Aston Martin unveils DB12 Volante convertible: new V8-powered soft-top

• Convertible version of DB12 GT
• Same 4.0-litre V8 in the coupe
• 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds
• Top speed is 202mph
• Deliveries by end of 2023
• Prices expected to be around £200,000

Aston Martin has unveiled the DB12 Volante convertible, sister car to the DB12 coupe ‘super tourer’.

The main design is vastly the same as the standard coupe, but with a soft-closing roof instead, you can enjoy the summer sun and the sound of the 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante design

As with the coupe, the DB12 Volante is a great-looking car. The iconic Aston Martin grille is quite large, but with creases angling towards the front from the bonnet and around the sides, it looks pretty aggressive.

There’s a large lower inlet running the width of the car, while you get air breathers in the bonnet and behind the front wheels to help with air flow.

The main change to the shape is at the side though, with the solid roof being replaced with a soft-folding. It will keep a similar shape to the coupe, but the eight-layered fabric cover folds under a hard panel that slots in with the rear deck.

You can choose a black, black and silver, blue or red roof, while the mechanism takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close at speeds of up to 31mph.

You also get 21-inch forged alloy wheels in front of cast iron disc brakes – 400mm at the front and 360mm at the rear – which can optionally be upgraded to carbon ceramics.

At the back, you get thin curved tailights, two large exhausts and a deep rear bumper, with sharp creases like on the front.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante interior

Unlike previous Aston Martin models, the DB12 comes with an all-new infotainment to match the sleek and stylish interior. There’s a lot of leather covering the dashboard, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and quilted leather on the seats and centre console.

The design isn’t overly complex, with the 10.25-inch touchscreen the centrepiece. The chassis controls, drive mode select, safety assists and small gear selector are all in the black centre panel, while you can get wood veneer or carbon fibre trim.

If you don’t want to enjoy the sound of the V8 engine when you’ve got the roof down, Aston Martin fits a Bowers and Wilkins 11-speaker system as standard. That can be upgraded to a 15-speaker system if you want it.

There is space for four, but don’t expect the rear passengers to sit in complete comfort.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante engine and chassis

Under the bonnet is the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that develops 680hp and 800Nm of torque – borrowed from Mercedes-AMG.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels, you can go from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 202mph.

For driving enjoyment, there’s an electronic rear differential to help with agility, while the DB12 Volante gets a four-stage ESC system and five pre-set dynamic modes.

With the roof taken off, the chassis has been stiffened up to prevent flex and make sure the car still feels responsive.

How much is the new Aston martin DB12 Volante?

While pricing for the DB12 Volante hasn’t been released, you can expect it to be a little higher than the £185,000 starting price for the coupe – likely around £200,000.

Production of the DB12 Volante will start soon, with deliveries by the end of 2023.

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