New 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante breaks cover

The new 715bhp Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is the fastest convertible in the brand’s history with a 211mph top speed

The new drop-top Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante has been officially revealed, with a top speed of 211mph making it the fastest convertible in the British brand’s history. 

Closely related to the DBS Superleggera coupe, the Volante ditches the conventional fixed roof for an eight-layer folding fabric mechanism. The hood opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16, which can be operated either from the inside, or by the key within two metres of the car.

• Best convertibles on sale

The Volante’s engine matches that of the coupe: that means power comes from a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with 715bhp and 900Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Despite wearing a fabric hood in place of the coupe’s hard top - and the additional chassis strengthening required to compensate for the loss of the solid roof - the top speed remains the same. The 3.6-second 0-62mph time is 0.2 seconds slower, though, while it’ll accelerate from 50-100mph in fourth gear in 4.2 seconds.

Despite the truncated roof design of the Volante, the aerodynamic performance has barely altered from the coupe. At that 211mph top speed, the Volante produces 177kg of downforce - a drop of just 3kg compared to the hard top variant.

Inside, the cabin matches the design of the coupe, though buyers can choose from one of six finishes for the headlining.

Prices start from £247,500 - £22,500 more than the coupe - with first deliveries due in the third quarter of 2019. When it launches, its closest rival will come in the shape of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, which is priced from £175,100.

Click here to read our review of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera coupe...

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Recommended

New Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante drop-top unveiled
New Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante front
News

New Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante drop-top unveiled

Just 199 units of the special edition Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante model will be built
13 Apr 2023

Most Popular

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023