This is the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante, and it is finally, truly, officially the last DBS model, presumably until a new one eventually comes along, as Aston nameplates typically don’t stay dead forever. However, don’t expect any Zondafication here with endless special editions and one-offs; the DBS as we know it ends after this. Or at least it should.
As you might’ve guessed by the name, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante gets the same engine tweaks as its fixed-roof brother to whack power up to 759 horsepower. That’s not quite 770 horsepower, but it is if you’re using metric horsepower. For those who use alternative units, that also works out to 556 kilowatts or many llamathrust. Pair that with 664 lb.-ft. of torque and needless to say, this is a fast car. Aston Martin claims that the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 under the hood can take this grand touring cabriolet to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds before plunging onward to the naughty side of 210 miles an hour. Lovely.
However, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante isn’t just meant to be fast in a straight line, it’s meant to corner better than a regular DBS Volante. With that in mind, it receives a 25 percent increase in front-end lateral stiffness which would be nice if we knew what the front-end lateral stiffness of the regular model is. Still, it sounds brilliant on paper. In all seriousness, the solid-mounted steering column sounds like it could boost feel, and updated damper calibration could prevent the aforementioned structural enhancements from adding too much harshness.
Aston Martin hasn’t just boosted power and stiffness on the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante, it also put some focus on engagement rather than metrics. The most obvious driver-focused solution is a set of lightweight carbon fiber seats that look as thin as a politician’s promises. Of course, owners can spec plusher thrones for added comfort, but I like the slightly perverse concept of carbon chairs in a massive GT car.
On the outside, several tasteful tweaks separate the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante from its more common bretheren. A new vented clamshell doesn’t just help extract heat from the engine bay, it also looks epic. Speaking of epic, take a gander at the mesh-style alloy wheels, a nod to the fantastic one-off Victor of 2020. They look a bit like giant waffles and since Aston Martin offers wild levels of factory customization, they can be specced in proper silver. Elsewhere, a new front spoiler gains vents for cooling, while new flics with silver accents cohere well with the daytime running light pattern. Oh, and if you want your turbocharged V12 to really sing, a titanium exhaust system is available.
Sadly, you won’t be able to buy a brand new DBS 770 Ultimate Volante at any price. Aston Martin is only making 199 of them, and they’re all sold-out. Hell, the first ones are in production right now, and the whole situation evokes shades of Carlin’s “It’s a big club and you’re not in it.” Then again, Aston Martin is positioning itself as the British Ferrari, with a Formula 1 team, a hypercar, more focus on mid-engined cars, and plenty of pedigree. If this worries you, I’d recommend staying positive for now. While the DBS may be ending production, this certainly isn’t the end for the front-engined GT cars Aston built its name on.
(Photo credits: Aston Martin)
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Wow that center stack and infotainment screen looks straight out of 2011
Aston Martin makes the best looking Jaguars.
664 lb-ft of torque! What’s the towing capacity?
I do worry that AM’s main demographic of over 60’s male will struggle to see anything on that tiny display. Maybe it should come with specially designed Ultimate Volante Bi-focals?
That whole front end is a bit much for my taste
Why does it need to end? V12 grand tourers are not big contributions to climate change.
It needs to end because if your ultimate version of something isn’t the last one you’re using words wrong.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual last DBS is called the Shooting Brake Coupe Penultimate First Edition, if that’s the name required to sell out before launch.