2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

Aston Martin DBS Volant makes its debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon. Completing the Aston Martin DBS line-up, the new Volant will afford customers the combination of the DBS's already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.
Broadening the DBS's character, the Aston Martin DBS Volant will appeal to drivers who wish to combine the excitement of driving a finely-tuned sports car with the invigorating feeling of being open to the elements. This juxtaposition of ultimate performance and openness stirs the senses on any drive whether an exhilarating jaunt on favored roads or cruising on lengthy journeys. 'Volant', meaning 'moving with light rapidity', perfectly defines the performance potential and the dynamic characteristics of the Aston Martin DBS Volant.
Featuring a motorized retractable fabric roof, the DBS's beautiful profile is preserved whether up or down. When the roof is closed, it provides a warm comfortable ambience and when open, it neatly disappears behind the new tune-up cover at the touch of a button.
Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The Aston Martin DBS Volant delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the hood up or down. It combines engineering excellence with design perfection.
"The Aston Martin DBS Volant offers a subtle mix of power and performance. Adding to this, the fine craftsmanship - it is an unparalleled ownership and driving experience."
Conceived as a Volant from the outset, Aston Martin engineers opted for a fabric hood to closely follow the silhouette of the DBS coupe and due to its lightweight properties, minimize overall weight gain. Fully retractable in only 14 seconds and at up to speeds of 30 mph (48 km/h), the roof will automatically stow under the newly sculpted tune, maintaining the Aston Martin DBS Volant’s perfect form - hood up or down.
Power is provided by Aston Martin's hand-built all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds. The nature of the V12, and in particular the torque available at all engine speeds, serves to provide effortless driving in all situations.
Aston Martin's 16th convertible in 95 years, the Aston Martin DBS Volant draws on the marque's extensive experience in designing iconic 'Volant’s' and is a 2+2 featuring two occasional rear seats, ideal for young people or extra luggage. In standard specification, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed 'Touchtronic' option is also available. As with the coupe, the Volant is offered with carbon ceramic brakes as standard providing exceptional stopping power. Benefiting from materials derived from the motor sport and aerospace industries, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fiber all helping to reduce weight.
The Aston Martin DBS Volant also comes with Bang & Olufsen's renowned 'BeoSound DBS' in-car entertainment system, featuring 13 speakers as standard equipment. The BeoSound DBS has been expertly tuned by Bang & Olufsen's Tonmeisters and Aston Martin's acoustic engineers specifically for the Volant resulting in a system that senses when the roof has been retracted and adjusts the sound stage to compensate for extra wind noise, providing an unrivalled automotive audio experience.
Design
Although the DBS was originally conceived as a two-seater sports GT, the potential for a Volant version was always in the minds of the design team. Holding a purposeful stance, the muscular shapes and forms of the DBS have been retained exuding confidence.
Aston Martin's 16th convertible, learning taken from the engineering of previous soft-top cars has resulted in the Aston Martin DBS Volant possessing Aston Martin's quietest and most refined roof system to date. When raised, the fabric roof is insulated with a layer of Thinsulate® material relieving cabin noise and protecting the inhabitants from the elements. The hydraulic pump has been cocooned in a noise and vibration enclosure reducing noise when raising and lowering the hood.

The newly choreographed hood has resulted in an opening time of only 14 seconds due to a new five-piston hydraulic pump. The roof effortlessly stows below the newly-sculpted tune cover which has been redesigned to enhance the muscular attributes of the Aston Martin DBS Volant. Housing the Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS) which deploys two roll bars in the event of the car rolling over, the rear humps lead your eye to the new carbon fiber deck lid which has been re-styled for the Aston Martin DBS Volant. Particular to the DBS, a line flows from the leading edge of the bonnet past the elegantly sloped windscreen flowing into the carbon fiber deck lid and to the rear boot 'flip'.
As with the DBS Coupe, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are formed from carbon fiber. Preventing the weave protruding the paint finish, Aston Martin employs a patented 'surface veil' technology applying a 200 micron thick layer of epoxy glue to the carbon fiber, before the application of seven layers of paint producing a class A level of finish.
The interior of the DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon fiber, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibers to save valuable kilograms.
The Volant features 2+2 seating as standard. The beautifully leather trimmed rear seats are ideal for younger persons or extra luggage making the Aston Martin DBS Volant a practical everyday sports car.
Delivered as standard with Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound DBS audio system and seamlessly integrated into the Aston Martin DBS Volant’s bespoke interior, the system provides the driver and passengers with an unrivalled audio experience. Consisting of 13 individual speakers and Bang & Olufsen's unique Digital Signal Processing system, the system transforms the Aston Martin DBS Volant into an acoustically sophisticated venue, capable of conveying subtle and striking musical dynamics from every source. The BeoSound DBS has been specifically revised for the Aston Martin DBS Volant and senses when the roof is up or retracted and adjusts the sound stage to compensate for wind noise and change in acoustics.
The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS system has been developed exclusively for Aston Martin. The system is acoustically and physically matched to the Aston Martin DBS Volant, with a design that follows the inherent quality and material honesty of the Aston Martin interior. The loudspeaker grilles are finished with smoothly contoured aluminum so as to integrate seamlessly with the fluid lines and curves of the cabin. When the system is turned on, the twin acoustic lens speakers emerge silently and swiftly, adding a touch of theatre and technological panache that is the perfect complement to the Aston Martin DBS Volant.
