What's the news?
Aston Martin has released a few curious photographs of its new DB11 Volante model - that's the convertible version of the excellent DB11 coupe we tested earlier this year. We say the pictures are a little unusual as they show one of the engineering team's prototypes and the rear bodywork is well, bodged together.
It's a clever ploy though, working far more effectively than the usual swirly camouflage, as it draws attention specifically to the rear wings of the new car. When Aston Martin revealed to us the workings of its fiendishly smart 'virtual' rear spoiler at the launch of the DB11, we did wonder how it would work on the open-topped DB11 Volante, as it takes air from behind the side windows in the coupe and channels it through the body to a slot in the rear deck. It appears that the Volante has a similar system, though with a different starting point.
What really matters, of course, is that owners of the Volante will have the option to drop the fabric roof and get closer to the twin-turbocharged V12 engine's fabulous exhaust note. We expect the open car to get the same 608hp/700Nm outputs, a top speed well over 300km/h and 0-100km/h in about four seconds. Oh, and you won't get much change from €350,000.
Anything else?
Aston Martin says that the new DB11 Volante won't go on sale until the start of 2018. That's an awful long time to wait to see the finished product.