Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
“Vanquish” 60th anniversary model
The Vanquish Volante is a model commemorating the 60th anniversary of the short-chassis Vanquish, which debuted in 1965.
The Vanquish Volante, developed as an open-top version of the third-generation Vanquish and announced in September 2024, is a model celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Volante’s release and is touted as the fastest and most powerful open-top production vehicle in Aston Martin’s history.
It is equipped with an Aston Martin 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 835 PS and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm. The weight increase due to the open design has been kept to a minimum, and the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 344 km/h. Like the coupe, it will be the fastest and most powerful front-engine model currently on the market.
Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark commented on the Vanquish Volante:
“For 60 years, Volante has been synonymous with elegant, sporty open-top sports cars. With its beautiful exterior and the most powerful V12 engine, the Vanquish Volante delivers more power than any other front-engine car on the market. As the Vanquish Volante’s performance demonstrates, we continue to carry on this tradition while looking to the future.”
5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine producing 835 PS
The 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine, which originated in the 2000 DB7 Vantage, has been significantly updated to fit the new Vanquish, with maximum power output increasing to 835 PS and maximum torque to 1000 Nm.
Following the Volante Coupe, the Vanquish Volante is equipped with a newly developed 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbo engine, which originated in the DB7 Vantage, which debuted in 2000. In the 25 years since, Aston Martin’s iconic V12 engine has almost doubled its power output from 426 PS to 835 PS, and maximum torque has increased from 543 Nm to 1,000 Nm.
The latest specification of the Vanquish’s V12 now produces peak torque at just 2500 rpm, just half the revs required by the previous engine. Despite this significant increase in performance, the Vanquish Volante’s overall weight has only increased by 95 kg, improving its power-to-weight ratio from 313 PS to 416 PS per tonne.
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission located inside the rear axle achieves optimal weight distribution. Like the coupe, the E-diff is incorporated, enabling full locking in 135 milliseconds from full release. Combined with the latest Electronic Stability Program (ESP), this system provides optimal traction for all driving patterns, from low- to mid-speed ranges to highway driving and drifting.
Same performance as the coupe
Developed simultaneously with the coupe, the Vanquish Volante ensures a high level of chassis rigidity while minimizing weight gain, achieving driving performance on par with the coupe despite being open-top.
The front suspension is double wishbone and the rear is multi-link. Bilstein DTX dampers provide wheel control according to each drive mode. The Vanquish Volante’s suspension has been specially tuned to take into account the change in weight distribution caused by the open-top design.
The carbon ceramic brake system comes as standard to support the car’s powerful power, providing stopping power worthy of a flagship model. It is 27 kg lighter than conventional steel discs, and offers significantly improved disc life and fade resistance.
The Volante coupe and convertible models were developed simultaneously. The strengthened underbody rigidity achieved by the introduction of a bonded aluminum structure boasts a 75% increase in lateral rigidity compared to the previous flagship convertible. Furthermore, the Volante maintains maximum torsional rigidity while minimizing weight gain.
Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, had this to say about the Vanquish Volante:
“From the outset, we have developed the Vanquish Volante and Coupe simultaneously to ensure they offer the same class-leading performance as the Coupe. This has enabled us to maintain the same dynamic performance and character as the Coupe, through a combination of optimised body structure and chassis tuning, without the compromises that come with deploying the roof.”
K-fold roof that can be opened or closed in 14 seconds
The fabric roof, which uses the “K-fold roof” system, can be opened and closed at speeds up to 50 km/h.
The lightweight “K-Fold Roof” can be folded from closed to stowed in 14 seconds and from open to closed in 16 seconds. An elegant metal switch located on the center console allows the roof to be opened or closed while traveling at speeds up to 50 km/h. The roof can also be opened or closed remotely using the key fob within a two-meter radius.
Despite the fabric roof, it has the same level of insulation as the Vanquish Coupe. The fabric roof, which has enhanced sound insulation, is stored under the tonneau behind the seats without interfering with the seamless flow of the body lines. When stored, the roof height is kept to just 260mm.
Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman commented on the Vanquish Volante’s design:
“The challenge was to maintain Aston Martin’s core DNA. It was crucial to create a Volante at the same time as a Coupe to achieve great proportions and dramatic form. The K-fold roof system ensures no compromise on elegant packaging.”
The cockpit deliberately retains physical switches
The interior is simple yet luxurious, typical of a British grand touring car. The cockpit has been digitalized, but physical switches have been retained.
The cockpit incorporates the latest touchscreen technology, with a 10.25-inch TFT fully digital meter and a 10.25-inch pure black touchscreen in the center of the horizontally-oriented instrument panel. As is Aston Martin’s tradition, while the car is increasingly digitalized, physical switches remain in the operating system.
Pushbuttons for chassis, ESP, exhaust, park distance control and more are arranged side-by-side, allowing the driver to operate a variety of controls without taking their eyes off the road. Exclusive to the Vanquish Volante, there is also a roof open/close switch and a new shortcut button for direct access to ADAS controls.
Standard audio is provided by audio partner Bowers & Wilkins, whose 15-speaker system is seamlessly integrated into the cockpit and expertly tuned for the Vanquish Volante, providing an enchanting listening experience for driver and passengers.
The Vanquish Volante is only available as a two-seater. The “+2” rear seat is not available, and the space behind the seats is used for luggage storage. This is a dedicated storage area for the accessory saddle leather luggage set.
