available in eight distinct colours including Bordeaux Red, Atlantic Blue, and Titan Grey.

The hood can be further personalised on the inside, with a further six Rokona headliners. For the first time on an Aston Martin Volante model, the window screen surround is available with a 2x2 twill carbon fibre finish, with the option to continue that theme to the car’s tonneau cover and rear.