As with the coupe, the Volant affords customers the prospect of specifying the optional 10-spoke 20" forged aluminum lightweight wheel with diamond-turned surface - available in either silver or graphite finishes. With an overall unstrung mass reduction of 8 kg, the option aids enhanced handling, improved acceleration, and braking performance.
Performance
The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kern weight defined the DBS's form and construction. The Aston Martin DBS Volant is powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine at the heart of the DBS which was launched in 2007. Producing 510 bhp (517 PS / 380 kW), peak power is delivered at 6500 rpm and the 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque is delivered at 5750 rpm. Tractable at any time, the DBS possesses a 'flat' torque curve providing 85% of the torque from 1500 rpm.
The 3.71:1 (manual) and 3.46:1 (Touchtronic) final drive ratio assures that all the Aston Martin DBS Volant’s power is useable, while also enhancing in-gear acceleration.
Adding to the sonorous V12 enhances the aural soundtrack. Special by-pass valves in the exhaust allow a quieter exhaust note at low speeds; at 4000 rpm these open to reduce the pressure in the exhaust system, raising the power output as well as generating a rousing aural accompaniment.
The Aston Martin DBS Volant is available as standard with a rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox with gear ratios optimized to extract the very best from the 6.0-litre engine. Providing customers with even greater personalization capabilities, a 'Touchtronic' 6- speed automatic featuring a torque converter is also available as an option.
Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the Aston Martin DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.
System functionality is consistent with that on the DB9, with 'Park', 'Reverse', 'Neutral' and 'Drive' modes selected via fascia mounted controls.
When in 'Drive' mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on engine start-up. Alternatively, the 'Drive' mode can be selected at any time by pressing the 'D' control on the centre console, engaging a fully automatic mode which will select the most appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions automatically.
The system also includes a 'Sport' mode - activated by a button on the centre console - which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper and more forceful, engine speed matching on downshifts is more aggressive and in full automatic mode, up shifts occur at higher speeds. The Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle map to match the high-performance characteristics of the Aston Martin DBS Volant.
Control
Contributing to the class-leading levels of rigidity, the VH-platform (Vertical - Horizontal) upon which all Aston Martins are founded, ensures a dynamically accomplished convertible translating into an exciting and communicative chassis. The VH architecture is a bonded aluminum structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In comparison to its coupe sibling, the Volant retains 75% of the rigidity equating to 20kNm per degree. This has been achieved by rigidly mounting the rear sub frame and optimizing the front and rear shear panels. Working together these components contribute to more than 20% of the total torsion rigidity.
Augmenting the Aston Martin DBS Volant’s supreme handling characteristics is the near perfect weight distribution - achieved by mounting the 6-speed gearbox at the rear placing 85% of the weight between the front and rear axle.
To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the DBS employs a sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which is specifically tuned for the Aston Martin DBS Volant maximizing ride comfort. It uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.
The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.
The Aston Martin DBS Volant’s Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The DBS Volant is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car.
The Aston Martin DBS Volant also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Volant to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.
Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes are featured as standard. Providing shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions, the CCM brakes are some 12.5 kg lighter than a conventional system. This results in reducing the overall weight of the car and, in particular, the unstrung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the Aston Martin DBS Volant’s dynamics.
Technical Specification
• Body
o Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating
o Bonded aluminum VH structure
o Aluminum, magnesium alloy and carbon-fiber composite body
o Extruded aluminum door side-impact beams
o High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
o LED rear lamps and side repeaters
• Engine
o All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12
o Compression ratio 10.9:1
o Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
o Fully catalyzed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
o Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) @ 6500 rpm
o Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm
• Performance
o Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds
o Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)
• Transmission
o Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
o Alloy torque tube with carbon fiber propeller shaft
o Limited-slip differential
o Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)
o Wheels and Tyres
o Front: 8.5" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 245/35
o Rear: 11" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 295/30
• Steering
o Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
o Column tilt and reach adjustment
• Suspension
o Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
o Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
o Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode
• Brakes
o Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers
o Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers
o Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
o Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
o Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
o Traction control
• Dimensions
o Length: 4721 mm (185.9")
o Wheelbase: 2740 mm (107.9")
o Width:
 1905 mm (75") (exc. Mirrors)
 2060 mm (81.1") (inc. Mirrors)
o Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
o Height: 1280 mm (50.4")
o Weight: 1810 kg
Equipement
• Interior
o Full grain leather interior
o Matrix alloy fascia trim and Iridium Silver centre console surround
o Carbon fiber door trims and door pulls
o Auto-dimming rear-view mirror & garage door opener (USA & Canada only)
o Sports seats with electric adjustment
o Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
o Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags
o Side airbags
o Heated seats
o Heated rear screen
o Automatic temperature control
o Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays
o Trip computer
o LED map lights
o Cruise control
o Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system
o Bluetooth telephone preparation
o Powerfold exterior mirrors
o Front and rear parking sensors
o Tyre-pressure monitoring
o Alarm and immobiliser
o Remote-control central door locking and boot release
o Wind deflector
o Battery disconnect switch
o Battery conditioner
o Tracking device (UK only)
o Boot-mounted umbrella
o Lamy pen and pen holder (Touchtronic only)
• In-Car Entertainment
o Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system
o Integrated Apple iPod® connector
o USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
o 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
• Options
o 20" 20-spoke alloy wheels with graphite finish
o 20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels
o 20" 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels with graphite finish
o Satellite radio system (USA only)
o Piano Black fascia trim and centre console surround
o Personalised sill plaques
o Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
o Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
o Alarm upgrade (volumetric and tilt sensor)
o Tracking device
o First-aid kit
o Ashtray and cigar lighter