Aston Martin New Convertible: James Bond’s 835 PS Speedster
aston Martin Vanquish Volante: Bond’s Open-Air Dream Machine
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the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante offers a compelling blend of timeless elegance, classic cabin luxury, and exhilarating driving performance, building upon the already impressive foundation of its coupé sibling. While the Vanquish Coupé has only been on the market for less than a year, the Volante variant, with a modest surcharge of just over ten percent, elevates the experience to an entirely new level, commanding a price of approximately 417,000 euros. This open-top marvel transforms the driving sensation, making the car feel even faster, the plush armchairs akin to sun loungers, and allowing occupants to experience the V12 engine’s raw, unfiltered roar.
The Art of the Reveal: 14 Seconds of Anticipation
To fully immerse oneself in the Volante’s unique charm, a brief period of patience is required. For 14 seconds, the car orchestrates its change, lowering its speed to below 50 km/h before the roof gracefully retracts. This brief, yet meaningful, interval is a testament to the engineering prowess that allows the Volante to present its occupants to the open air, almost as if lifting them onto a presentation plate.
The Heart of the beast: A Potent V12
Beneath the long, sculpted hood lies a formidable 5.2-liter V12 engine, a powerplant that purrs with latent power, eagerly awaiting the command to unleash its full fury. This is not merely an engine; it is the strongest currently found in the bow of a sports car, boasting an remarkable 835 horsepower. The sheer force is palpable, with up to 1000 Nm of torque channeled to the rear axle. This potent combination, managed by an eager eight-speed automatic transmission, catapults the 1.8-ton convertible from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds, with a top speed capability of 345 km/h at full throttle.
A Symphony of Power and Precision
Despite its immense power, the Vanquish Volante is far from a brutish machine. While it can certainly unleash its full potential when the driver selects the “GT” mode, pushing the car to its limits and disengaging electronic aids, it reveals itself as a remarkably refined instrument.In less aggressive settings, the vanquish, even without air suspension or rear-axle steering, operates as a filigree precision tool. It can be maneuvered with an elegance and sensitivity that belies its performance capabilities, allowing for swift yet graceful progress. the cultivated sound of the V12,a sonorous and lasting note,requires no hybrid modules to maintain neighborly peace. Indeed, when gently guided out of a garage, the Vanquish emits a refined rumble that is as pleasing as it is powerful.
The Enduring Allure of the British Beau
The noble roadster continues to ignite a desire for the next chapter in the Bond saga. The image of this British icon gracing the dreamlike streets of distant lands is undeniably captivating. However, its sheer desirability also sparks a concern: will a new cinematic adventure arrive soon enough? Should a successor to Daniel Craig be found, and should they have the privilege of taking the wheel of the Vanquish Volante, the temptation to simply drive rather than film might prove irresistible. One can only imagine the actor apologizing with a free adaptation of a classic 007 title: “Turn on Another Day.”
Thomas Geiger’s Viewpoint: Thomas Geiger first encountered an Aston Martin in the cinema. However, after three decades as a car tester, his connection to the brand transcends mere James Bond associations.For him, Aston Martin sports cars represent the pinnacle of elegance on the fast lane, a sentiment undoubtedly amplified by the open-air experience of the Vanquish Volante.