Aston Martin is sending its DBS into the sunset, so it’s only appropriate that the final car in the series is a Volante convertible version of the DBS 770 Ultimate.
We met the 770 Ultimate coupe back in January and learned about the engine and chassis mods that Aston had made to deliver even more performance and sharper handling than the regular 770 could offer, and those same upgrades have now made their way to the roadster.
Extra boost pressure plumps the output of the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 from the 715 hp (725 PS) of the DBS Superleggera to 760 hp (770 PS), though torque remains the same at 664 lb-ft (900 Nm). That lot is channeled to the rear wheels via a recalibrated eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and mechanical limited slip differential.
Like its 770 Ultimate coupe brother the 770 Volante ranks as the most powerful series production Aston yet, though the cabrio’s additional weight means it’s not quite as rapid as the coupe. The 4,068 lbs (1,845 kg) fixed-roof car can hit 62 mph (97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, while the 220-lb (10 kg) porkier Volante needs 3.6 seconds, but both cars top out at the same 211 mph (340 km/h).
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Helping harness that performance is an upgraded chassis and suspension setup that gains a new tune for the adaptive dampers, a solidly-mounted steering column and a sturdier crossmember to improve rigidity. And though Aston can probably claim some aerodynamic and cooling improvements from the fitment of a new front splitter and horse-shoe vent in the hood, they, like the gorgeous 21-inch alloy wheels, 770 Ultimate logos and special sill plaques are primarily focused on visually differentiating the 770 from the plain DBS. They do a great job, because it looks stunning.
Aston is building 300 examples of the DBS 770 Ultimate and only 199 of the new Volante version, and the bad news is they all appear to be spoken for, the lucky customers getting delivery this summer. The company hasn’t confirmed if the DBS name will return later, but having spotted DB12 prototypes undergoing testing in Germany we know that the brand’s front-engined line will live on even when the firm introduces its new generation of mid-engined cars.
