The Herald - The Herald Magazine
ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S VOLANTE
Vanquish S Volante
ALTHOUGH it was only recently brought to market, the Vanquish S Volante still shares a lot of its makeup with the original second-generation Vanquish Volante, launched in 2013. Key changes for the Vanquish S are more power from its mighty 6.0-litre V12 – up 27bhp to 592bhp, to be precise – as well as a new carbon-fibre front splitter and diffuser. There’s a restyled quad-exhaust system, too. Beneath the skin, engineers have fettled the suspension, to improve the super-GT’s poise through the corners.
This is the Aston’s party piece, and arguably the primary reason why you’d want to go out and spend £211,950 to get your hands on a Vanquish S Volante. The 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 develops a considerable 592bhp, with peak torque standing at 630Nm. The benchmark dash from 0-60mph takes 3.5 seconds, and the Aston will carry on to a 197mph top speed.
Now, fuel economy from a car with a whopping great V12 is never going to be amazing, but compared with rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT convertible and Ferrari California T, the Aston’s claimed 21.6mpg is roughly par for the course.
There’s no question there’s a certain sense of occasion that comes from getting behind the wheel. Slide down into the cosseting leather seat, pop the overly-designed glass key into the ignition, and the V12 engine barks into life.
While the folding fabric roof does allow you to take in more of that engine’s intoxicating soundtrack, the absence of a proper metal roof does mean that the Vanquish S Volante will never be quite as competitive as its coupe stablemate down a winding country road.
However, that’s not the end of the world. Even though the Volante may be more than 100kg heavier than its range-mate, it’s still offers keener drivers an exhilarating drive thanks to its wonderfully balanced chassis, compliant dampers and well-weighted steering.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive convertible than the Vanquish S Volante – no small feat considering the current crop of drop-top supercars.
The long, elegant bonnet flows down to an aggressive front end, which is accentuated by a racy new carbon-fibre splitter. At the back, a similarly sporty looking carbon-fibre diffuser has been added, while a new quad exhaust design hints at the Vanquish S’s increased performance.
When paying north of £200,000 for the privilege of owning a Vanquish S Volante, Aston Martin will throw in leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, plenty of carbon fibre and a premium Bang & Olufsen 13-speaker sound system.
The Vanquish S Volante has those dropdead gorgeous looks, is comfortable at low speed, highly entertaining on a challenging road and is likely to be one of the last Aston Martins to be powered by a naturallyaspirated V12 engine. And that’s a good enough reason to buy one right there.