Aston Martin Intensifies the Appeal of the DB12 Volante | Carscoops

      Performance version of the V8 convertible could feature a DB12 S badge and approximately 720 hp

       7 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Chris Chilton

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Aston Martin is testing a quicker DB12 Volante at the Nurburgring.

      The new model boasts enhanced aerodynamics, a lowered suspension, and stacked exhausts.

      We've already observed similar upgrades on prototypes of the DB12 coupe.

      

      Aston Martin is aggressively pursuing performance with mid-engine supercars, awe-inspiring hypercars, increasing power in its popular SUV, and committing to producing more manual transmission models. As these images reveal, the brand is also taking some time to enjoy the DB12 Volante.

      

      

      The large convertible that debuted in 2023 is certainly thrilling to drive – far from it being dull. Although the V12 option was eliminated when the DB11 was evolved into the DB12, the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 still produces 671 hp (680 PS) and an impressive 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. These figures surpass those of the previous V12 and enable the DB12 to reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

      Related: It’s No Valhalla, But Aston’s DB12 AMR Prototype Knows How To Hustle

      However, there will always be buyers desiring a DB12 that offers a bit more thrill and are willing to trade a slight amount of comfort for it. The car depicted here is not a stripped-down track-focused variant; it will still provide the luxurious features of the DB12. But everything from its design to body control and straight-line performance will be refined to appeal more to enthusiasts.

      

      

      

      

      Enhanced aerodynamics and stacked exhausts

      Similar to the coupe variant of this exciting new DB12 we spotted a couple of months ago, the Volante appears significantly more aggressive due to a deeper front spoiler featuring three square vent openings at each end and a prominent egg-crate grille. The new DBX S SUV has a comparable spoiler with two openings on each side.

      We anticipate that these modifications, along with the lowered ride height from the stiffer suspension, should be fairly noticeable on the road. However, they are less evident than the new exhaust configuration, which stacks the tailpipes vertically like on the DBX S, instead of placing them side by side as on the standard DB12.

      

      

      

      

       Baldauf

      

      

      

      Those pipes certainly won't be expelling exhaust from a V12, though one can still opt for that powerplant if upgrading to the 824 hp (835 PS) Vanquish Volante, which is built on the same platform. But it’s anticipated that Aston will extract additional power from the existing V8. For the DBX S, they equipped the engine with turbos from the Valhalla supercar to increase output to 717 hp (727 PS), and although this is merely speculation, it would stand to reason for the performance-oriented DB12 to adopt a similar configuration.

      DB12 S or DB12 AMR?

      

      

      It also makes sense, considering the shared design elements with the DBX S such as the exhaust and front spoiler, for Aston to designate this as the DB12 S. We previously referred to prototypes as DB12 AMR since the company had utilized the Aston Martin Racing badge to designate its performance models until recently.

      We expect at least one of these DB12 performance variants to debut before the year's end, with the launch likely to be staggered, spotlighting the coupe first. With Goodwood approaching next month, Aston might select that event for the unveiling.

      

      

      

      

      

      Baldauf