2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

The Aston Martin DBS was touted by Aston Martin as being the "ultimate luxury sports car," combining sex-on-wheels styling with lightweight construction and monstrous V12 power. Few cars can reach this top and get the Glory. Now Aston Martin has seen fit to add a drop-top version of the DBS, called the Volante.

The DBS Volante is powered by the same 6.0L V12 engine rated at 510hp (380kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque as the hard-top DBS. The Volante sprints from 0-62mph(100km/h) in 4.3 seconds, and hits 191mph(307km/h) – also exactly the same as the hard-top DBS.

“The DBS Volante delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the roof up or down. It combines engineering excellence with design perfection," said Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez. “The DBS Volante offers a subtle mix of power and performance. Adding to this, the fine craftsmanship – it is an unparalleled ownership and driving experience.”

The DBS Volante rides at the forefront of the company's available technology. Beyond the simply awesome sounding V12, the car gets a six-speed manual as standard, while a six-speed “Touchtronic” automatic is optional. Structural rigidity is preserved well, with the Volante exhibiting 75% of the stiffness of the coupe, thanks in part to a rigidly mounted rear sub-frame and optimized front and rear shear panels.

Other standard equipment includes Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound DBS audio system, which has been retuned for the open-top Volante.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard, and the most cutting edge materials are used throughout the car, including a carbon fiber hood, front wing and trunk lid. Despite the weight-shaving measures, the DBS Volante is still a big GT, with a curb weight of 3,990lb (1,810kg), – 70kg more than the hardtop DBS. An Active Damping System (ADS) keeps the big car's roll under control, however, and can be tuned for comfort or speed.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire. And deliveries may start in the autumn.