Aston Martin Vanquish Volante The Ultimate Open-Top Statement

Forget what you thought you knew about convertibles. This is the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, the fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible ever made.

Celebrating 60 years of Aston Martin’s Volante model, the new Vanquish Volante doesn’t just raise the bar, it launches it into another stratosphere. With a monstrous 824bhp twin-turbo V12 (yes V12 – no Hybrid here) and engineering straight out of the Formula 1 playbook, this isn’t your typical open-air cruiser. This is a full-blooded super GT, with its shirt ripped off.

At its core you find a brand new 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 pumping out that 824bhp and 1000Nm of torque, all fed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF auto and an electronic limited-slip diff. That means 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 214mph – numbers that embarrass many hardtops, never mind convertibles.

To put that into perspective: it has more power than a Ferrari Roma Spider, will outrun a Bentley GTC, and still carry the grace of a British thoroughbred. And all that with the roof down and the full soundtrack of a snarling V12 bouncing off every tunnel wall in Europe. (got to love a tunnel).

This isn’t some afterthought convertible with a soggy chassis. The Volante was developed in tandem with the Vanquish Coupe, meaning Aston’s engineers didn’t compromise a thing. Thanks to a bonded aluminium structure and additional bracing, torsional rigidity is up 75% compared to its predecessor. The result? A car that corners flat, stays composed, and doesn’t flex or fidget like so many roofless rivals.

Add in Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, Pirelli P ZERO tyres (custom-built for this car), carbon ceramic brakes and a near-perfect 49:51 weight distribution, and you’ve got something that drives like a true super GT, no matter what the road throws at you.

Drive modes? Of course – five of them (a little more manageable than the Lamborghini Temerario with it’s 13 we reviewed the other day). this comes with Wet, GT, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – each tweaking the drivetrain, chassis and steering feel. Whether you’re cruising the coast or hammering through the mountains, it adapts to your mood with a twist of a dial.

With the roof up or down, this thing turns heads like Margot Robbie in a bikini. The classic cab towards the rear, the long bonnet, and wide hips scream drama. That K-fold roof is a work of art in itself, opening in just 14 seconds and closing in 16, even on the move (up to 31mph). Stacked away, it adds no visual bulk, keeping those sleek, uninterrupted lines intact.

You’ve got Matrix LED lights up front, air channelling bumper vents, a carbon rich body, and a more aggressive front grille to feed that beast of an engine. The tail, complete with quad exhausts and a floating rear shield, finishes it all off with serious presence.

The cabin is just as serious. Designed purely as a two seater, it’s all about the experience, crafted in Alcantara and semi-aniline leather with Aston’s latest infotainment system, dual 10.25” screens, and a Bowers & Wilkins 15 speaker surround system as standard. (Yes 15 speakers in this small cabin puts most nightclubs to shame these days)

There’s a perfect balance of tactile switchgear and tech, ensuring you’re connected without being overwhelmed. Ventilated Sports seats as standard, while carbon fibre performance seats are optional. The driving position is low, focused, and sublime.

Want personalisation? There’s Q by Aston Martin. Whether it’s a full custom spec or just a signature embroidered in the headrest, Aston’s bespoke programme will build your vision into reality.

Final Thoughts: Not Just Another Pretty Face

The Vanquish Volante isn’t just a convertible, it’s a mission statement. A 214mph tribute to Aston’s past, and a howling preview of its future. It’s rare, it’s wild, and it’s unapologetically extravagant.

If you want the very best in front-engine open-top performance, stop looking. You’re already here.

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