Fans of Aston Martin cars will undoubtedly be familiar with the letters "DB," which decorated some of Aston's best cars. This naming categorization has been utilized since its introduction back in 1948 with the inception of the DB1 and refers to David Brown who bought the company in 1947. The most famous car to don the badge is arguably Bond car favorite, the DB5. The name is now associated with the most desirable and powerful versions of Aston Martin.
The 2022 Aston Martin DBS is a modern-day interpretation of the "DB" range and makes for a stunning-looking vehicle. It's not just looks the DBS has to offer; the car also boasts excellent on-road capabilities and is a fabulous grand tourer. Here are some of the most notable and interesting features of the DBS' convertible trim—the Volante.
10 Powerful Twin-Turbocharged 5.2-Liter V12 Engine
Under the sculpted hood of the DBS, a glorious Aston Martin V12 engine can be found. The twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 generates 725 hp and enables the DBS to blast its way from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, or just 0.2 seconds slower than the coupe.
The car's top speed is a more than generous 211 mph, meaning the car can easily keep up with the competition. Helping to preserve fuel, an ever-increasing benefit given today's fuel prices, is cylinder deactivation, helping the DBS achieve a highway EPA rating of 18 MPG.
9 Gigantic Carbon Ceramic Brakes
Equally as important as power output, is stopping power. On a track, a lot of time can be lost or gained purely down to how quickly a car can slow down and then get going again. Thankfully, the DBS excels in this area, with large ventilated brake rotors fitted, 410 mm on the front and 360mm on the rear.
The large-diameter brakes ensure the heat generated during braking is dissipated as effectively as possible. Brake fade is consequently massively reduced, and maximum performance can be extracted from the V12.
8 Elegant Drop-Top
Of course, one of the main features of the Volante has to be its elegant and refined folding roof. By opting for the Volante, buyers are affording the luxury of pulling back the roof whenever they desire. Given the car's grand tourer focus, this can be to simply enjoy the heat of the sun, the growl of the V12, and even to gain an unobstructed view of a glorious wonder of the earth encountered during a cross-continental cruise.
As standard, the car comes equipped with a black fabric roof, however, blue, red and black silver options are also available. The roof is acoustically enhanced, and multilayered in its construction, helping to minimize wind noise and provide excellent durability.
7 High Performance Bang & Olufsen Audio System
A great option for those who love their music is the Bang and Olufsen Beosound Audio System. Both Aston Martin and Bang and Olufsen have worked collaboratively to develop a unique system, which complements both the car's acoustics and the interior design.
The system creates 1000w of audio pleasure, with 13-channels, seven speakers, two woofers, and one high-power 250W subwoofer. Pop-up tweeters complete the setup, while also adding a sense of theater within the cabin.
6 Split Personality Driving Modes
One of the main strengths of this car is its ability to dramatically change its handling and power delivery. In "GT Mode", the car is a relaxed and comfortable tourer, with very little noise coming from beneath the hood. This mode makes for easy miles and helps improve the driver's stamina during a long drive.
Once you find yourself on a driving road, switch the car into "Sport Plus Mode," and the car comes alive.
5 Glitzy Under Bonnet Pack
A cool and unique option offered on the DBS Volante is the "Gold Underbonnet Jewellery Pack". This customizes certain aspects in the engine bay making them gold. From the gold anodized engine oil cap to the engine cover and the gold quilted under-bonnet lining.
Once these customizations are put together, it even makes the experience of opening up the hood something special.
4 Q Exclusive Customization Options
As you might expect from a luxury manufacturer, Aston Martin seeks to make its customers feel special. "Q" by Aston Martin is the brand's bespoke personalization service.
"Q Collection" is a group of enhancements, which enhance and increase the exclusivity of your car. From carbon fiber hood louvers and shift paddles to sumptuous $10,600 Q exclusive leather.
3 Vast And Aggressive Grille
One of the strengths of the DBS's design is its ability to blend a powerful and muscular look with refined understated elegance. One of the main things contributing to the strong design is the imposing and aggressive front grille.
Following the form of Aston Martin grilles from the past, the all-black grille gives the car a look of menacing stealth.
2 Throaty Quad Exhaust System
When viewed from behind, one of the most striking details is the car's prominent and imposing quad exhaust system. The car is available as either a full stainless steel system or a full titanium system. The latter provides a choice of "finisher"/ tip colors, with a striking "bright" option and a stealthy "dark" option.
The choice of the titanium system results in a weight saving of 35% when compared to stainless steel. The titanium is motorsport grade and provides an enhanced and more throaty exhaust note. The noise can be enjoyed clearly in the volante and makes it an option box worth ticking.
1 Capacious Cargo Storage
While no car in this class is going to offer SUV rivaling cargo-hauling abilities, having a reasonably decent capacity really does help improve the viability of the car as a grand tourer. The Volante can swallow 224 liters of luggage. Realistically, this car should be thought of more as a two-seater, despite having the two rear seats, they are fairly unusable and can instead be used to provide additional luggage capacity.
For those who want the most luxurious experience possible, buyers can purchase a four-piece Aston Martin leather luggage set.