Ready to fly a Volante

ASTON MARTIN’S $ 300K BABY WILL BE IN SHOWROOMS BY EARLY NEXT YEAR

This is Aston Martin's latest glorious car, the DB11 Volante; an exquisite droptop version of the DB11 coupe that will be on sale from early next year.

But although it might look fantastic, not everyone will be happy about its sound.

That's because it exclusively features Aston's latest V8 engine, and no roaring V12 option, which could upset a few enthusiasts. Here's a closer look at the new £ 160,000 roadster. ( NZ pricing to be confirmed.)

Tradition would dictate Aston's DB model would feature as 12- cylinder powerplant, but strict emission restrictions and a drive to reduce weight has seen four cylinders trimmed.

The news will ruffle the feathers of fans expecting the flagship model to feature a V12 engine. It means they're restricted to the choice of the V12 Vantage S Roadster and V12 Vanquish S Volante — unless they can persuade an owner of a limitededition Vanquish Zagato Volante to hand over the keys to their incredibly rare supercar.

Despite the powerplant restriction on the convertible, the hard- top DB11 coupe will still be sold with a choice of V12 or V8, the latter of which impressed us immensely on a recent road test.

Like the coupe, the Volante will have a lightweight bonded aluminium chassis. Combined with the 375kW twin- turbo V8 engine it will sprint to100km/ h from a standstill in 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 300km/ h.

To experience all this raw power with the wind in your hair, you can lower the fabric roof in just 14 seconds at the push of a button.

The eight- piece folding lid can be erected again in 16 seconds, although only on the move at speeds up to 50km/ h.

Opting for a cloth roof avoids the weight gain of a folding hard- top system, although Aston Martin has done its best to make the fabric extra durable.

The British marque claims to have conducted more than 100,000 cycles in a weather chamber to simulate 10 years of use in a single month. As with any car with the roof chopped off, extra strengthening has had to be added elsewhere.

The extra bracing means the Volante weights 115kg more than the coupe. It is 26kg lighter — and 5 per cent more rigid — than the DB9 Volante it ultimately replaces.

If you're thinking of ordering one, you might find yourself spending an extended period of time playing with Aston's personalising configuration.

There are 70 individual options for customers to choose from.

That includes seven different choices of 20- inch wheels, four colour options for the brake callipers alone and a range of additional features including an automatic garage door- opening system and an Aston- branded umbrella and holder.

And that's before you consider what paint colour you want on the car.

Aston Martin DB11 Volantes will start arriving in showrooms early next year.