Aston Martin hopes that the recently unveiled DB12 Volante can help usher in a new automotive segment known as the “Super Tourer”. Ideally, a Super Tourer combines the strength and functionality of a supercar with the majestic elegance of a more classic Grand Tourer, or GT. At first glance, the DB12 coupe unveiled last year lives up to the stated purpose with a 671-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and sumptuous interior designs throughout. Now, the Volante Edition adds the comfort of a more responsive dresser to an exterior. A design that already rivals the most productive on the market.
A rainy press release in Malibu provided a less-than-ideal setting to enjoy all that the Volante has to offer, but it did shed light on exactly where Aston Martin has prioritized DB12 progression dollars. At the most sensible point on the list, clearly, is AMG’s new powertrain, which makes a V12 engine obsolete in this 12th-generation DB. To help compensate for this unfortunate numerological error, Aston doubled down on its efforts and controlled to get a prodigious 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque out of the relatively compact 4. 0-liter V8.
All that power is sent to the rear wheels alone, thankfully thanks to a high-performance eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The wheels themselves, which measure 21 inches in diameter, are also shod with a set of new Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires used in their first production application. At the front, the 5S rubber has an extension of 275 millimetres, while the rear is 325 millimetres wide – supercar numbers, to be sure, but like its predecessors, eminently capable tyres too. with a little rain.
Although raindrops impeded the thrill of riding on the roof or driving at the limit, the semi-youthful application of straight-line throttle allowed the V8 engine to roar in its 7,000-rpm rev range, with a prodigious amount of forced induction supercharging. . building all over the place. Take off well before braking zones, to leave enough room for error so that one corner of the canyon doesn’t turn into a landslide or makeshift river, and then allow for plenty of sniffing and bubbling overtaking in quintessential V8-style.
Meanwhile, even at a slower pace, the DB12’s sublime chassis tuning straddles a fine line between an overly narrow sports car and an opulent cruiser. A 3,960-pound frame camber trail accurately indicates where the center of gravity is at all times, from the individual front tires enter corners to the rear when it’s time to press the kickstarter again. Conversely, the excessively strained guide provides a slight drag more typical of grand tourers than sports cars, but without any sense of carelessness, so at least one and both degrees of guide angle contribute to a sense of confidence than the more usual whims of an equally heavy vehicle.
The more comfortable, convertible option adds 244 pounds to that total curb weight, however, in climates that offer as much roof travel as the Malibu, the potential sacrifices in handling are probably a worthwhile compromise. Unlike many more comfy and comfortable vehicles, the DB12 Volante looks simply as modern with the roof up or down, thanks in large part to the slim frame panels and a sloping windshield, as well as a chrome strip around the waterline. The revised front air intake will remind James Bond enthusiasts of Aston’s iconic DB5, while the tail shifts musculature to futuristic angularity without wasting an unexpected trace of shiptail provenance.
The Magneto Bronze paint on an all-Copper Tan Metallic interior is combined with the slender shapes of the DB12 Volante.
Overall, with an amazing Magneto Bronze paint job complemented by an all-Copper Metallic Tan interior, this Aston was tested with decals for $323,700. It’s a pretty high overall price above the starting MSRP. $265,000 (the two features that contribute the most: carbon ceramic brakes for $14,500 and a drab leather interior package for $10,100). A DB12 Volante as specified is firmly in the arena of the Bentley Continental GTC, which leans much more towards the majestic spirit of travel than the spirit of the supercar.
Meanwhile, a Maserati GranCabrio with Trofeo trim starts near $200,000 and comes with a twin-turbo V6 engine and all-wheel drive as the only powertrain option. Mercedes and AMG’s twin-turbo V8-forced SL and GT diversity will likely include the DB12 with its closest comparable, although Aston Martin has achieved the feat of combining similar strength and functionality into a much slimmer and more attractive package, while retaining a critical sense, with a nimble lightness that is completely lacking in other makes and models in this segment. In this regard, especially, the DB12 manages to hammer the nail into the head of the new Super Tourer.