Skip to main content

Aston Martin's DB11 Volante convertible will arrive in 2018

Aston Martin DB11 Volante teaser
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Aston Martin is apparently very eager to show us its new DB11 Volante convertible.

It recently released this photo showing the rear end of the new convertible with its top up, with the tagline “Opening Spring 2018.” The photo shows how Aston reshaped the DB11’s rear in the transformation from coupe to convertible, but the car won’t be available to the public for over a year. Talk about jumping the gun.

The DB11 Volante appears to have sharper creases at the tops of its rear fenders than the DB11 coupe, but otherwise the styling is pretty close to that model. Some rough edges, including an ill-fitting panel behind the convertible top and a stubby protrusion that looks like a vestigial rear spoiler, are apparent. It seems Aston still has some development work to do, hence the Volante’s spring 2018 launch date.

Read more: 2017 Aston Martin DB11 first drive

The convertible’s front end should be identical to that of the DB11 coupe revealed earlier this year, and the two models should be mechanically identical as well. That means the convertible will get a 5.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That power will be sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect a version of Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to be offered as well.

Whether a coupe or a convertible, the DB11 is a very important car for Aston Martin. It replaces the DB9, Aston’s highest-volume model and the car that many of the British firm’s other current models are based on. The DB11 debuts an all-new platform architecture, making it the first clean-sheet Aston Martin design in over a decade. It’s also the first model influenced by Aston’s new partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

The DB11 Volante will likely be the first of many DB11 variants to come, and its platform will underpin other future Astons as well. That will happen after Aston is done tweaking the Volante, and actually puts it on sale. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Aston Martin will revive James Bond’s DB5 at a price only Goldfinger can afford

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is one of the all-time great movie cars, and it's about to make a comeback. Aston is working with Eon Productions, the company that produces the Bond films, to build 25 new DB5s identical to the car that appeared in 1964's Goldfinger. As with the recent DB4 GT project, Aston prefers the term "continuation cars," not replicas.

Each new DB5 will be an exact copy of the original movie cars (one of which just reportedly resurfaced after years in hiding), right down to gadgets like the trademark revolving license plate. Unlike a genuine 1960s DB5, however, the new cars won't be road legal. Aston can't certify newly built cars designed for '60s safety standards.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more