Aston Martin has introduced the Vanquish Volante, a striking new convertible, positioning it as a potential choice for James Bond’s next cinematic appearance. This high-performance, open-top grand tourer celebrates 60 years of the Volante nameplate, promising exhilarating driving and aesthetic appeal.
A Legacy of Open-Top Luxury: The Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin’s convertible models, known as Volantes, have a rich history of capturing the attention of discerning figures, including the fictional spy James Bond and King Charles, both admirers of previous Volante iterations.
The new Vanquish Volante, a two-door, two-seater, is lauded by Aston Martin as the “fastest, most potent front-engined convertible” and the “pinnacle” of their current lineup.
Unparalleled Power and Performance
At the heart of this flagship convertible sports car is a formidable 835 horsepower twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine. This powertrain enables the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante to achieve a 0 to 62mph acceleration in just 3.4 seconds, a mere fraction of a second behind its coupe counterpart.
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Pricing and Availability
The Vanquish Volante is priced starting from £361,000, a £27,000 increase over the hard-top coupe model. Production will be limited to under 1,000 vehicles annually, with initial deliveries of the convertible scheduled for this autumn.
Aston Martin emphasizes that this new flagship convertible delivers “unprecedented drama, power, and speed” within its category.
Innovative Convertible Roof Design
The vehicle features a sophisticated and lightweight ‘K-fold’ roof mechanism. This roof can be fully opened in 14 seconds and closed in 16 seconds, and it can be operated at speeds up to 31mph using a refined metal switch located on the center console.
For added convenience, the roof can also be operated remotely via the key fob when within a two-meter radius of the luxury car.
The new two-door, two-seater sports car is hailed today by Aston Martin ‘the world’s fastest, most powerful front-engined convertible’ and its ‘crown jewel’
Aston Martin says their new flagship convertible ‘brings unprecedented drama, power and speed to the category’
The Vanquish Volante features an innovative ‘K-fold’ roof which can be opened in 14 seconds, closed in 16, and is operable on the move up to 31mph
According to Aston Martin, the thermal insulation of the fabric roof is comparable to the Vanquish Coupe. The roof’s compact stacking height, measuring just 260mm when retracted, allows it to be stored beneath the tonneau cover, preserving the vehicle’s sleek body lines.
The company stated that the Vanquish Volante “is the crown jewel in a model lineage extending back 60 years,” and is “quite simply the fastest, most powerful open top series production Aston Martin to date.”
They further noted that the Vanquish Volante delivers “all the raw thrill of the coupe with an unmatched visceral open air driving experience,” making it a fitting tribute to the Volante anniversary.
Powered by a massive 835 horsepower twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine delivering a ‘knockout punch’
The new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.4 seconds – just 0.1 seconds slower that its hard-top coupe sister model
The new Vanquish Volante also has bespoke suspension designed to account for the unique weight distribution
Handling and Dynamics
Power from the robust engine is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF gearbox.
The integration of Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) enhances cornering performance and ensures stability during high-speed turns, resulting in what Aston Martin describes as “supercar-levels of driving dynamics.”
The Vanquish Volante features a specifically tuned suspension system to accommodate its unique weight distribution.
New dampers provide “outstanding levels of wheel control” across various driving modes.
In GT mode, the convertible is calibrated to adapt to road conditions, delivering the effortless grand touring characteristics synonymous with high-end vehicles.
Sport and Sport+ modes offer heightened responsiveness and tighter body control for a more dynamic driving experience.
Carbon ceramic brakes, which are 27kg lighter than traditional iron discs, are standard, ensuring substantial stopping power.
Aerodynamic efficiency is further improved by smaller, sleeker frameless door mirrors, while electronically deployed flush-fit door handles maintain the side profile’s seamless aesthetic.
The car has a newly developed stainless steel exhaust system with quad tailpipes
Exhaust Note and Experience
A newly developed stainless steel exhaust system with quad tailpipes is designed to amplify the auditory experience of driving the Vanquish Volante.
Aston Martin executives stated that with the roof down, occupants will be “exposed further to the enhanced range of frequencies and resonant V12 howl” associated with the Vanquish lineage.
An optional titanium exhaust system is also available, featuring a smaller muffler that delivers an even “clearer, louder and more engaging V12 sound” and reduces weight by 10.5kg.
The Vanquish Volante’s cockpit features a digital 10.25-inch driver display and the integrated 10.25-inch touchscreen system with single and multi-finger gesture control
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system includes a digital 10.25-inch driver display and an integrated 10.25-inch touchscreen system with multi-finger gesture control.
A premium Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker surround sound system enhances the audio experience within the cabin.
A machine-knurled rotary dial surrounding the illuminated Stop/Start button allows drivers to select driving modes.
Push-button switches for Chassis, ESP, Exhaust, and Park Distance Control are positioned for easy access, minimizing driver distraction.
Sports Plus seats are standard, with carbon fibre Performance seats offered as an option for those seeking a more performance-focused interior.
The vehicle includes designated storage areas for bespoke saddle leather luggage sets, available as an accessory.
Buyers can further personalize their Vanquish Volante with a wide array of exterior and interior design options, including wheel rims, brake calipers, carpets, and interior trim. More extensive customization options are available through ‘Q by Aston Martin’, ranging from personalized embroidery to full-scale bespoke engineering projects.
Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark commented on the new model, “For 60 years, Aston Martin Volantes have defined the art of elegant, sporting, open-top motoring… Vanquish Volante has taken this philosophy to an entirely new level.”
Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer, described the Vanquish Volante as “one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cars ever to wear the nameplate.”