Aston Martin DBS Volante: Ultimate Luxury Convertible

The Aston Martin DBS Volante stands as one of the most compelling convertible supercars ever created, representing the British marque’s commitment to blending raw performance with sophisticated elegance. Introduced as a fully-convertible variant of the acclaimed DBS coupe, the Volante elevates the driving experience by adding the thrill of open-air motoring to an already formidable package. This vehicle occupies a unique position in the automotive landscape, competing directly with icons such as the Ferrari California and Bentley GTC Supersports while maintaining its own distinctive character.

Market Position and Pricing Strategy

Within Aston Martin’s lineup during the 2007-2012 production run, the DBS Volante commanded a premium position as the marque’s flagship model, second only to the limited-run One-77. The pricing structure reflected this exclusivity, with the convertible variant costing approximately £10,000 more than its fixed-roof coupe counterpart. For context, buyers considering this vehicle faced a premium of around £52,000 compared to the entry-level DB9 Volante, positioning the DBS as a serious investment for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in Aston Martin convertible engineering.

Mechanical Architecture and Engine Performance

At the heart of the DBS Volante sits a masterfully engineered 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine that represents the pinnacle of this powerplant’s development. Although the engine architecture shares lineage with the DB9, Virage, and V12 Vantage, the DBS variant delivers an authoritative 510 brake horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, commanding respect on any road surface.

The performance figures validate the engineering effort invested in this engine:

• Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph achieved in just 4.3 seconds
• Quarter-mile acceleration to 100 mph completed in 9.4 seconds
• Maximum velocity reaching 190-191 mph
• Engine displacement of 5,935 cubic centimetres with naturally aspirated induction

These capabilities place the DBS squarely within supercar territory, offering performance credentials that few competitors from the same era could match.

Transmission and Driving Dynamics

A significant engineering advancement from its predecessor came in the form of transmission technology. The DBS Volante eliminated the problematic semi-automatic gearbox that plagued the earlier Vanquish, instead incorporating a far more engaging 6-speed manual transmission that drivers universally praised for its satisfying engagement and responsiveness.

The chassis setup demonstrates Aston Martin’s meticulous attention to balancing performance with comfort. The suspension architecture underwent both stiffening and lowering modifications compared to the more touring-oriented DB9, while engineers maintained careful tuning to preserve ride comfort across varying road surfaces. Two-mode adjustable dampers provide flexibility, allowing drivers to select between comfort-oriented and performance-biased settings, though many reviewers noted that a middle ground for spirited driving on B-roads would have enhanced versatility further.

The steering presentation offers friction-free characteristics combined with enhanced responsiveness compared to its predecessors. This combination creates a vehicle that feels planted and agile despite its substantial performance capabilities. Stability and traction control systems operate as standard equipment, while anti-lock carbon-ceramic disc brakes provide stopping power that surpasses conventional steel alternatives, particularly during sustained high-performance driving.

Weight Reduction and Material Innovation

A major milestone in Aston Martin’s manufacturing evolution arrived with the DBS Volante, which represented the company’s first comprehensive application of carbon-fibre body panels. This technological shift reduced overall weight by approximately 120 kilograms (roughly 7 percent) compared to the heavier Vanquish, with the complete vehicle tipping the scales at just 3,700 pounds.

This weight reduction cascades throughout the vehicle’s performance envelope:

• Lighter construction enhances acceleration and braking efficiency
• Reduced mass improves handling characteristics and agility
• Lower inertia contributes to more responsive steering inputs
• Better power-to-weight ratio elevates overall performance capabilities

Complementary weight-saving measures included lighter seat structures and ceramic brake components, all contributing to the DBS’s ability to achieve performance levels that, at launch, positioned it above any previous Aston Martin model.

Convertible Engineering and Roof Mechanism

The conversion from coupe to Volante required sophisticated engineering solutions to maintain structural integrity while accommodating a retractable roof. The convertible mechanism operates in just 18 seconds, and remarkably can function even while the vehicle travels at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Safety engineering for the convertible variant incorporated several protective features:

• Pop-up roll hoops that deploy automatically during accident scenarios
• A-pillars engineered to withstand forces exceeding twice the vehicle’s weight
• Tilt sensors integrated into the roof mechanism
• Refined acoustic insulation ensuring refinement comparable to the coupe when the roof remains closed

The trade-off for open-air capability manifests in reduced cargo capacity, with the Volante offering 135 litres of boot space compared to 186 litres in the fixed-roof variant.

Interior Design and Material Execution

The cabin environment showcases Aston Martin’s dedication to craftsmanship and material quality. Beautifully finished leather and Alcantara components create a refined atmosphere, while the all-alloy centre console adds visual sophistication. For drivers prioritizing performance credentials, optional Kevlar bucket seats offered a more committed driving position.

