Aston Martin Vanquish Volante The Ultimate Open-Top GT

A full UK review is on the way, but if the buzz surrounding Aston Martin’s latest V12 powerhouse is anything to go by, the Vanquish Volante is set to be something truly special. Following the immense praise for the coupe, this convertible version arrives 25 years after the DB7 Vantage Volante and six decades since Aston first introduced the ‘Volante’ name with the ultra-rare Short Chassis model.

 Aston Martin has engineered an all-new K-fold roof system, which lowers in just 14 seconds and raises in 16, operational at speeds of up to 31 mph. It’s not quite as quick as the V8-powered Vantage Roadster’s Z-fold mechanism, but it’s certainly fast enough to dodge a sudden downpour.

Cargo space remains practical, with 219 litres available with the roof up and 187 litres when down, only a slight reduction from the coupe’s 248 litres. Thanks to a compact 260mm stack height, the soft-top integrates seamlessly with the car’s flowing silhouette.

Thermal insulation is also top-tier, ensuring a refined cabin experience no matter the weather. And for the ultimate soundtrack, a titanium exhaust system, shedding 10kg while amplifying the V12’s growl, is available as an option.

Performance & Engineering: Power with Precision

The Volante gains just 106kg over the Vanquish Coupe (1,880kg dry vs. 1,774kg), making it more balanced than its predecessor, the DBS Volante, which carried an additional 170kg over the coupe version. Structural rigidity has seen a significant 75% boost over the outgoing flagship convertible, courtesy of additional underbody reinforcements. This ensures the Volante maintains precise handling and road manners akin to the hardtop. Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers have been recalibrated to accommodate the added weight, fine-tuning the ride for a blend of comfort and performance.

As expected, the Volante retains the same drive mode configurations as the coupe GT, Sport, and Sport Plus, alongside an Individual setting for custom preferences. Aston Martin describes GT mode as offering a ‘long-legged, effortless character,’ perfect for grand touring, while the more aggressive modes sharpen response and amplify the drama.

A V12 Masterpiece: Speed & Sound

Under the hood, the 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 delivers a monstrous 835 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful and fastest front-engine convertible on the market. With a top speed of 214 mph, it edges out Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Spider, which tops out at 211 mph with 830 hp. Acceleration is blistering, with 0-62 mph coming in just 3.4 seconds, only a tenth of a second behind the coupe.

The Vanquish Volante is loaded with cutting-edge technology to harness all that power. A bespoke compound of Pirelli P Zero tyres (available in summer and winter variants) ensures optimal grip. The electronic differential can fully lock in just 135 milliseconds, enhancing agility during low-speed cornering and improving control during high-speed maneuvers. Standard carbon-ceramic brakes, which are 27kg lighter than conventional iron rotors, provide immense stopping power while reducing unsprung mass.

Interior & Technology: Luxury Meets Functionality

Inside, the Volante mirrors the coupe’s exquisite cabin, featuring high-quality materials, physical controls, and a pair of crisp 10.25-inch digital displays. The Sports Plus Seats come as standard, while carbon-fiber racing seats are available for those seeking a more hardcore experience. To elevate open-air motoring, the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system has been meticulously tuned for the convertible’s acoustics, ensuring an immersive listening experience even with the roof down.

A Timeless Design

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Vanquish Volante is its stunning design. The sleek, sculpted bodywork looks so naturally suited to an open-top layout that one might think the convertible was designed first. With its signature Kamm tail and aerodynamic finesse, the Volante exudes elegance while maintaining Aston Martin’s aggressive road presence.

Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichmann has called it ‘the crown jewel’ of Aston Martin’s lineup, and it’s easy to see why. Every curve and crease of the Volante has been crafted with precision, making it one of the most visually striking convertibles ever produced by the British marque.

Price & Availability

While Aston Martin has yet to announce an official launch date, orders for the Vanquish Volante are expected to open soon, just in time for summer. Pricing will likely align with its Ferrari rival, meaning a starting figure around £360,000 before options. That’s a significant jump from the £250,000 DBS Volante, but with its increased power, advanced chassis technology, and refined grand-touring capabilities, the Vanquish Volante promises an experience that justifies every penny.

Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark sums it up perfectly: ‘For 60 years, Aston Martin Volantes have defined the art of elegant, sporting, open-top motoring. With its stunning looks and outstanding V12 engine producing more power than any other front-engine production car on sale, the Vanquish Volante has taken this philosophy to an entirely new level. At Aston Martin, we are proud to honour our heritage while pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury.’

Final Thoughts

The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante isn’t just a convertible; it’s an engineering masterpiece that blends breathtaking performance with top-tier luxury. Whether carving through mountain roads or cruising along the coast with the roof down, it promises an unforgettable driving experience. With its potent V12, cutting-edge technology, and timeless design, this is the ultimate grand-touring convertible for those who demand the very best.