Well, it's new alright, but hardly unexpected. When Aston Martin launches a new coupé, you can generally stop, count to three, turn around and, hey presto. there's a convertible Volante version. So this gorgeous open version of the highly-praised new Vanquish is most definitely not a surprise, but there are some properly new aspects to it.
For a start, it's the first ever open Aston Martin to feature a full carbon-fibre body, a move that just shows how far Aston has developed the clever VH aluminium and composite architecture that has underpinned every model since the DB9. It's around 14% more stiff in torsion than the old DBS Volante (which was hardly floppy, now was it?) so there should be a minimum of shake and vibration when driving this Vanquish with the top down.
Except that is when you unleash the engine. Aston's big 6.0-litre V12 may be ageing now (it can trace its roots all the way back to 1993), but it's still capable of pumping out some pretty serious performance figures: 573hp and 620Nm of torque are more than respectable and Aston claims just 4.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h run. Top speed is nudging up to 300km/h. Drive goes to the rear wheels, of course, through the familiar ZF-supplied Touchtronic automatic transmission.
Thankfully, Aston is keeping well away from faddish folding hard tops and the roof is still a proper soft-top, albeit a multi-layered one that can fold away in just 14 seconds. Come to think of it, with all those layers, a steel or aluminium roof would probably have been lighter. Still, fabric is just cooler, as is the full-height windscreen, which means there's a particularly neat looking join between the hood and the frame.
Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package.
Click here to read our first drive of the Aston Martin Vanquish.