ASTON Martin has launched yet another utterly stunning dream car. Described by the company as the "ultimate super GT," the jaw-dropping Vanquish S Volante is a convertible version of the coupe model unveiled in November.
It features the same 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine as its hard-top sibling, generating 600 brake horse power with the roof down. That engine drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With no turbocharger, the engine driving both models is an endangered species, but with no throttle lag, the response is terrific.
The new model gets the same body enhancements that the coupe received, including a new carbon fiber front splitter, side sills, and rear valance that help differentiate it from its predecessor. The rear end also receives an integrated spoiler and quad exhaust tips.
It has an opulent interior complete with Strathmore enhanced-grain leather upholstery with matching stitching and embroidered headrests, satin chrome brightwork, and Rokona headliner for the convertible top.
Aston Martin has yet to confirm performance estimates for the convertible Volante, but the coupe is estimated to zoom from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/hr) in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 324 km/hr.
The car is the latest in a line of new releases from Aston Martin over the 12 months.
In August, Aston Martin launched the limited edition Vanquish Zagato drop top. Just 99 will be made, all of which are sold out – that’s despite a hefty price tag of more than $600,000.
In July, Aston showcased the AM-RB 001. This will be a US$3 million plus hypercar using knowledge from the Red Bull F1 team. The company plans to make between 99 and 150 road versions and 25 exclusively for the track.
In June, Aston also revealed a very special one-off Vantage GT12 Roadster ordered by a buyer who “requested the most extreme open-top car they could create.”
In April, like the already-available GT12, Aston decided it needed a track-focused version of its V8-powered Vantage, too. Looking similar to the GT race cars, the April launch revealed the GT8 with a 4.7-litre motor and an enormous rear wing.
Arguably, the most important launch of the year for Aston Martin was the DB11 – the replacement for the best-seller DB9. It was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
With enormous prices being paid these days for super cars, it will be interesting to see how well – or badly – these new Astons keep their value at future auctions.
At the recent annual Bonhams Aston Martin auction in the UK, some 10.3 million British pounds (P642 million) worth of classic rare Astons went under the hammer.
A star attraction was a superb 1962 DB4 Vantage Convertible, which used to belong to the actor Sir Peter Ustinov. It sold for 1.5 million British pounds (P93 million).
Bidding was fast and furious with all cars sold. Even a somewhat dilapidated 1958 DB Mark III, recently found in a barn and in need of a major restoration, went for 105,000 British pounds (P6.5 million).
The DB Mark III was the first Aston Martin driven by James Bond, with Ian Fleming giving him one in the novel Goldfinger.