Aston Martin Shows Off DBS Superleggera Volante
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Aston Martin has opened the roof on the new DBS Superleggera Volante. This is the second Aston Martin to carry the Volante name following the introduction of the company’s Second Century Plan. The DBS Superleggera Volante has been designed in-house under the guidance of Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. Aston Martin’s primary mission has also been to retain the coupe’s powerful dynamics, aggressive poise and astonishing performance.
Powered by Aston Martin’s own 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, producing 715 bhp and 900 Nm of torque, the top speed of the DBS Superleggera Volante stands at 340 kmph. 0-100 kmph is done in just 3.6 seconds and it’s not just the power and torque that makes the difference but also the car’s aerodynamic credentials which help in commanding and exploiting the surface airflow to maximum effect. Up front, the car’s splitter and airdam work in unison, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes. The new deeper side strake draws more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and aid high-speed stability.
Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin. With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name.”
“The 900Nm of torque is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car.”
Behind the front wheels, the ‘curlicue’ allows air to escape and flow smoothly along the car’s flanks, while the double diffuser at the rear allows air to exit cleanly and neutralise lift as efficiently as possible. A revised iteration – to accommodate the Volante’s clothed roofline – of the revolutionary Aeroblade ll system continues to deliver additional downforce at the car’s rear. At VMAX, the DBS Superleggera Volante produces 177kg of downforce, just 3kg less than the coupe, an impressive feat when considering the car’s fundamental aerodynamic changes.
The 900Nm of torque is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. Specially developed adaptive software gauges the conditions the car is operating in, along with the driver’s demands, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.
Aston Martin’s engineers have worked hard to ensure the best possible roof and rear package is achieved, while still delivering conflicting targets of styling and durability. The roof operation takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and can be operated from inside or, for added convenience, from the remote key within a two-metre radius of the car.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal Aston Martin aimed to achieve with the DBS Superleggera Volante, despite it being a convertible?
What is the primary goal Aston Martin aimed to achieve with the DBS Superleggera Volante, despite it being a convertible?
Aston Martin’s primary mission was to maintain the coupe’s powerful dynamics, aggressive poise, and astonishing performance. This included focusing on retaining these characteristics even with the open-top design.
Q.Which other Aston Martin model carries the 'Volante' name, and how significant is this new car to the brand's strategy?
Which other Aston Martin model carries the 'Volante' name, and how significant is this new car to the brand's strategy?
This is the second Aston Martin to use the 'Volante' name since the introduction of the company’s Second Century Plan. It signifies a continued expansion within their strategic vision for new models.
Q.What key aerodynamic features contribute to the car’s performance and stability, particularly in managing airflow?
What key aerodynamic features contribute to the car’s performance and stability, particularly in managing airflow?
Key features include the front splitter and airdam for downforce, deeper side strakes to reduce lift, and a 'curlicue' behind the front wheels. A double diffuser at the rear and a revised Aeroblade ll system also help neutralise lift.
Q.How quickly can the convertible roof be operated, and what convenient options are available for its activation?
How quickly can the convertible roof be operated, and what convenient options are available for its activation?
The roof takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. It can be operated from inside the car or remotely using the key fob within a two-metre radius.
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