Aston Martin has dropped the top off its DBS Superleggera and created the Volante. Here's all you need to know about this striking performer.

Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin. With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin's 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name."

The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is powered by a5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, which produces 533 kW and 900 Nm. These numbers give it tremendous performance, with 0-100 kph dispatched in just 3.6 seconds and it'll run onto a top speed of 338 kph. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Chopping the roof off a car results in some packaging and handling issues, which Aston Martin claims to have solved. The roof takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. The roof has also been thoroughly tested in the harsh winter of the Arctic circle and subjected to 100 000 open/close tests.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante deliveries are expected to start in Europe in the 3rd quarter of 2019 and it'll cost£247 500 (R4.6 million). Given South Africa's appetite for Aston Martin products, it wouldn't surprise us to see a few examples making their way to our shores.

We drove the DBS Superleggera coupe

Further Reading

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Headed for SA

Launch Gallery: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – First Drive