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Aston Martin is a company in motion. It has ambitious plans for the future as a global luxury brand and the first brand new model in 2016, the DB11 Coupé. It was only a matter of time before a convertible version appeared, and now we have the stylish DB11 Volante.
What is that?
The DB11 sits on a brand new aluminum structure that combines rigidity with ease. Additional reinforcements for the convertible body and roll-over functions add 110 kg.
The volante is only available with the AMG-derived 510 ps 4,0-liter twin turbo V8, which is also offered 5.2 liters of V12 in the coupé as an alternative to the 600 HP.
What defines the volante is of course the roof. The axious fabric structure offers the entire weather and the acoustic protection that you can want. It can drop in 14 seconds and increase in 16 seconds to a speed of 31 miles per hour. The starting dream is useful 206 liters with an increased bonnet, 20% more than the DB9 Volante, which it replaces.
The engine sits in front, but nicely behind the front axis to achieve a 47/53 percent at the front/rear weight distribution. There is an eight speed-to-automatic gear that transmits the performance to the rear wheels with steering wheel paddles if you feel like manual mode.
There are three selectable drive modes: GT, Sport and Sport +. Each increases the sportiness with a combination of damper stiffening, reactionability and exhaust sound.
As with all cars at this level, the list price of £ 159,900 is just a starting. Aston is proud of the potential individuality that is available with specifications. Outside color, seat type, leather type and color, wheel design and various additional comfort and electronic options are available. But it doesn’t take much to significantly increase the price (my test car had a ticket price from £ 191,085).
First impressions
It is impossible not to look forward to climbing the wheel of an Aston Martin. We all benzink pots were influenced by the legendary DB5 in several James Bond films since he was published in Goldfinger for the first time in 1964. It helps that the DB11 Volante looks one million dollars.
The perlblond body of my test car radiates the style from every angle, the hood up or down. My overnight pocket is easily installed in the trunk, but the owners are happy about the occasional rear seats. Perfect for small children (ISOFIX fittings are standard) and they are very useful for an extra luggage compartment while touring.
They sit low and the driver’s control have a wrap-around feeling like in most good sports cars. The drive selection buttons are designed similarly to a McLaren, but the infotainment screen and the controls are recognizable as Mercedes-Benz parts. This affects the individuality that you expect at this price, and competitors like Bentley do a better job. Nevertheless, you can’t feel something special and sit behind the steering wheel.
How does it drive?
It rained heavily when I set off so that the bonnet opened. When I pressed on the start/stop button with a clear glass stop, I expected the exhaust to put out loud when the 4.0-liter V8 woke up like a Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche or Jaguar F-Type. But no, this DB11 is a more sophisticated animal than that – your neighbors can sleep on it when you have an early start.
The Volante immediately impressed the setting of the standard -GT mode with its user -friendliness. The main trip is particularly remarkable; Fixed, but comfortable.
The steering is perfectly weighted and very direct. There is a great feeling of structural solidity without vibrations or rattling to upset the feeling of excellence for technical services.
When I picked up the pace, the reactive gear with ultra-eaten changes made possible progress with the numerous torque of the Twin turbo engine. The DB11 is physically a large car, but with such a close dynamic shrinks around them.
Street and wind noise is suppressed in the limousine level of Executive, and they are only aware of a beautiful V8 theater if they continue. In great comfort, you could cover large distances without a second thought.
A cross-country route in the Cotswolds enabled me to play with the sports and sport+ modes. Each is a step towards leaving the inner animal. The rotary are kept longer before the change, the dampers are tight and the exhaust can sing without restraint.
A quick drive on a clear B-road in Sport+ Manual mode, which used the paddle to change the equipment, brought me a wide grin in the face, which was supported by the pops and pony by the exhaust on the overload.
Make no mistake; The DB11 is a real sports car. Corners can be attacked with great confidence and great satisfaction (if they do it right); More in the style of a Porsche 911 than in the larger Bentley Continental. The fact that this dynamic playfulness is in a car that can also play the role of top-down cruisers when the sun shines only improves the attractiveness.
Verdict
Aston did a great job with the new Volante. It looks fantastic, hood up or bonnet. The V8 engine fits perfectly and the processing quality is first class. It seeps character that is missing from many competitors. It costs a level that guarantees exclusivity and fulfills the brand ethic. It is a confident sports car that is dressed in a Savile Row suit. Mr. Bond would agree.
Aston Martin DB11 Volante: Specification
Body: 2+2 convertible
Motor: 4.0 liter V8 Twin Turbo
Power: 503 PS
Torque: 675 Nm
Top speed: 187 miles per hour
Acceleration: 0-62 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds
Economy: 28.3 MPG combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 230 g/km
On the roadside: from £ 159,900
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