design drive: aston martin vanquish volante convertible exhilarates rain or shine

british beauty aston martin vanquish volante in british weather

The world’s fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible, the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, promised open-air exhilaration as designboom embarked on a first drive through North Yorkshire, UK. Yet, in typical quintessential British irony, the skies opened up and meant the expected top-down thrill was mostly top-up. Despite the rain, the drive became an undeniable testament to the car’s design and engineering prowess. It provided a unique opportunity to truly test the Vanquish Volante’s sophisticated Wet ESP mode, a feature that seemed almost custom-designed to allow its world-leading performance to be realized even in a rainy British summer.

all images courtesy of Aston Martin

world’s fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible

The twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine of the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante offers a monumental 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, propelling it from 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds and to a top speed of 214mph. The chassis and structure have been extensively modified for optimal dynamic performance, with a mere 95kg increase in total weight despite the significant performance enhancements. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF gearbox, optimally positioned within the rear axle for perfect weight distribution.

designboom joined the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante first drive in Yorkshire, UK

The E-diff, alongside the latest Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) technology, has significantly improved dynamic capability, providing greater agility in low and medium-speed cornering while ensuring superior control in oversteer and high-speed lane changes. This system essentially shortens the wheelbase in tighter corners, giving the convertible more rotational response to steering inputs, yet maintaining assured stability in fast, sweeping curves like the roads in Yorkshire. Complementing this are the bespoke suspension tunes and new Bilstein DTX dampers, allowing for precise wheel control across all drive modes, from the effortless GT to the supremely responsive Sport+, which, even in the rain, proved immense with immediate power to the wheels.

come rain or shine, the car exhilarates driver and passenger

coupe design, converted

For the exterior design, the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante retains the beauty of its coupe companion even with the minimal weight increase and hooded roof. Its contemporary elegance is evident in the toned, broad stance and fluid curves. The F1-inspired thermos louvres remain in its dramatically sloping bonnet to aid cooling, and the 80mm wheelbase extension accentuates the car’s iconic front-engine, cab-rearward aesthetic. The innovative Kamm tail at the rear, sitting above the ‘Shield’, appears to float, adding to its visual drama.

it retains the beauty of its coupe companion even with the minimal weight increase and hooded roof

The lightweight K-fold roof is a marvel of engineering, operatable on the move up to 31mph via a switch on the center console, or even remotely within a 2m radius. This design ensures thermal insulation directly comparable to the coupe version, a remarkable feat that is greatly appreciated during British summertime. Further enhancing the exterior are the matrix LED headlights, showcasing a new light signature with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and intricate details like the etched Aston Martin wordmark.

the center console positioning optimizes room for the driver’s upper body

Inside, the two-seater Vanquish Volante is a display of precision craftsmanship that matches that of the coupe. The lowered center console provides a feeling of greater cabin width, and the ability to retract the roof further amplifies this sense of space. The center console positioning, together with the scalloped door panels, optimizes room for the driver’s upper body so performance control is not limited. Fitted with a Sports Plus Seat as standard, with a carbon fiber Performance Seat as an option, the occupants are ensured a sporting feel and perfect driving position.

the two-seater Vanquish Volante is a display of precision craftsmanship

The interior seamlessly blends modern touchscreen technology with tactile physical switchgear, offering intuitive interaction with all controls. The next-generation infotainment system, highlighted by the digital 10.25” TFT driver display, keeps the driver informed and entertained. A machine-knurled rotary dial surrounds the illuminated Stop/start button, allowing for effortless selection of desired drive mode. The Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker, double amplified surround sound system delivers an enthralling listening experience with the convertible top either down or up, in the case of rain.

the interior seamlessly blends modern touchscreen technology with tactile physical switchgear