2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante: First Drive
Author:
Lyn Woodward.
Aston Martin’s DB12 debuted last year, pouncing onto the road as the “world’s first Super Tourer,” a more aggressive, punchier version of a Grand Tourer. Driving that felt like a luxurious kick in the pants, if there is such a thing. Now, the convertible, or Volante in the parlance of Aston Martin, joins the fray. My reaction to the drop-top Super Tourer might surprise you. It sure surprised me.
Under the Hood
It starts with a crispy 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. This mill in the DB12 pumps out 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Those are incredible numbers and end up being best in class and 34% greater than the DB11. Want another big number? Top speed of 202 mph, with a 3.7-second 0-60 number. The engineers managed to coax this power with very Aston-like modifications on the Mercedes-AMG-sourced engine, including using larger turbos, increasing cooling, modified cams, and improved compression ratios. Those items do their jobs properly because the DB12 feels rocket-like. An 8-speed automatic transmission doles out all that power, with quick shifts as smooth as George Clooney in a tux. Throttle mapping feels aggressive and punchy – pretty un-GT-like for a company that’s made its crumpets and butter on just that kind of ride. It’s not a negative, but it’s just moving away from a smooth-operating powerhouse and acting more like a sports car.
The Next Evolution
Engineers changed 80% of the hardware from the DB11 and revamped 100% of everything using new software. When it comes to what underpins the DB12, a lot is similar to DB11 but reworked, reinforced, and retooled. But here’s the thing. When I put the top down, none of that power goes away. I can even hear the engine roaring more clearly behind my head. And let me tell you, if there’s a company that knows how to tune an engine so folks listen, it’s Aston Martin. But there’s something about the wind in my hair, the sun on my face that unintentionally softens the harder edges of this asphalt aggressor. The stiffened chassis and improved structural elements of the DB12 still make it laterally stiff and more rigid than the DB11. The electronic differential still scores top marks for grip and traction, going from an open diff to a 100% locked-up situation in milliseconds. You’re still able to whip the DB12 around turns at speeds you wouldn’t want to do if you didn’t know what was coming at you, but with that top down, there’s something inherently more leisurely about it.
Behind the Wheel
In the 14 seconds it takes to put the top down (yes, you can do it while moving under 31 mph), you’ll still notice the stiffer anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers that change their characteristics depending on which drive mode you select. Sport+ makes the car twitchier than a nerve ending, sportier, and more aggressive, but it doesn’t lose its GT feel. There’s still composure and sure-footedness but an added element of relaxation. Perhaps I’m not predisposed to driving at breakneck speeds with nothing over my head. It has nothing to do with a safety concern in the DB12 Volante but more of a state of mind. Do you really want to be in such a hurry when you’re cruising in a convertible? Doesn’t that defeat the entire purpose?
Elegance and Refinement
There’s no doubt that from its 21-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, this car is a beast. It looks as if the DB11 and the DBS Superleggera had a baby. Those are two gorgeous examples of elegant sports cars, and Aston Martin designers picked the best bits from both. This car isn’t that celebrity kid who lost the DNA lottery. The functional interior still oozes sexy style but with an improved interface with the driver via a 10.25-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and wireless charging. So, when you’re doing all that fancy driving, interacting with the vehicle is better here than something that has traditionally underwhelmed me. Don’t worry about sun flares on your touchscreen; I didn’t have trouble with any visibility with the top down.
If you want to keep that artisanal interior craftsmanship Aston Martin always delivers dry in a spot of rain, the top can close in 16 seconds at 31 mph. There are four different roof colors from which to choose, black, red, blue, and black and silver, to appropriately match the handmade interior of Bridge of Weir leather in any color you can dream up. The DB12 is not your average car; thus, the Volante top isn’t average either. Eight layers of insulation keep things nice and quiet when deployed. The K-fold design gives the DB12 Volante a sleek appearance as if it had a solid roof without the added weight of one. It’s a brilliant design. The expertly crafted seats are all-new, practical, and supportive. I fell asleep in one for a minute on a windy road and didn’t slosh around in it. No, I wasn’t driving, someone else was. Brilliant. It felt like a lovely day poolside in a chaise.
The Wrap
If I were to buy one, would I prefer the DB12 or the DB12 Volante? Tough question. To me, they’re so different and satisfy two unique needs that I’d probably have to say that I’d take one of each, thanks. However, the Volante alone will cost around $230,000. Hmmm, do you think a convertible would make a good getaway car?
