Aston unveils £200k cabrio 20 | 06 | 2013

ASTON MARTIN HAS launched a new range-topping convertible GT: the £200,000, 565bhp 6.0 V12 Vanquish Volante (see more official images of the new Aston Martin cabrio).

The car, which Aston believes is the stiffest open-top model in the firm’s 100-year history, is capable of the same 0-62mph sprint of 4.1sec and 183mph top speed as its coupe sibling. Power is delivered via a six-speed auto 'box. 

In another first for an Aston Volante model — which is 9kg heavier than the outgoing model — the new car has full carbonfibre bodywork. 

There are also a number of additional improvements over the model it replaces, the DBS Volante. The new car's roof is triple-skinned, is lighter and can be opened and closed in 14 seconds. Bootspace — with the roof open or shut — has been improved by 50% to 279-litres.

According to Aston, the new car is 14% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante, making it much more predictable to handle.

Externally the car closely resembles the Vanquish coupe, with main changes being in the roofline. In ensuring the cabrio has a cleaner, more coherent look, the windscreen is now full height, with the glass running up to meet the fabric.

Inside the luxurious 2+2 cabin, it's essentially identical to that of the Vanquish coupe, with only the addition of the switches necessary to operate the retractable roof. 

There's a clutch of electric gizmos fitted to the car to enhance the performance of the £199,995 car, which can be ordered now.

There's a quick-ratio steering set-up; Dynamic Stability Control and Positive Torque Control electronic systems;  Brembo-supplied carbon ceramic brakes; and adaptive dampers with three distinct modes, Normal, Sport and Track.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill