Following the Aston Martin DB11's debut, Aston Martin unveiled its open-air variant, the DB11 Volante, in 2018. Hailed as the most elegant convertible in their lineage, the Volante was designed to be the pinnacle of open-top Aston Martins designed to surpass its rivals not only in style but also in driving dynamics with fine-tuning to achieve a fine balance of ride handling, responsiveness, and refinement. Essentially, it was a car built to deliver a new dimension of driving pleasure in Aston Martin's lineup. However, Aston Martin disappointingly later decided not to offer the highly sought-after by purists 5.2-liter V12 engine in the Volante. This was due to the weight increase from the convertible roof and the necessary chassis reinforcements to maintain the car's dynamic performance. So, does the AMG V8 deliver as needed? Read on to find out.
The Aston Martin DB11 Volante is all about achieving the perfect thrill balance between performance and open-air driving. Technically, Aston Martin built it so that the weight from the roof and chassis reinforcements, which adds roughly 250 pounds, doesn't affect the car's driving dynamics. Power comes from the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged AMG M177 engine, which puts out 503 to 528 horsepower and 498 to 513 lb.ft, depending on the model year. With the V8 at the front and the top's weight towards the rear, the 4,123-pound weight is distributed 47/53 front to rear, giving the car excellent agility and relatively quick acceleration times. 0-60 mph takes around 4.0 seconds, and the top speed maxes out at 192 mph, similar to the DB11 coupe.
In a convertible, the roof plays a dual role, significantly impacting both the car's interior ambiance and exterior silhouette. The one on the Aston Martin DB11 coupe doesn't change the ambiance you'd expect in its coupe siblings, as its coupe structure doesn't affect the interior structuring. If rain decides to ruin your Sunday morning cruise or it becomes too hot towards the middle of the day, the top goes up in just 16 seconds, and it can do so while cruising at speeds of up to 31 mph. Should you get a little wet, heated front seats were standard in all model years, and these will get you warm and dry in a few minutes. Speaking of the seats, leather graces every seat and extends to the dashboard and every surface you touch. The front seats add electric adjustability and three memorized functions, but the rear seats, on the other hand, are just as impractical as they are in the DB11 coupe.
Aston Martin has a legacy of making undeniably stunning vehicles. Even the controversial Cygnet, despite lingering criticism, held a certain undeniable charm within the Aston Martin design language. But its cars like the Aston Martin DB11 Volante showcase the automaker's design language, making it difficult to distinguish models. The front end features Aston Martin's signatory grille and is flanked by sleek headlights, perfectly showcasing the car's wide stance. Like the interior, the centerpiece of the exterior design is the roof. A hardtop would have been better; there's no lie about that. But again, the soft top retains the coupe's silhouette. The only downside is that Aston Martin didn't offer it in different shades to suit the body paint options.
As with the DB11 Coupe, the Aston Martin DB11 Volante has three-stage powertrain and chassis modes for a versatile driving experience, allowing the driver to configure the car's responsiveness depending on the driving conditions. Each mode perfectly harmonizes with the 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, electric power steering, and limited slip differential with dynamic torque vectoring. Also at the driver's disposal is a suite of driver assists, which include traction control, tire pressure monitoring, emergency braking assist, and cruise control, to mention a few. Inside the cabin, you get the usual central infotainment display with the essential features topped off with a reversing camera, Android Auto, and Apple Car Play, with some features dependent on the model year.
If your budget allows for an exotic in the $120,000 to $200,000 range, the Aston Martin DB11 Volante is one of the best options you have. It offers not only an open-air driving experience but also breathtaking performance and luxury in true Aston Martin fashion. If this review has convinced you to get one, browse Exotic Car Trader's curated selection of Aston Martin listings. With a range of DB11 Volantes across various model years and specifications, our listings encompass any specifications you might have, making it easier to find the perfect example.
While lacking the V12 engine might disappoint some purists, the Aston Martin DB11 Volante is a compelling choice for those seeking an open-air driving experience steeped in luxury and performance. Its design epitomizes elegance, its performance balances agility with power, and its interior exudes luxury, the perfect recipe for a grand tourer. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Even though designing a convertible necessitated some compromises, Aston Martin managed to create a car that offers an exciting driving experience while still capturing the essence of its coupe counterpart.
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