Delivered as standard with Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound DBS audio system, it provides the driver and passengers with an unrivalled audio experience. Consisting of 13 individual speakers and a unique Digital Signal Processing system, the system transforms the DBS Volante into a virtual concert hall. The system is acoustically and physically matched to the DBS Volante, with a design that follows the inherent quality and "material honesty" of the interior. The loudspeaker grilles are finished with smoothly contoured aluminum integrating seamlessly with the curves of the cabin. When the system is turned on, the twin acoustic lens speakers silently rise up to add a touch of James Bond-style theatrics.
As with the coupe, the Volante can be fitted with optional ten-spoke 20-inch forged aluminum alloys with a diamond-turned surface, available in either silver or graphite finishes. Beneath these gorgeous wheels are the Volante's standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes. Aston has refined the CCMs to be much more user-friendly and less "grabby" than comparable systems. Just be advised that full actuation of these binders can rip clothing from bodies and pop buttons. I don't think I've ever had so much fun with brakes before.
Powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 engine that powers the coupe, the Volante develops 510 hp at 6500 rpm, and its peak 420 lb-ft of torque is delivered at 5750 rpm. Special by-pass valves in the exhaust allow a quieter exhaust note at low speeds; at 4000 rpm these open to reduce the pressure in the system, raising the power output as well as generating God-like roar.
The DBS Volante is available as standard with a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox. A Touchtronic six-speed automatic featuring a torque converter is also available as an option. Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS. When in Drive mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on engine start-up.
A Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle and shift maps and lends a decidedly evil personality to the Volante. I named it "hooligan mode" as my driving became increasing aggressive.
The Volante is based on Aston's VH (vertical-horitontal) platform comprised of bonded aluminum substructures. While this works brilliantly in the DBS Coupe, substantial development was needed to retain the hardtop's rigidity. The Volante features special front and rear shear panels and a revised rear subframe that is said to retain 75 percent chassis stiffness. As it stands, the only place you might miss the roof is on a racetrack at 180 mph, going sideways in an opposite-lock drift. But you've got a special car for that, so it's a non-issue.
The DBS employs Aston's Adaptive Damping System (ADS) specifically tuned for the DBS Volante. The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. Aston stability control is there if you need it, or you can choose to entirely turn it off.
A buddy asked me to compare the DBS Volante to other cars, perhaps give him a few options. The simple fact is the DBS Volante has none. This car is a genuinely singular experience, one that binds old-school craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology. It's not so much how powerful and fast it is but more the way it delivers said performance.