Aston Martin Virage Volante: Forgotten V12 Grand Tourer

The Aston Martin Virage Volante, produced briefly from 2011 to 2012, emerged as a sophisticated convertible that filled a precise niche in Aston Martin’s lineup. Positioned between the more accessible DB9 Volante and the high-performance DBS Volante, this model delivered a compelling mix of power, luxury, and open-air exhilaration at a price point around £160,000. Its 6.0-liter V12 engine, tuned to 490 horsepower, provided seamless acceleration and a captivating exhaust symphony, making it a standout for enthusiasts seeking understated exclusivity.

Strategic Positioning in Aston Martin’s Lineup

Aston Martin identified a subtle yet strategic gap between its core grand tourers. The Virage Volante was crafted to offer incremental upgrades over the DB9 without reaching the DBS’s extreme dynamics, appealing to buyers desiring more grunt without fully committing to top-tier pricing. This positioning pitted it against formidable rivals like the Ferrari California and Bentley Continental GTC, where it shone through its balance of British poise and raw capability.

Launched in a compact production run of just one year, the Virage’s brevity underscored its niche appeal. It wasn’t a revolutionary departure but a refined evolution, leveraging shared architecture while introducing targeted enhancements. This approach ensured familiarity for existing Aston owners while enticing those upgrading from lesser models.

Powertrain Excellence: The Heart of the Virage

At the core lies Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12, producing 490bhp and 420lb ft of torque. This powerplant thrives above 3,000rpm, unleashing ferocious pace accompanied by a visceral roar that intensifies with the roof retracted. Paired with a six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission featuring paddle shifters, it propels the Volante from 0-60mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, topping out at 186mph.

The engine’s rearward mounting contributes to a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, enhancing poise during spirited driving. A ‘Sport’ mode sharpens throttle response and quickens shifts, transforming the car from cruiser to predator at the touch of a button. Despite its potency, official figures claim 18.8mpg combined with 349g/km CO2 emissions—marginally better than the DBS and DB9 Volantes—though real-world efficiency demands disciplined motoring.

This table highlights the Virage’s balanced specs, drawing from manufacturer data and independent tests.

Chassis Dynamics and Handling Precision

The Virage Volante inherits a bonded aluminum structure renowned for its aircraft-grade rigidity, ensuring the convertible maintains coupe-like composure even with the roof stowed. Adaptive dampers allow toggling between comfort for long hauls and firmness for track-like grip, outperforming predecessors over imperfect roads.

Steering is precise, if not the most communicative, providing clear feedback on grip limits. Wide tires and carbon-ceramic brakes deliver prodigious stopping power and cornering confidence, with the chassis exhibiting snappy responses and controlled body roll. Mild understeer in challenging conditions proves predictable and manageable, underscoring Aston’s chassis mastery.

• Key Handling Traits: 50:50 weight balance for neutral poise.
• Adaptive suspension for versatile ride quality.
• Carbon-ceramic brakes for fade-free deceleration.
• Precise steering with high grip levels from 20-inch alloys.

Elegant Exterior Styling with Subtle Updates

Visually, the Virage Volante refines the DB9’s timeless silhouette with a bolder front grille, sculpted sills, LED daytime running lights, and a revised diffuser. New 20-inch wheels add modernity, while swan-wing doors enhance accessibility and drama. Though evolutionary, these changes lend a fresh, aggressive stance, particularly distinctive at night.

The multi-layer fabric roof deploys in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30mph, offering exemplary insulation against wind rush and weather, rivaling fixed-head refinement. Proportions remain harmonious, blending coupe sleekness with convertible allure.

Luxurious Cabin and Everyday Usability

Inside, full-grain leather, Alcantara headliner, walnut trims, and an iridium silver console exude opulence. A 700W Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound system with iPod integration, hard-drive sat-nav, cruise control, and parking sensors elevate connectivity. Unique touches like a glass key, tracking device, and boot umbrella underscore bespoke luxury.

Practicality surprises: 172 liters of boot space with the roof down exceeds DB9 and DBS Volantes, while token rear seats double as parcel shelves for golf bags or light luggage. Despite 2+2 configuration, the cabin prioritizes front-seat grandeur.

Safety Features and Structural Integrity

No Euro NCAP ratings exist for Aston models, but the Virage boasts a super-stiff chassis, pop-up rollover hoops, and comprehensive airbags. This fortifies occupant protection in collisions, aligning with the brand’s high engineering standards.

Ownership Realities: Costs and Reliability

Running a Virage demands deep pockets. Sky-high insurance, road tax, and servicing—especially for the V12—add up quickly. Fuel thirst in real-world use often dips below official figures, favoring steady highway runs. Its short production enhances rarity but may complicate parts sourcing today.

Common issues stem from its DB9 heritage: potential electronic gremlins or suspension wear, though Aston’s build quality mitigates major woes. As a used buy, values hold firm for low-mileage examples, appealing to collectors.

Virage Volante vs. Rivals: A Competitive Edge

Against the Ferrari California, the Virage offers superior V12 drama over turbocharged smoothness. The Bentley Continental GTC provides more space but lags in agility. Its unique positioning made it a connoisseur’s choice—less common than DB9s, more attainable than DBS.

Legacy of the Short-Lived Virage

The Virage’s one-year tenure reflects market challenges in differentiating within a crowded range, yet it endures as an underappreciated pinnacle of Aston’s VH platform. Today, it represents attainable V12 exclusivity for discerning buyers.

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