Aston Martin DB11 Volante Arrives In Time For Open-Air Cruising

Khodrocar - As the changing seasons cause the weather to cool down in much of the world, the Aston Martin DB11 removes its top with the launch of the new Volante convertible. The model combines the coupe’s gorgeous lines with a soft top that lowers in just 14 seconds.

At launch, the DB11 Volante is only available with the brand’s Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter biturbo V8. Just as in the coupe, the mill produces 503 horsepower (375 kilowatts) and 513 pound-feet (675 Newton-meters). An eight-speed automatic routes the output to the rear wheels, and a standard limited-slip differential improves traction. The setup gets the droptop to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour in 4.1 seconds and to a top speed of 187 mph (300 kph). This means the convertible is a tenth of a second slower to 62 mph and has the same maximum velocity as the V8-powered coupe.

"With the DB11 Volante we have maximized the advantages of the DB11’s all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that’s 26 kg (57 lb) lighter and 5 per cent stiffer than its predecessor,” Max Szwaj, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, said in the model's announcement.

The Volante features the same design as the DB11 coupe, except for the folding soft top. It’s available in bordeaux red, black, silver or grey silver. A standard Alcantara headliner on the inside creates a more luxurious cabin. If the weather changes suddenly, the roof can close in 16 seconds.

With the top down, the DB11 Volante shows off another new feature. Trim matching the center stack now covers the upper portions of the seat backs, and it creates a handsome look. Buyers can choose finishes like Piano Black, Light Ash Open, Dyed Tamo Ask Open Pore, Satin Chopped Carbon, or Satin 2x2 Twill Carbon.

The Volante features a cabin full of high-end materials and luxurious amenities. The convertible comes with full-grain leather upholstery and heated seats as standard. Adding ventilation to the chairs is an extra option. All models get an eight-inch infotainment system with navigation, and customers can upgrade the sound system to a 13-speaker setup from Bang & Olufsen. For the first time ever in an Aston Martin Volante model, the rear seat has ISOFIX attachment points, so owners with toddlers can strap them into the back for a safe ride. The trunk is also 20 percent larger than the outgoing DB9 Volante, so there’s plenty of room for luggage.

The DB11 Volante will start at $216,495 in the United States, versus $198,995 for the V8-powered coupe. Aston Martin will accept orders for them now, but deliveries won’t start until spring 2018.