Every time Aston Martin->ke13 unveils a new model, the Volante version is sure to be waiting right around the corner and the new Vanquish is no exception. The model was unveiled today at Aston Martin's global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as a celebration of the company's centenary.

The upcoming Volante will borrow every detail from its coupe version, except, of course, for its lightweight fabric top that takes just 14 seconds to fold. It will feature the completely different lower front lip and small rectangular mouth than the new-generation Vanquish, as well as larger air ducts, revised headlight assemblies and nostril-style heat extractors on the hood. The rear of the vehicle features the new generation's significantly larger and more aggressive spoiler, but the overall shape and design of the taillights is the same as on the 2012 model.

Updated 06/19/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 06/25/2013: Aston Martin has placed an online configurator for its brand new Vanquish Volante. You can now go and play with the colors and design your dream sports roadster. Enjoy!

Read more about the Vanquish Volante after the jump

2014 - 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 568 @ 6650
  • Torque: 465 @ 5500
  • Transmission: Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Vanquish Volante features the same design language as its coupe brother and will include an elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades inspired by the One-77 supercar. For the rear, the Volante version offers the same aggressive rear spoiler and the rear bumper found in the coupe.

As a first for Aston Martin, the windscreen is full height, meaning that it will run up to meet the fabric roof and will offer a clear view of the exterior.

Just like on the coupe version, each body panel will be made from carbon fiber, which delivers a great strength-to-weight ratio and form flexibility.

New for 2015

Dimensions

Length

4,728 mm (186.1 inches)

Wheelbase

2,740 mm (107.9 inches)

Width

2,067 mm (inc. mirrors) (81.4 inches)

Height

1,294 mm (50.9 inches)

Weight

1,844 kg (4,065 pounds)

Fuel tank capacity

78 liters (20.5 US galls)


Interior

The new Vanquish Volante is a 2+2 model with an interior trimmed in full-grain Luxmil leather. As an option, customers can also opt for metal controls and a satin chrome trim.

The center stack was inspired by the One-77 supercar and it features intuitive and accessible buttons for both driver and front-seat passenger. From the supercar it will borrow the usual engine start button and glass gear selector buttons. On top of those features, it adds a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

Standard specification

-Full-grain Luxmil leather interior

-Alcantara headlining

-Electrically operated front seats with side airbags

-Memory front seats and exterior mirrors (three memory positions)

-2+2 seating configuration with flexible rear environment storage

-Powerfold exterior heated mirrors

-Front and rear parking sensors

-Cruise control

-Tyre pressure monitoring

-Alarm and immobiliser

-Remote-control central door locking and boot release

-Automatic temperature control

-Heated front seats

-Curtain side head airbags

-Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

-Pelvis and thorax seat-mounted airbags

-Seat belt dual-pretensioners and digressive load limiters

-Trip computer

Options

-Color-keyed Luxmil leather steering wheel

-Color-keyed One-77 leather steering wheel with Obsidian Black leather inserts

-Center-stack fascia in carbon fiber 2x2 twill & Piano Black (Herringbone Carbon Fibre, Piano Red and Piano Ice Mocha).

-Headrest embroidery – AM Wings

-Black hardware pack

-Full carbon fibre gearshift paddles

-Shadow bronze jewellery pack

-Personalized sill plaques

-Rear parking assist camera

-Auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener

-Heated and ventilated seats

-Perforated leather door inserts

-Smokers’ pack

-Second glass key

-Aston Martin tracking by Cobra 13

-Alarm upgrade (Volumetric and tilt sensors)

-Toolkit

-6CD auto-changer

-First-aid kit

New for 2015

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Volante borrows its engine its coupe sibling. This means that the Vanquish Volante will receives an AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers a total of 565 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 457 pound-feet at 5,500 rpm.

The engine sends all its power to the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. Performance numbers are basically identical to the coupe version with a 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.

New for 2015

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

All-alloy, independent quad variable camshaft timing, 48-valve, 5,935 cc V-12

Compression ratio

11.0:1

Exhaust system

Fully catalyzed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Max power

568 HP @ 6,650 RPM

Max torque

465 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM

Acceleration 0-60 mph

3.8 seconds

Max speed

197 mph (317 km/h)


Suspension and Brakes

Just like with the coupe version, the new Vanquish Volante was built on the company's new VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, which uses a lightweight bonded-aluminum structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. This new architecture makes the new Vanquish Volante about 14 percent more torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante it replaces.

The model is also equipped with tons of tech, like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Positive Torque Control (PTC) and Adaptive Damping System (ADS). This latter offers three distinct damping modes - Normal, Sport and Track - and allows the driver to set the suspension system according to the road or driving conditions.

Aston Martin also installed a third-generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system that reduces the stopping distance in even the most demanding driving conditions. Up front, the braking system features 398 mm x 36 mm (15.7-by-1.4-inch) CCM discs with larger front pads and six-piston calipers from the One-77. On the rear it uses 360 mm x 32 mm (14.2-by-1.3-inch) CCM discs with four-piston calipers.

The new Vanquish Volante is offered with standard 20-inch wheels. As an option, customers can also order for 10-spoke alloy wheels in a Graphite finish or 20-spoke alloy wheel in a Liquid Silver, Silver finish with diamond-turning.

New for 2015

Prices

On the U.S. market, the new Vanquish Volante is priced from $297,995. First deliveries will be made in early 2014.

Competition

2013 Maserati GranCabrio MC

For many customers, a Maserati model is the perfect combination of power and elegance and we think that the GranCabrio MC is no exception. Even though it is not as powerful as the recently launched Vanquish Volante - it is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 460 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque - the GranCabrio MC has stolen the hearts of many customers.

The GranCabrio MC sprints to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 179 mph.

2013 Jaguar XKR-S

With its new R lineup, Jaguar wanted to prove one more time what great cars it can develop. The XKR-S is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine that delivers a total of 543 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. It can hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds on its way up to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

Conclusion

The new Vanquish Volante seems to be the perfect convertible, as it looks sporty and aggressive; it's powerful and very fast; and lets be honest, it's not outlandishly expensive for what you're getting. All we can say is that we can't wait to see it in the U.S.!