Aston Martin has taken the wraps off its convertible version of its all-new DB11. The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 Volante is powered by a twin turbo 4.0-liter V8 making 503 horsepower. That engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the powertrain enables the DB11 Volante to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds on to a top speed of 187 mph.
“For many customers, 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,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Andy Palmer at the New York unveiling. “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.”
Unlike the previous DB9 Volante which was V12 powered, the big change to the new DB11 droptop is its sole use of a V8 engine, while its Coupe counterpart offers both V12 and V8 power. The V8 is sourced from Aston’s technical partner Daimler-Benz. Based on the DB11’s new bonded aluminum structure, the Volante is 57 pounds lighter and 5 percent stiffer than the car its replaces.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2018
Cloth automatic top
Unlike other convertibles that offer a retractable hardtop, Aston Martin has stuck to tried and true cloth for its lid, citing a more compact stack height when stowed, which allows the vehicle to have much cleaner and lower lines. To ensure protection from wind and the elements, the top is made of 8 layers of acoustic and insulation materials. The automatic mechanism takes just 14 seconds to lower and 16 seconds to raise and can be operated remotely using the key fob. The top also has the ability to be raised or lowered while the vehicle is in motion up to 31 mph. The compact packaging of the folding top allows for 20-percent more trunk space over the previous DB9 Volante.
The new Volante features three different drive modes, paddle shifts for the 8-speed torque converter automatic, a limited-slip differential, torque vectoring and electric power steering, which allows the car’s response to be configured to the road surfaces and weather conditions. The Volante also sports new wood or carbon fiber veneers on the seatbacks and full grain leather upholstery on its 2+2 seating.
The 2018 Aston Martin Volante carries a $216,495 MSRP in the U.S. with deliveries set to begin during the second quarter of next year.
