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Aston Martin's eagerly-awaited DB11 Volante steals the show in the SA

The most elegant of convertible Aston Martins begins a new chapter in South Africa with the introduction of the eagerly-awaited DB11 Volante.

Joining the DB11 Coupe, which was launched to wide acclaim in 2017, the new DB11 Volante sets new standards of performance, innovation, engineering and style to create the definitive open-top Sports GT.

The vehicle will retail for R4 250 000 and the first customer cars will arrive by the end of July 2018. Order books are currently open.

Envelope of abilities

Powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the DB11 is built around the all-new bonded aluminium structure first seen in the DB11 Coupe.

READ: Classic Aston Martin DB4 built after 55-year absence - only 25 models, already sold

Lighter and more rigid than the model it replaces, the DB11 has been engineered to deliver a much broader envelope of abilities. Greater levels of performance and handling accentuate the more sporting side of its character, while increased refinement, comfort and interior space ensure it remains a consummate grand tourer.

                                                                          Image: Aston Martin

This depth and breadth of ability is made possible by the Volante’s 3-stage powertrain and chassis modes. Working in perfect harmony with the 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, electric power steering and limited-slip differential with dynamic torque vectoring, the driver is able to configure the car’s responses and tailor its behaviour in a way that best suits the road, weather conditions or their mood.

Striking in every department

Creature comforts such as a heated steering wheel encourage all-season open-air motoring, and rear seat ISOFIX attachment points – a first for a Volante model – bring added versatility.

                                                                      Image: Aston Martin

Visually the DB11 Volante features the striking single-piece aluminium bonnet and innovative 'Curlicue' aerodynamic feature from the DB11 Coupe, combined with new wood or carbon fibre veneer panels on the seat backs, a beautifully tailored fabric hood – available in a choice of bordeaux red, black silver or grey silver – dramatic ultra-slim ‘light blade’ tail lights that create a bold C graphic and a striking new design of forged alloy wheel. The end result is a breathtakingly sleek and athletic form that perfectly expresses the DB11 Volante’s character.

                                                                       Image: Aston Martin

Of course the defining feature of the DB11 is its convertible roof. Combining the timeless appeal of a fabric hood with the very latest acoustic and insulation materials, the all-new 8-layer roof cossets occupants from the extremes of weather and wind noise.

Most complete Aston Martin

Folding to a class-leading stack height, the Volante’s hood takes just 14 seconds to lower and 16 to close and can be operated remotely from the key, or on the move at speeds of up to 31mph with a 31mph headwind. The new hood system has also led to a 20% gain in boot volume compared to the outgoing DB9 Volante.

                                                                      Image: Aston Martin

Aston Martin’s exhaustive testing procedures pushed this all-new roof mechanism to punishing extremes. In the Life Cycle Durability (LCD) test, engineers subjected the roof to more than 100 000 cycles in special weather chambers designed to simulate conditions in the world’s harshest environments, compressing 10-years of use into a one month test.

The results of the LCD test were then validated with real world testing of DB11 development prototypes in locations including Death Valley and the Arctic Circle.

Engineered to be the most advanced and complete open-top Aston Martin ever built, styled to put its rivals in the shade and honed to achieve a fine balance of ride, handling, responsiveness and refinement, the DB11 is dedicated to delivering a new dimension of driving pleasure.

"For many of our customers, indeed many generations of Aston Martin customer, the Volante has always offered something very special: a unique combination of elegant style, innate sporting ability and sensory engagement that lifts it above other open-top cars," Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the DB11.

                                                                         Image: Aston Martin

The DB11 captures those qualities perfectly and promises the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an open-top Aston Martin.

"The challenge of creating a convertible car is retaining structural and dynamic integrity. To protect the former you need strength and rigidity, but to preserve the latter you need to keep weight to a minimum.

With the DB11 we have maximised the advantages of the DB11’s all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that’s 26kg lighter and 5% stiffer than its predecessor.

                                                                        Image: Aston Martin

The result is a truly magnificent car. One that combines greater performance and agility with increased comfort, refinement and interior space for occupants and their luggage," Max Szwaj, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, adds.

First deliveries of the DB11 are scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2018.

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