Aston Martin has revealed its new DBS Superleggera Volante, effectively lopping the roof off its flagship GT.

Powered by the same twin-turbo 5,2-litre V12 as in the coupé, the topless two-seater boasts the full-fat 533 kW and 900 N.m of torque (the latter on tap from 1 800 to 5 000 r/min). Top speed comes in at 340 km/h, while the obligatory zero to 100 km/h sprint takes a claimed 3,6 seconds (two tenths down on the hardtop's time).

All that oomph is directed (via a carbon-fibre prop shaft) to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission mounted at the rear of the vehicle.

The Gaydon-based firm says its new DBS Superleggera Volante features a similar level of aerodynamic trickery as its coupé sibling, but with a handful of alterations to accommodate the cloth roofline. Ultimately, Aston says the Volante is able to produce 177 kg of downforce at VMAX, just 3 kg less than the coupé.

So, that roof. Aston says its “advanced fabric system” allows for an “innovative and beautiful formed flowing roof line”, incorporating eight layers of insulation and “acoustically enhancing” materials. The roof (available in eight colours) takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and can be operated from inside or via the remote key (provided you're within a two-metre radius).

Equipped with a quad exhaust system, the new DBS Superleggera Volante delivers what the British automaker describes as a “pure, harmonic and authentic voice, unmatched by its rivals”.

“There is nothing on earth that compares to the roar of an Aston Martin V12 and I believe that the DBS Superleggera Volante provides one of the greatest sensory experiences in the automotive world,” said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda president and group CEO.

“This is truly a testament to the no-compromise approach of our engineers and designers, to deliver the two key aspects of a convertible Super GT. Exceptional performance in an irresistible form, DBS Superleggera has justifiably won the hearts and minds of Super GT lovers the world over, and the Volante takes this concept to the next level”.

Original article from Car