Standard equipment demonstrates the luxury positioning:

• Electric memory heated sports seats with ten-way adjustment capability
• Integrated satellite navigation systems
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Trip computer functionality
• Sophisticated vehicle alarm systems with tracking devices
• Parking sensors both front and rear

The DBS Carbon Edition presented as a distinct trim level offered flame orange exterior finish alongside carbon-fibre accents applied both inside and outside the cabin, providing visual differentiation for buyers seeking enhanced aggression.

Aesthetic Direction and Design Language

The exterior presentation builds upon the DB9’s foundation while injecting considerably more aggression into the visual narrative. Aston Martin’s design team achieved this through a series of deliberate styling elements: slashes and vents across the bodywork, a road-scraping bodykit, prominent bonnets featuring ventilation apertures, and enlarged wheel designs. These modifications transformed the elegant DB9 silhouette into something distinctly sportier while maintaining the brand’s fundamental identity.

The design inspiration drew directly from the DBR9 race car programme, infusing track-derived aerodynamic refinement into the road-going package. Wider air intakes, sharper body lines, and a pronounced rear spoiler combine to create visual drama without sacrificing the understated elegance that defines Aston Martin’s design philosophy.

Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs

Prospective owners must acknowledge that fuel economy represents one arena where the DBS Volante cannot compete with mainstream vehicles. The manual transmission variant achieves 17.3 miles per gallon while the automatic option reaches 18.2 miles per gallon. CO2 emissions measure 388 grams per kilometre for the manual and 367 grams per kilometre for the automatic specification.

The financial implications extend well beyond fuel consumption:

Ownership of this calibre demands commitment to ongoing investment, making it essential that prospective buyers budget substantially beyond the initial purchase price.

Reliability and Maintenance Considerations

Despite employing relatively mature V12 engine technology through shared development with the DB9, Virage, and V12 Vantage platforms, the engine architecture demonstrates proven reliability when maintained properly. The extensive production run across multiple models instilled confidence that major catastrophic failures would remain unlikely.

However, exotic cars of this calibre demand respect regarding maintenance protocols:

• Regular servicing intervals must remain rigorously observed
• Careful maintenance protocols prove essential for longevity
• Specialist technicians familiar with Aston Martin engineering should perform significant work
• Carbon-fibre body panels require particular attention during repairs
• Ceramic brakes necessitate specific maintenance understanding

Although Euro NCAP has not subjected the DBS Volante to official crash testing protocols, the vehicle incorporates comprehensive safety features including airbags, electronic stability control, and the aforementioned pop-up roll hoops specific to the convertible variant.

Driving Experience and Practical Reality

The DBS Volante surprises owners with its surprising accessibility and ease of operation for a supercar of this magnitude. The clutch engagement proves relatively light with minimal pedal travel, while the shift mechanism provides satisfying mechanical feedback. The steering itself maintains a friction-free character that belies the car’s performance capabilities, making it feel less intimidating than some exotic alternatives despite its formidable speed.

Cabin visibility proves adequate thanks to thoughtful window treatment and A-pillar design, contributing to a sense of command over the road environment that many supercar drivers appreciate. Comfort levels exceed expectations for a high-performance vehicle, with the suspension tuning balancing sport-oriented responsiveness against genuine refinement during relaxed cruising.

Historical Context and Model Evolution

Unveiled at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the DBS V12 represented a watershed moment in Aston Martin’s product strategy. It occupied a unique position as a high-performance evolution of the DB9 platform, incorporating lighter construction, enhanced aerodynamics, and a more aggressive stance inspired directly by the successful DBR9 race programme. This positioning allowed Aston Martin to offer a sharper driving experience while maintaining the refinement and grand touring capability expected from a marque with deep heritage in comfortable high-speed travel.

Throughout its production run from 2007 through 2012, the DBS Volante remained largely consistent in its core specifications and character. Annual updates remained minimal, reflecting confidence in the original design and engineering execution. This consistency has supported strong collectibility and stability in secondary markets, with well-maintained examples commanding stable valuations among enthusiasts and collectors.

Contemporary Competition and Market Standing

The DBS Volante faced direct competition from established rivals in the luxury convertible supercar segment. The Ferrari California and Bentley GTC Supersports represented the primary competitive set, each offering distinct advantages in different areas. However, the DBS distinguished itself through a combination of British craftsmanship traditions, proven V12 grand touring heritage, and elegant simplicity that appealed to enthusiasts seeking understated sophistication alongside performance credentials.

The vehicle’s position as the culmination of Aston Martin’s conventional engineering approach (prior to later forced-induction developments) granted it particular appeal to purists who valued naturally aspirated performance and mechanical engagement over technological complexity.