Kicking off Aston Martin's exclusive preview of the 2010 DBS Volante, they decided to throw a party dedicated to the new drop top, and Top Speed was invited. The evening started in Miami's fashionable Design District as we were given the velvet rope treatment and offered a variety of 007 inspired cocktails. The ravioli covered in vodka sauce was just perfect with a spoonful of parmesan.

From the DB9s and Vantage out front to the pair of DBS models inside, we were surrounded by over a million dollars worth of Aston Martin. You can't truly appreciate the difference between the base V8 and the new Volante until you look at all of the models in one place. What stuck out most about the new drop top was the meticulous use of carbon fiber, not necessarily as a lightweight replacement, but as pure eye candy. From the mirror supports to the rear diffuser, the design team from Gaydon did a fine job applying the wavy black stuff.

There were James Bond clips playing on the ceiling, and TV stars in the audience. The music was light and the mood was right for quite a few South Florida partygoers last night. Aston Martin was even showing of a highly decorated $40,000 wrist that matches the $300,000 car. It sure is nice to be privileged in South Beach.

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