“For as long as we’re allowed…” is Aston Martin’s way of saying that gas-powered cars will rumble roads indefinitely as other automakers scramble towards an electric future. Then again, its cars (or, perhaps, souls-on-wheels) like the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante that help the world appreciate such art, making any petrol head’s heart melt away with its stunning open-top sculpture, roaring V12 powerhouse, and a soul-awakening soundtrack that sets up the perfect recipe for a hair-rising adventure – and possibly, a speeding ticket. Powering the Vanquish S Volante is a beastly, naturally-aspirated 6-liter V12 engine, enough to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in a fiery 3.5 seconds. Keep your foot planted, and this wind-in-your-hair missile will surge you past the 200-mph top speed. However, what’s equally jaw-dropping is its staggering price tag, hovering around the $350,000 territory.
The Aston Martin Vanquish lore stretches back to the early 2000s as it aimed to dethrone the outgoing Virage-Vantage. Dubbed the 'Project Vantage,' the Vanquish was unveiled in 2001, marking a significant leap forward for the brand. With a mighty V12 engine – the most powerful from Aston ever, at its time – and an aluminum-bonded chassis, the Vanquish represented the brand’s vision of a future sports car. In 2004, though, the brand introduced the Vanquish S – a more potent, track-oriented version of the first generation. Eventually, production for the first gen Vanquish concluded in 2007, continued by a brief 5-year hiatus. Fortunately, in 2012, Aston revived the Vanquish nameplate, ushering in a new generation of front mid-engined, rear-drive biased luxury grand tourers featuring a modern twist. With a platform similar to the one underpinning Aston’s contemporary DB9, the second-gen Vanquish offered a very Aston-Martin-like driving experience that would leave you wanting more. Luckily, that desire was completed with the Vanquish S’s arrival in 2017, which combined greater power and enhanced, sharper aesthetics, paving the way for the convertible, soft-top Vanquish S Volante.
The Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante is powered by a massive 6-liter V12 engine, churning out a beastly 600 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. Channeling the power is an 8-speed automatic transmission that pairs a Touchtronic III system to offer the drivers a manual shifting experience. Still, all that naturally aspirated power is unleashed on the rear wheels, propelling the Vanquish S Volante from 0 – 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. Flat-out, this 1.8-ton grand tourer continues to surge forward until it reaches a staggering top speed of 200 mph. Luckily, the Volante's outside serves more than just looks; it serves a purpose, too. So, it incorporates side skirts, front end splitter, and a rear diffuser, showered in exposed carbon fiber to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency – with minimum weight.
Continuing forward a rich legacy of handcrafted interiors, the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante wraps its occupants in an ambiance that marries British elegance with a hint of modernity. Inside, soft-touch, exquisite Bridge of Weir leather adorns the seats, dash, and doors in a tactile pleasure, only to awe-struck you with its fine handstitched patterns that beg to be admired and felt. Meanwhile, adding a touch of sportiness to a cabin so sumptuous are the carbon-fiber accents that stud the center stack and door casings – a stark reminder of its ready-to-be-unleashed power. The sumptuousness takes a step further, spreading supple Alcantara fabric (or piano-black trims) over the center console like a luxurious tuxedo lining. Thankfully, a classic, quite elegant theme dominates the cabin, utilizing analog speedometers and an uncluttered console. Look closely, and you'll find a touchscreen infotainment system hidden from plain sight that pops right up like a 007 gadget when needed.
As with the inside, the outside is a treat for the eyes, too. Here, sculpted lines harmonize functional curves, offering a visual symphony of speed and class. Undoubtedly, the Volante S is a study of aerodynamic prowess, with every design element serving a role. So, upfront, a sharp carbon-fiber splitter cuts through the air like a hot knife through butter, feeding cool air to the mighty V12 via the trademark Aston Martin front grille. Extending this aerodynamic symphony are the flanking side skirts and a menacing rear diffuser, both clad in carbon fiber for a touch of aggressive (and lightweight) sophistication. Meanwhile, the multi-spoke 20-inch alloys dominate the side’s sleek profile, housing ventilated disc brakes that ensure an eye-goggling stopping power. Still, there’s no ignoring the Volante’s pièce de résistance, the soft-top roof. Couple that with the bellowing quad-exhausts at the rear, and you’ll forget any neck-snappingly-fast 1,000-hp EV that ever existed.
To ensure the Vanquish S Volante exudes classic and timeless elegance, Aston Martin adopts a discreet approach to state-of-the-art technology in the name of performance and unadulterated driving pleasure. So, the interior incorporates an infotainment system, equipping sat-nav, radio, Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view parking camera feed, and access to a premium 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system – but who needs one when the real orchestra is under the hood? Still, the Vanquish S Volante sports a 6-liter V12 of an engineering marvel, closely followed by an adaptive suspension and a Touchtronic III 8-speed gearbox, allowing sequential shift control for a very Aston-Martin-like and driver-engaging ride.
When new, the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante could set you back by a strong $312,950 with room available for options. Of course, add the optional extras – like the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, carbon-ceramic brakes, Exterior Carbon Pack, and ventilated front seats – and the price will be treading north of $350,000. Fast forward to today, the S Volante represents a fraction of the original cost. These pre-owned beasts can be seen exchanging hands at a much more attainable’ $170,000 – $180,000 in used markets. Looking forward to experiencing the pinnacle of open-air motoring? The Aston Martin listings at Exotic Car Trader might just be the place to fuel your high-octane exotic car dreams.
In a motoring realm dominated by EVs and hybrids, the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante stands defiant, sporting one of the last naturally aspirated V12 engines ever made. With a throbbing V12 for its heart, the Vanquish S Volante reminds us what visceral driving is all about – it’s a drive that no silent electric motor can replicate. Exotic Car Trader presents an online solution to your exotic car desires. Benefit from our straightforward and easy-to-use car-buying process to guarantee yourself a smooth and hassle-free car-buying experience. Additionally, Exotic Car Trader outlines a streamlined car-selling process complemented by a team of experts dedicated to guiding you through every step of the transaction for a safe and secure deal.
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