Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Until recently prototypes of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Now the British company proudly shows their newest product. It is the fastest convertible in the history of Aston Martin and can reach topspeeds of up to 211 mph. The 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine from the Coupé version is used for the Volante as well, delivering 533 kW/725 hp and providing a maximum torque of 900 newtonmeters between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic from ZF transmits the power to the rear wheels. From a standstill to 62 mph it accelerates in 3.6 seconds and up to 100 mph in 6.7 seconds.
From the Coupé, the DBS Superleggera Volante also takes on various aerodynamic solutions to make the air flow along the bodywork as smoothly as possible and at the same time generate a lot of downforce on both axles. At the front, a splitter and airdam help to achieve this goal, while big air inlets guide the airflow in the desired directions – for example to the front brake discs. Behind the front wheels, large outlets ensure to reduce back pressure in the wheel arches. A spoiler lip and a diffuser help to press the rear of the car to the ground. At topspeed 177 kg of downforce are available, only three kilograms less than at the Coupé.
On the steering wheel, the driver can activate different driving modes. ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ modes re-tune the shifting times of the gearbox and the throttle response and also open the exhaust valves, while the ‘GT’ mode can be used for everyday drives. The ‘quiet start’ mode, meanwhile, delights the neighborhood, if you have to leave early in the morning and don’t want to wake up everybody around. For the automatic transmission Aston Martin together with ZF developed an independent software and a shorter final drive for faster acceleration and increased responsiveness in all gears.
In bad weather, an innovative soft top with an attractively designed silhouette stretches over the passengers’ heads. It includes eight layers of insulation and noise reduction materials to provide the occupants with a warm and sheltered interior. If it is retracted behind the seats, the acoustic pleasures of the twelve-cylinder engine reach the ears unfiltered. The roof requires 16 seconds to close and 14 seconds to open. Both operations can also be conveniently started by pressing a button on the vehicle key. In addition to the colors ‘Aurora Blue’, ‘Bordeaux Red’ and ‘Titan Grey’, there are five other color options for the fabric soft top, while the inner headliner is available in six different colors. The windscreen frame can be ordered for the first time in a visible carbon fiber version, which optionally also can be ordered for the tonneau cover and the rear waterfall – on request also in tinted carbon fiber.
First copies of the new DBS Superleggera Volante will arrive at the Aston Martin dealers from Q3 2019. Prices start at 247,500 GBP in the UK, 295,500 € in Germany or 329,100 US$
