Aston Martin has finally decapitated its flagship grand tourer, creating the fastest and most powerful open-top production car in the company’s history.
The Vanquish Volante arrives with the same monstrous heart as its coupe sibling.
A 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 lurks beneath that sculpted bonnet, though Aston remains coy about whether the convertible maintains the coupe’s 823 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Physics, however, remains undefeated.
The Volante carries an additional 95 kg of weight compared to the hardtop, primarily from the chassis reinforcements and roof mechanism.
This extra heft translates to a marginally slower 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds – still brutally quick for a grand touring convertible.
The Charm Offensive
Convertibles often sacrifice rigidity for the sensory pleasure of open-air motoring.
The Vanquish Volante aims to minimize this compromise.
Its aluminum structure and carbon fiber body panels maintain torsional stiffness while keeping weight manageable.
The folding roof mechanism operates at speeds up to 31 mph, transforming from closed coupe to open-air cruiser in seconds.
Wind management appears thoughtful, with aerodynamic elements designed to minimize buffeting at speed.
V12 Symphony Unleashed
The removal of the roof delivers one undeniable advantage: unfiltered access to that twin-turbo V12 soundtrack.
Without the coupe’s sound insulation between occupants and exhaust, the Volante offers a more visceral aural experience.
The exhaust system likely features variable valves that open under hard acceleration or in sport modes.
Performance Credentials
The Vanquish Volante’s spec sheet reads like an enthusiast’s wish list:
- 3.4-second 0-62 mph sprint despite the weight penalty
- 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 with prodigious torque delivery
- Eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters
- Carbon ceramic brakes as standard equipment
The suspension tuning reportedly balances grand touring comfort with sports car handling.
Adaptive dampers allow drivers to tailor the ride quality to road conditions or driving preferences.
The Price of Open-Air Excellence
Aston Martin hasn’t confirmed pricing, but expect a significant premium over the coupe.
The Vanquish Volante positions itself as the ultimate expression of open-top British grand touring.
Its closest competitors include the Ferrari Roma Spider and Bentley Continental GT Convertible, though the Aston brings more raw power to the fight.
For those seeking the pinnacle of open-air Aston Martin performance, the Vanquish Volante delivers both the numbers and the drama.
It’s a V12-powered statement that losing your head doesn’t mean sacrificing your edge.
