Aston Martin Has Started Testing A DBS Superleggera Volante

Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer has confirmed that work has started on a DBS Superleggera Volante.

Shortly after it was revealed that an even-hotter DBS Superleggera AMR is around the corner, Palmer revealed to Autocar that a Volante will soon join the ranks.

“I’m on record as saying that there will be an AMR version of every car, so you can take that as read, and the Volante is a given. In fact, testing has already begun,” Palmer said.

Remember, there’s no 812 Superfast Spider.

According to Palmer, creating a DBS Superleggera Volante is a “no-brainer” as a way to expand the DB11 range and broaden its appeal to a greater number of customers.

“In 2016, we had the V12 DB11. It had 50% of the V12 market, which sounds great but isn’t a very wide base on which to sell from.

“As we rolled out the V8, the Volante and the AMR, we were able to stretch that vehicle’s appeal – to the point that the V12 has now moved from where it was originally pitched, so we have space between all the vehicles and room for a more diverse portfolio across the board,” Palmer said.

“The DBS Superleggera Volante makes a lot of sense. It’s fast and purposeful, but it’s a car designed to be driven rather than be edgy and intimidating.”

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante will be largely identical to the coupe, albeit for a removable soft-top. Consequently, it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine churning out 715 hp and 663 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. These figures are enough to send the DBS Superleggera to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, 100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.4 seconds and through to a 211 mph (339 km/h) top speed. The Volante should offer near-identical performance times.