Aston Martin DB12 Volante Revealed With ‘K-Fold’ Convertible Roof
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is a convertible that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Just last month, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur launched the DB12 Coupé in Malaysia. Two weeks later, we have the global debut of the convertible model, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante. This is the first of the next generation products from this brand to sport an open-top design.
Aston Martin wanted to preserve all the ‘super tourer’ elements of the coupé and present the DB12 Volante not as a ‘softer’ option but as a more stimulating version of the 2-door.
Just like the Coupé variant, the DB12 Volante is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that has been tuned to output 680PS at 6,000 rpm and 800Nm of torque between 2,750-6,000 rpm. This hand-built engine is a massive 34% improvement in output versus the DB11 model. 0-100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds (vs 3.6s in the coupé) and the top speed is 325km/h. Power goes through a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox with a shortened Final Drive Ratio and an Electronic Rear Differential. There’s also a four stage ESC for customisable dynamics.
The development of this product was done alongside the coupé model to minimize the number of changes needed to create a convertible model. The DB12 uses a rigid bonded aluminium structure, but has received some additional performance enhancements to increase torsional stiffness by 5%. These additions include rear suspension upper mounting points, lateral connections, and an engine cross brace. There were also changes made to the underbody components to improve global torsional stiffness further.
Aston Martin DB12 Volante Folding Roof
The Aston Martin DB12 Volante features a electrically-operated ‘K-fold’ roof with a 2-stage folding procedure. This revolutionary design folds up in just 14-16 seconds to just 260mm in stack height, allowing for more luggage capacity. The fabric roof features 8 layers of insulation for greater cabin acoustic insulation. The K-fold roof can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h and can be operated via remote key within 2 meters of the car. The roof hood comes in black as standard, but can be optioned in Red, Blue, and a dual-tone Black and Silver option.
The K-fold mechanism is hidden beneath a hard tonneau cover, allowing the designers to present an uninterrupted beltline with the roof down.
DB12 Volante Equipment and Availability
One way the Volante stands out from the coupé is that wood veneer or carbon fibre panels on the seatbacks are matched to the door trim inlay. The DB12 Volante will come with a 390w 11-speaker surround sound system that can be upgraded to a 1,170w 15-speaker system optionally. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 10.25″ infotainment screen.
Aston Martin will show the DB12 Volante at the Monterey Car Week in California this week and production will begin in Q3 of this year with deliveries expected in Q4.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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