The supply of V12-powered roadsters is scarce. Which is why Aston Martin's new DBS Superleggera Volante is such a cause for celebration.
An open-top driving formula like few others
The United Kingdom might not often be sunny, but that does not mean its local automotive brands don't know how to make a great roadster. Aston Martin's latest DBS Superleggera Volante is proof of that with a fabric roof and V12 power.
Canvas on top - like a roadster should be
Like all proper roadsters, the DBS Superleggera Volante has a fabric roof, instead of a folding metal one. The top can be stowed away in only 16 seconds and takes a mere 14 seconds to open. It is durable too, with Aston Martin's engineers testing it for 100,000 cycles.
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Strictly for two
A true sportscar only has two seats - and this Aston Martin seats its driver and one lucky passenger in superlative space and comfort. Note how tidily the canvas roof folds away too - with a minimal 260mm stack height on the rear deck area, making it unobtrusive when motoring around with the top down.
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A rare blend of light weight - and V12 power
The Superleggera name might be Italian, but Aston Martin has applied it with skill to this British V12 sportscar. In terms of positioning, the DBS Superleggera Volante is quite unique. There aren't many other V12-powered roadsters around, and especially no rivals which focus on a responsive, lightweight platform.
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Looks good - works even better
But this is what the DBS Superleggera Volante is all about: an open road and a retracted roof. The front-engined proportions are akin to a classic grand tourer and as with all Astons, this V12-powered roadster is a striking design. It also features a host of advanced aerodynamic features, which are seamlessly integrated into the design, and generate up to 390lb of downforce at speed.
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Transmission at the rear
Aston Martin's desire was to create a special V12 roadster that was an absolute joy to drive. Balancing the weight of that large 5.2-liter V12 engine up front is a transaxle gearbox configuration. The ZF 8-speed automatic is mounted at the rear of the car and with a trick differential and active torque vectoring, this is as rewarding a rear-wheel-drive roadster as you'll ever have the honor of experiencing.
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Boosted to be the best
This is what really completes the package. Aston Martin's unique offering with its DBS Superleggera Volante is a 5.2-liter V12, boosted by two turbochargers. Peak power output is 715hp and that number is supported by a surge of torque, from very low engine speeds: 663lb-ft to be exact. The soundtrack is glorious, as you would expect from a V12, and performance is startling too, with a top speed of 211mph.
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Only the best seating
The DBS Superleggera Volante provides both seating comfort for all-day drives and excellent cornering support. Featuring hand-stitched detailing, only the best leather is used and shaped into form by expert craftsman. To further enhance your driving experience, these gorgeous seats feature both a heating function and cooling. Part fashion, but not at the cost of function - and therefore true to the DBS Superleggera Volante V12 design theme.
