Aston Martin DB12 Volante

With the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante, the old saying of “You can’t drive your house but you can certainly sleep in your car,” comes to mind. With the price of a DB12 hovering somewhere near a suburban home in West Palm Beach, truer words were never spoken. Hop in with us as we at Napleton News take a few hot laps in this 202 mph-capable luxury supercar.

Just what is a Volante?

The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante is the company’s follow-up to its DB12 Coupe of last year. It’s more of the same from a company that builds one of the nicest luxury supercars on the planet. That’s saying quite a bit considering the car has been James Bond-tested and 007-approved. The company calls the DB12 a “Super Tourer.” The DB12 replaces the DB11.

You would think the DB12 is motivated by a V12 engine. In the past, you might have been correct. This time, however, power for the DB12 comes from an unlikely source: Mercedes-Benz. Peek under the bonnet of the DB12 Volante and you’ll find a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with an 8-speed automatic transmission and electronic rear differential that drives the rear wheels. This mill has been tweaked a bit to deliver an impressive 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The package is competent enough to propel the DB12 from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Top speed here is a blistering 202 mph.

What does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante look like?

The new DB12 Volante is the latest in a long line of cars named for the company’s patron, David Brown. He owned multiple brands that included a tractor company and an auto parts manufacturer that produced gear during World War II.

As we mentioned, the DB12 replaces the DB11. It features a fluid, sinuous, flowing shape that include styling vents, functional vents and more vents. There’s lots of them here, that’s for sure! The front is led off with a largish radiator grille, sculpted side sills and a Porsche-like rear valance. Wider track widths and new LED headlamps help to tie up the look up nicely.

The DB12’s convertible roof is made up of eight layers of noise-canceling material. It operates in 16 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 miles-per-hour. The noise canceling aspect is no joke, as we could make and receive phone calls using our “indoor voices.” Pro-tip: If you desire to test out the 202 mph top end of the Volante, you must do it with the roof up.

How about inside the Volante?

The inside of the Aston Martin is an updated version that is finally coming into its own. Many years ago, I had a chance to experience an Aston (I can’t recall which one) with its infotainment system and other interior features. The experience was totally lackluster, whether it was because of the smallish infotainment and navigation screen, which in actuality was a Garmin screen that felt as though as its housing and flip-up lid was cut out with a Skilsaw. That was then. Now, the DB12 features a thoroughly modern system with a proper touchscreen, proper navigation and a stellar Bowers and Wilkens premium audio system.

The seats are very much like those found in a Mercedes-Benz SL63 sports car, with adjustable bolsters, lumbar support and both heating and ventilation.

A pair of teenie-tiny rear seats are better left to the smaller members of society. Full-size adults need not apply.

The boot (trunk) of the DB12 offers somewhere between seven cubic feet of storage space. It remains unchanged whether the roof is up or in its stowed position.

Behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DB12 Volante

Starting the DB12 can be a bit unnerving the first couple of times. By pushing the starter button on the center console, it hesitates before firing the engine to life. That’s okay and is one quirk of the Aston. A flick of the gear selector switch quickly gets you out of the driveway, while another gets you into drive. Step on the accelerator past the rather tall tip-in and you’ll soon find yourself underway. Switch on the engine baffles for an out of this world sound experience. The sound is just that much better.

Acceleration is impressive, but not in a top fuel dragster sense. Instead, consider it more of a Formula 1-style movement that increases exponentially as your foot squeezes the skinny pedal. Braking force is substantial thanks to the huge calipers at all four corners. Sure there are nannies that annoy, including the lane keep assist that is constantly trying to steer you away from anything resembling a stripe. Disable it by pushing a button on the steering wheel. Do the same for the engine stop/start function. It’s one of the more intrusive versions on the road today and does no favors, especially during stop and go commutes.

Despite these few issues, the DB12 is a luxury sports tourer that more than earns its place on the road. Who says 007 is the only one entitled to such fun?

Aston Martin DB12 Volante Specifications

Engine Type	Twin turbocharged V8
Horsepower	671 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	17/15/22 MPG
Suspension F/R	Double Wishbone / Multi-link
Turning Circle	40.7 ft.
Also Available	Coupe and customization schemes
Specs
Warranty	3 years/unlimited miles
Drivetrain Warranty	3 years/unlimited miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	not rated/td>
Max Seating Capacity	2 passengers
Wheelbase	110.4 inches
Overall Length	186.0 inches
Width	77.9 inches
Height	51.0 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd row)	7.3 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	38.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd	NA inches
Legroom, 1st	NA inches
Legroom, 2nd	NA inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	NA inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	NA inches