Aston Martin will unveil the new DBS Volante at the Geneva Auto Salon on 3rd March 2009, completing the DBS line-up with this soft-top version. Up or down, the motorised lightweight fabric roof preserves the profile of the DBS, disappearing neatly behind the new tonneau cover. Weight gain has been minimised and the convertible top retracts in only 14 seconds, at speeds of up to 30mph.

The new DBS Volante is Aston Martin’s 16th convertible in the company’s long history and is a 2+2 with the occasional rear seats intended for young people or extra luggage. Although the DBS was originally conceived as a two-seater sports GT, Aston Martin states that a possible Volante version was always in mind. The company also claims that the DBS Volante has the quietest and most refined roof system to date. When raised, the fabric roof is insulated with a layer of Thinsulate material, reducing cabin noise as well as protecting the occupants from the elements. The hydraulic pump has been enclosed so as to minimise noise and vibration when the hood is being lowered or raised. In the event of a rollover accident, two bars are deployed to protect passengers.

The all-alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 510bhp and 570Nm (420lb ft) of torque, giving a top speed of 191mph and 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. In standard form, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option is also available. As with the coupé, the Volante is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard, providing exceptional stopping power. The bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbonfibre materials derived from the motorsport and aerospace industries.

The DBS Volante also comes with Bang & Olufsen’s renowned ‘BeoSound DBS’ in-car entertainment system, featuring 13 speakers as standard. The BeoSound DBS has been expertly tuned by Bang & Olufsen’s engineers, known as ‘Tonmeisters’, working together with Aston Martin’s own acoustic engineers. The sound system in the Volante has been specifically designed to include a system that senses when the roof has been retracted. The sound level also adjusts automatically to overcome increased wind noise at speed.

The DBS Volante will be built at Aston Martin’s headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, with the first customer deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Prices will be announced at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Aston Martin