Aston Martin DBS Volante
DON’T lend this car to James Bond. His recent record driving an
Aston Martin has not been good. He rolled a V12 DBS coupe seven
times in order to avoid running over his lady-of-the-moment in the
2006 film Casino Royale.
So it is perhaps best if M doesn’t put Bond’s name on the
waiting list for this convertible version of the DBS, which has
been caught while cold-weather testing in Sweden.
Aston Martin has ignored the trend towards folding metal roofs -
and bulbous behinds - by sticking with the tried and true soft top,
although it is certain to be well insulated to withstand the 300
km/h turbulence the DBS will create.
The appearance of this new prototype - and the four-door Rapide
that is also nearing the market - is a sign Aston Martin’s new
owners are willing to put in the necessary money to develop
products. New models are essential for survival in the
stratospheric part of the market where Aston Martin makes a
living.
The DBS convertible will have the same hugely powerful 6.0 V12
found in the DBS coupe, delivering 380 kW to the rear wheels
through a manual gearbox. At present there is no automatic option
for the DBS, although that would be no problem for the British
super-agent - if he keeps the roof pointing the right way up. –
IAN PORTER
