Aston Martin DB12 Volante Hire UK: 671HP Open-Top Super Tourer Self-Drive

The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is the open-top convertible version of the DB12 Super Tourer, sharing the same 4.0 litre M177 twin-turbo V8 engine producing 671HP and 800Nm of torque, the same 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox and the same rear-wheel drive chassis as the coupe. The Volante name has been used by Aston Martin for its open-top models since the 1960s. The DB12 Volante uses an electrically operated triple-layer fabric roof that opens in 14 seconds at speeds up to 31mph. The triple-layer construction includes an acoustic inner liner that Aston Martin states brings wind and road noise to within 2dB of the coupe with the roof raised. With the roof up the Volante reaches 198mph — 4mph less than the coupe at 202mph — as a result of the slightly different aerodynamic profile created by the fabric roof versus the coupe’s fixed carbon fibre panel. With the roof raised for a motorway journey, the acoustic difference between the Volante and the coupe is imperceptible in ordinary use. The Volante weighs approximately 1,845kg, around 85kg more than the coupe, due to the roof mechanism and the additional structural reinforcement built into the chassis to compensate for the removal of the fixed roof’s contribution to overall stiffness.

DB12 Volante vs DB12 coupe – which one?

The DB12 coupe and the DB12 Volante use the same 671HP engine and the same gearbox. The coupe is 85kg lighter, reaches 202mph versus 198mph, and has a marginally stiffer body due to the fixed carbon fibre roof. The Volante provides open-air driving at the full 671HP output, a fabric roof that operates at up to 31mph, and a triple-layer acoustic liner that makes it quieter than most convertibles with the roof raised. For UK summer driving with the roof down the Volante provides a specific experience that no fixed-roof car can replicate. For drivers who want to use the car primarily with the roof raised, the coupe’s stiffer body and slightly higher top speed are marginal advantages. The choice is straightforward: open-air or not.

The DB12 Volante interior and roof operation

The Volante retains the full DB12 interior specification including the Bridge of Weir leather, the Bowers and Wilkins 15-speaker audio system calibrated for the DB12 cabin, and the 10.25-inch in-house touchscreen. With the roof down the audio system has been tuned specifically for open-air use, with different equalisation settings activated automatically when the hood is lowered to compensate for the change in acoustic environment. The roof folds into a compartment behind the rear seats when lowered and does not significantly reduce luggage capacity — the boot holds 208 litres with the roof down versus 270 litres in the coupe. The electronic rear differential, the five drive modes and the adaptive suspension system are carried over from the coupe without modification.

The DB12 Volante on UK roads

The DB12 Volante covers UK roads in exactly the same way as the DB12 coupe with one additional dimension: when conditions are suitable, the roof can be lowered at speed and the full 671HP V8 is available open to the sky. The active exhaust system’s Sport and Sport Plus modes produce a substantially different character open-top than in the coupe — the separation from the cabin structure means the exhaust note is more immediate and less filtered. On a clear day on an open UK A-road with the roof down and the exhaust in Sport mode, the DB12 Volante provides an experience that justifies its premium over the coupe. On a wet motorway with the roof raised and the car in GT mode, it is composed, refined and acoustically close to the coupe. The car works on both kinds of day, which is the specific capability that makes a high-quality grand touring convertible worth choosing over a fixed-roof car.

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Aston Martin DB12 Volante self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Aston Martin DB12 Volante with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 30 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre-purchased at the time of booking.