Aston Martin has unveiled an exhilarating masterpiece: the all-new open-top Vanquish Volante, which proudly claims the title of the world’s most powerful front-engine cabriolet. This stunning two-seater convertible harkens back to the golden age of motoring, boasting a formidable V12 engine and a rear-wheel-drive setup. It's set to rival ultra-luxury competitors like the Ferrari 12Cillidri Spider and the Bentley Continental GT C Speed, with an anticipated price tag of around €400,000. The essence of the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante echoes that of its coupé counterpart, featuring a robust 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that unleashes a staggering 823 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. This raw power is expertly managed through an eight-speed ZF transmission, nestled on the rear axle alongside an intricately engineered electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
The Vanquish Volante's development journey has been intertwined with its coupé sibling right from the start. Aston Martin promises only the slightest compromises in structural rigidity, demonstrating a remarkable 75 percent increase in body stiffness compared to the previous-generation DBS Superleggera Volante. This impressive feat is achieved through structural enhancements over the coupé, while the fundamental bonded-aluminium chassis remains intact. Although the addition of the folding soft-top mechanism increases the vehicle's weight by 95 kg to a dry weight of 1,880 kg, it still rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 344 km/h. This astounding performance is underpinned by an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 416 hp per tonne.
To masterfully balance the Volante's exhilarating performance with impeccable handling, Aston Martin's engineering team has crafted a completely unique suspension system. While the flagship model utilizes high-end Bilstein DTX dampers, the softest 'GT' mode is more fluid than its hardcore coupé counterpart. As drivers switch to the 'Sport' and 'Sport+' settings, they’ll experience an increase in firmness that's sure to delight even the most discerning enthusiasts. Standard across all Volante models are exceptional carbon-ceramic brakes and striking 21-inch forged alloy wheels fitted with bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires specially designed for Aston Martin.
But an open-top Aston Martin isn't solely about raw power and precise handling; it's equally a celebration of breathtaking design. The longer silhouette of the new Vanquish Volante exudes elegance and presence, mirroring the coupé’s striking aesthetics. The alterations are minimalist, focusing on the sumptuous fabric roof and a redesigned rear deck that enhances the vehicle's broad stance and Kamm-style tail. Inside, the cabin boasts the same level of opulence as the coupé, featuring a generously sized storage compartment behind the front seats, while a strengthening beam fortifies the space in front of the rear bulkhead. The boot offers a respectable 219 litres of storage space when the roof is up, dropping to 187 litres with the hood down—significantly larger than the Continental GTC Speed's mere 134 litres. This makes the Vanquish Volante more suitable for weekend getaways, embodying practicality in a two-seater format.
In true Aston Martin fashion, the extensive range of personalization options is nearly limitless, with the brand's Q division eagerly welcoming even the most whimsical requests. With deliveries set to commence in the third quarter of this year, this breathtaking open-top model will contribute to the capped production of 1,000 units of the Vanquish series annually, regardless of body style. So gear up, supercar aficionados! The Vanquish Volante promises to redefine open-top exhilaration and luxury, making it a must-have for those with a passion for the extraordinary.
