Overall rating:

As before, the open-topped version of the Aston Martin DB9, the Volante, removes the barrier between your ears and the V12-sourced music emanating from the exhaust. The 2013 model comes with all the significant updates found on the new coupé, plus an even larger leap in torsional stiffness.

Key Facts

Model tested: Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Pricing: £132,995
Engine: 6.0-litre V12 petrol
Transmission: rear-wheel drive, six-speed automatic
Body style: two-door cabriolet
Rivals: Maserati GranCabrio, Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
CO₂ emissions: 333g/km
Combined economy: 19.8mpg
Top speed: 183mph
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Power: 517hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm at 5,000rpm
Kerb weight: 1,890kg

In the Metal:

Aston Martin has applied all the (modest) exterior updates found on the coupé to the DB9 Volante, including the more obvious boot spoiler. With the roof down there are few cars as glamorous, especially when the interior is a contrasting colour - as it spills out over the deck at the rear.

As mentioned in our DB9 coupé piece, the interior comes in for minor revision and it's as special feeling a place to sit as ever. Given that it'll be on show to the outside world more often we'd expect buyers to avail of some of the customisation options too. The boot loses 40 litres of space due to the roof mechanism so don't expect to squeeze any large suitcases into the 187-litre volume.

Driving it:

We're somewhat perplexed by the official tech specs of the Volante. It packs the same 517hp 6.0-litre V12 and six-speed automatic as the coupé, including the latter's gearing and final drive ratio. Yet despite being 100kg heavier it returns identical acceleration, economy and emissions figures. In fairness, it feels just as rapid in a straight line, but we'd wager that the settings of the three-stage damping are a little softer than in the coupé, as body control isn't quite as iron-fisted in the Track mode as it is in the hard-topped car. No doubt that's due to the inherently lower torsional stiffness of an open vehicle. Saying that, Aston claims it has increased this by a significant 60 per cent - and we certainly didn't detect any scuttle shake.

However, an extended drive in this car reveals one thing: the numbers matter a lot less than the experience. The coupé is undoubtedly sharper and effectively quicker when driven hard, but that seems to matter little when the sun is shining, the roof is down and that V12 wail is bouncing off the nearest mountain. If you never leave the UK, or you prioritise cornering ability, stick with the coupé, but for most, the Volante is the more compelling option.

That's not to say it's all at sea in the corners; far from it. Lateral grip and traction are strong, balance is good, as is the steering, and the brakes are monumental. It'll keep an enthusiastic driver entertained while still playing the GT role effectively when required. Roof up it's nearly as quiet as the coupé inside, though really, you should drive this car with the roof down as often as possible.

What you get for your Money:

Aston Martin is generous with the specification of the Volante, which is only £10,000 more than the coupé, but we'd be surprised if buyers aren't tempted by one or both of the carbon packs. For the exterior there's a carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, more carbon fibre on the mirrors and darker tailpipes (not carbon!). Specify the interior carbon pack and the fibre covers the upper facia, gearchange paddles and door pulls.

Along with that, there's the option of the Aston Martin 'wings' or 'DB9' emblazoned on the headrests.

Worth Noting

We were lucky enough to have Aston Martin's charismatic CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, with us for dinner at the launch of the DB9 and he spoke passionately and candidly about Aston Martin and cars in general. He hinted at a new model in January (presumably based on the Rapide) plus two new cars next year to celebrate the company's centenary. Neither of those is likely to be an SUV though. Likewise, Aston has no plans to downsize its engines in the short-term, or to consider hybrid or four-wheel drive systems.

One subject Dr. Bez was particularly animated about was perception of its 'VH' strategy. It has been called a single platform rather than a way of doing things. V (for vertical) refers to the bonded aluminium construction concept and H (horizontal) for the shared components between cars - items like the electronics and active safety equipment. This strategy is now in its fourth generation (in the new Vanquish and DB9) and the underpinnings of each car have evolved considerably since the idea was introduced.

Dr. Bez must be doing something right. Up to his appointment in 2000 Aston Martin had produced 15,000 cars (in over 85 years). Since then it has produced about another 50,000.

Summary

It would be all too easy to dismiss the Aston DB9 Volante as the softer version built primarily for the American market - and those that want to be seen in rather than drive a new Aston Martin GT. However, while it is undeniably less driver-focused than the coupé, it has enough ability and charms of its own to warrant a closer look. Especially if you regularly drive in sunnier climes.