Is this the most attractive looking British convertible since the Jaguar E-Type? Aston Martin's latest sports car - the DB11 Volante - is one good looking motor
ASTON Martin have revealed the latest version of the DB11 - and it may be the most exciting edition of their flagship model yet.
Due to be released in early 2018 with a £159,900 price tag, the DB11 will get a convertible roof for the first time.
The 2018 Volante will be powered exclusively by a 503bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, with Aston Martin scrapping the V12 from the DB11 coupe.
But most impressive is the new roof feature.
Able to be operated on the move up to 31mph, the fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to retract behind the rear seats, and 16 seconds to raise back up.
To combat the lack of roof, the manufacturer has strengthened the body of the Volante, adding an extra 115kg to the overall weight, making it significantly heavier than its coupe predecessor.
The added weight has slightly affected performance, with its 0-62mph time a tenth slower than the V8 coupe at 4.1 seconds.
But with the roof up, the convertible still manages the same top speed of 187mph.
Max Szwaj, Aston Martin chief technical officer, said: "The challenge of creating a convertible car is retaining structural and dynamic integrity.
"To protect the former you need strength and rigidity, but to preserve the latter you need to keep weight to a minimum.
"With the DB11 Volante we have maximised the advantages of the DB11’s all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that’s 26kg lighter and 5 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. The result is a truly magnificent car.
"One that combines greater performance and agility with increased comfort, refinement and interior space for occupants and their luggage."
The new DB11 Volante includes a host of exciting features as standard, including a leather interior with Alcantara headlining and new leather door and centre console inserts.
Heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround view parking camera are also included.
Customers also have the choice of 70 optional extras from 20-inch wheels and brake caliper colours to automatic parking and a garage door opener.
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and chief executive officer, said: "For many of our customers, indeed many generations of Aston Martin customer, the Volante has always offered something very special: a unique combination of elegant style, innate sporting ability and sensory engagement that lifts it above other open-top cars.
"The new DB11 Volante captures those qualities perfectly and promises the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an open-top Aston Martin."
