Aston Martin to Unveil New Model at Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is set to be an exciting event for car enthusiasts, as Aston Martin has confirmed that it will be unveiling a new model at the prestigious event. Last year, the luxury carmaker revealed the V12 Vantage Roadster at Monterey Car Week, and this year’s unveiling is expected to be just as impressive. While Aston Martin has not yet revealed which model will be making its debut, recent spy shots suggest that it could be the highly anticipated DB12 Volante convertible.

The spy shots, taken at the Nürburgring in Germany, provide a glimpse of what we can expect from the DB12 Volante. The convertible version of the grand tourer appears to have minimal changes from the regular DB12. The most noticeable difference is the replacement of the coupé’s tin top with a folding fabric roof, which seems to be carried over from the outgoing DB11 Volante without significant modification.

However, the key changes for the DB12 lie beneath the surface. Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll has described the coupé as an “all-new car,” with 80% of its makeup comprising new hardware. One of the most significant updates is the heavily reworked interior, featuring Aston Martin’s first in-house developed infotainment touchscreen. This replaces the outdated switchgear-controlled display from the DB11, providing a more modern and user-friendly experience.

Another major change is the removal of the option for a V12 engine, with only Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 available. This powerful engine produces 671bhp and 590lb ft of torque, a significant increase compared to the DB11. Not only does it provide more power, but it also reduces weight over the front axle by 100kg, resulting in improved handling.

To further enhance the dynamic performance of the DB12, Aston Martin has made several chassis revisions. Reinforced braces, crossmembers, and undertrays have been added, making the DB12 around 7% stiffer than its predecessor. These improvements contribute to a more engaging driving experience and better overall performance.

However, the move to a convertible roof does come with a weight penalty. The additional chassis reinforcements required for the convertible version are expected to increase the weight compared to the coupé. The DB11 Volante, for example, weighed 110kg more than its equivalent coupé. Despite this, Aston Martin has worked to minimize the impact on performance and handling.

The launch of the DB12 Volante completes the refresh of the DB12 lineup, which will be followed by an overhauled Vantage. Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, Marek Reichman, has described the new Vantage as a “complete hooligan,” suggesting that it will be a thrilling and exhilarating model.

Unfortunately, the DBS is retiring, with the DBS 770 Ultimate marking the end of its production. However, the powerful V12 engine is expected to be reserved for limited-run specials, such as the new Valour, which features a manual gearbox.

As car enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unveiling of Aston Martin’s new model at Monterey Car Week, it is clear that the DB12 Volante will be a highly desirable convertible. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and advanced technology, it is set to be a true masterpiece from Aston Martin.