Entitled as the most elegant of the Aston Martins convertibles, the British brand reveals the first images and information about the DB11 Volante. The new convertible complements the DB11 Coupé, introduced last year and received with excellent reviews – we too were delighted by its arguments…
The big difference for the coupé is, of course, the absence of a fixed roof – the dimensions are identical, except for the height, which is one centimeter (1.30 m) higher. The DB11 Volante comes equipped with a fabric hood, and from our point of view, it turns out to be better than the coupé – it is without a doubt one of the most elegant convertibles on the market, if not the most elegant.
The hood is electrically operated and, according to the brand, integrates the latest advances in acoustic and insulating materials, and consists of eight layers. It takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. It can be operated remotely with the key and also with the car moving up to 50 km/h. Compared to its predecessor, the DB9 Volante, this new hood takes up less space when retracted, allowing for a 20% gain in luggage compartment volume.
It is available in three shades – burgundy, silver black and silver gray – and its inner lining is standard in Alcantara to create a more luxurious ambience. What's new is the front seatbacks can also be customized with five different options, paired with options for the center console.
Where's the V12?
Unlike the Coupé, which first received the V12 and later the V8, the DB11 Volante will only be released with the latter. The V8 – of AMG origin - has 4.0 liters of capacity, two turbos and delivers the same 510 hp and 675 Nm. adding it at a later stage.
One of the reasons put forward has to do with the need to keep the behavior of the new DB11 Volante as “enthusiastic” as possible. Hence the choice for the smaller and lighter propeller – less detrimental to the efficiency of the front axle -, compensating for the increase in weight of the open bodywork compared to the closed one.
And the difference is still considerable. The British convertible charges 110 kg (1945 kg – EU standard) more than the coupé. The weight distribution favors the front – only 47% of the weight falls on the front axle. As a note, on the Coupé, the V12 is 115 kg heavier than the V8.
The extra 110 kg slightly harms performance: 0 to 100 km/h are accomplished in 4.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds more than the coupé -, and CO2 emissions rise from 230 to 255 g/km ( I estimated).
Max Szwaj, Aston Martin Technical DirectorThe challenge in creating a convertible is to retain structural and dynamic integrity. To protect the former we need strength and rigidity, but to preserve the latter we need to keep the weight to a minimum. With the DB11 Volante we have maximized the advantages of the new DB11 frame, with the frame weighing 26 kg less and being 5% stiffer than its predecessor.
It is now possible to order the Aston Martin DB11 Volante, with deliveries to take place next spring.
