Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante: The Final V12 Flagship Unleashed
The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante stands as one of the most emotionally charged and technically refined grand-touring convertibles ever produced by the British marque. As the final iteration of the DBS nameplate and the most powerful production Aston Martin with a combustion engine, it marks the culmination of Aston Martin’s long tradition of building open-top GTs that combine sensual beauty, explosive power and uncompromised craftsmanship. Limited in production and engineered with the highest degree of precision, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante is both a farewell and a celebration. It pays tribute to the DBS lineage while elevating the twin-turbo V12 to its absolute peak performance. More than just a convertible super-GT, it is a statement of mechanical passion that stands defiantly amid the rising wave of hybrid and electric performance cars.
This Ultimate Volante embodies a philosophy that has guided Aston Martin for more than a century: performance intertwined with elegance, power shaped by artistry and engineering crafted into an emotional experience. The model signifies the end of an era—one that reveres cylinders, combustion and grand-touring purity—as Aston Martin shifts toward a new generation of electrified performance machines. Yet, rather than fading out quietly, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante roars into existence as a symbolic crescendo for the V12 that has defined so many of the company’s flagship models. This article explores the 770 Ultimate Volante in all its depth, examining its design, aerodynamics, powertrain, craftsmanship, dynamics, usability and legacy as the final chapter in a beloved Aston Martin formula.
Gallery: Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante
Exterior Design: Sculpted Drama, Distinctive Elegance and an Open-Top Aura
The design of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante is an evolution of the DBS form, sharpened and intensified to reflect its ultimate status. Every surface appears sculpted by airflow, with muscular lines emphasizing the car’s rear-drive architecture and front-engined grand-touring proportions. With the roof stowed, the Volante reveals a dramatic, uninterrupted beltline that flows from the sculpted bonnet vents to the graceful haunches, capturing both dynamism and relaxed elegance.
At the front, Aston Martin introduces a more aggressive grille aperture that enhances both cooling and visual presence. The carbon-fiber splitter flows outward to increase downforce and stability, while the hood features a horseshoe-shaped vent arrangement for improved thermal management of the powerful twin-turbo V12. The lighting signature retains Aston Martin’s familiar aesthetic, but the 770 Ultimate embellishes it with precision detailing that differentiates it from the standard DBS.
From the side, the Volante maintains a perfect balance of strength and sensuality. The long hood, short rear deck and wide track contribute to a stance that is unmistakably GT yet aggressively athletic. The lowered ride height, forged 21-inch wheels and carbon-fiber accents enhance its sporting posture without sacrificing elegance. The convertible top, designed for minimal turbulence and excellent acoustic insulation, preserves the coupe’s silhouette and retracts to create an immersive open-air experience.
At the rear, a prominent diffuser and revised bumper geometry optimize airflow while housing the quad-exhaust outlets that define the DBS’s signature roar. The taillights offer a sleek, jewel-like finish that enhances the car’s artistic sophistication. Overall, the exterior combines British luxury craftsmanship with aerodynamic purpose, making the 770 Ultimate Volante both a timeless beauty and a compelling engineering masterpiece.
Powertrain: The Most Powerful Production Aston Martin Ever Built
At the heart of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante lies a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine tuned to deliver an astonishing 770 horsepower. This figure represents the highest output ever fitted to a production Aston Martin equipped with an internal combustion engine. The V12 produces 900 Nm of torque delivered through an enhanced ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring both smoothness and devastating force.
The engineering behind this powertrain involves recalibrated ignition, increased turbo boost pressure and strengthened internals to reliably handle the elevated output. Despite its monumental performance capabilities, the engine retains the refined, cultured character expected of a flagship GT. Its power delivery is progressive, intoxicating and deeply resonant, with the open-top nature of the Volante enhancing the aural presence of the V12 in ways the coupe cannot match. The twin-turbo configuration eliminates lag while maintaining a broad torque curve that pushes the car forward with relentless energy.
The 770 Ultimate Volante accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.6 seconds—slightly slower than the coupe due to structural reinforcements—yet it remains one of the fastest and most dramatic convertibles on the market. The top speed surpasses 330 km/h, made possible through aerodynamic stabilization and precise chassis tuning. The transmission’s gearshifts are smoother and more responsive than previous DBS models, delivering quicker shifts under heavy throttle and refined manners during grand-touring cruising.
The combination of high output, turbocharged efficiency and open-air acoustic drama defines the engine’s emotional appeal, making it one of the most captivating V12 experiences available in the modern era.
Handling and Chassis Engineering: The Ultimate DBS, Sharpened for Precision
Aston Martin engineers refined the chassis of the DBS platform extensively for the 770 Ultimate, enhancing stiffness, responsiveness and road feel. The suspension system incorporates upgraded adaptive dampers, stiffer front cross members and strengthened components that improve steering accuracy and dynamic stability.
The Steering Response Unit (SRU) and upgraded solid-mounted steering components allow for sharper, more communicative feedback. Combined with a recalibrated power-assist map, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante delivers steering precision that is rare among high-powered convertibles. The chassis improvements provide a more connected feel without sacrificing ride comfort, keeping the Volante firmly rooted as both a performance machine and a comfortable touring car.
The rear-wheel-drive platform, supported by electronic stability systems tuned for enthusiast driving, provides a thrilling blend of agility and controlled aggression. Even with its convertible architecture, the Volante’s reinforced structure allows it to maintain dynamic integrity during high-speed cornering. When pushed, the car exhibits a playful yet predictable behaviour, enabling skilled drivers to explore its limits with confidence.
Carbon-ceramic brakes come standard, offering exceptional heat resistance and consistent stopping power. Combined with lightweight wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante boasts impressive grip levels and braking performance suitable for spirited mountain roads or high-speed touring across long distances. The tuning of the chassis reflects Aston Martin’s desire to give the 770 a sharper personality than the standard DBS, completing its role as the ultimate evolution of the model.
Interior: Craftsmanship, Luxury and Performance Atmosphere
The interior of the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante embodies the high-luxury standards expected of Aston Martin while adding bespoke details that celebrate its limited-production exclusivity. The cabin is draped in hand-crafted materials, including full-grain leather, Alcantara inserts, carbon-fiber accents and elegant stitching patterns designed specifically for this model. The craftsmanship highlights British artisanal excellence and attention to detail.
The seating features Aston Martin’s “Sport Plus” design, offering a balance between comfort and lateral support. Equipped with multi-stage heating, electronic adjustments and optional ventilation, the seats are ideal for extended touring or dynamic driving. The open-top nature of the Volante immerses occupants in an emotional soundscape of wind, V12 acoustics and natural ambience, enhancing the luxury grand-touring experience.
A central infotainment system integrates digital connectivity with navigation, audio and vehicle settings, while the driver benefits from a blend of analog-style touches and digital precision. Switchgear and tactile controls offer a satisfying mechanical feel that contrasts with modern touchscreen-only interiors of many premium cars.
Customization is central to the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante. Aston Martin’s Q division enables owners to tailor nearly every surface, stitch, emblem and hue. This personalisation capability further elevates the model as a collector’s item and future classic.
The Driving Experience: Emotion, Power and Elegance in Perfect Symphony
The driving experience of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante is defined by its ability to blend overwhelming power with sophistication. When driven at moderate speeds, the Volante exudes refinement and quiet confidence. The adaptive suspension smooths out imperfections, and the cabin remains serene despite its open-top configuration.
When the throttle is pressed deeply, the character transforms. The twin-turbo V12 emits a growl that is amplified by the open air, delivering a performance experience that engages all senses. Acceleration is forceful yet composed, and the rear wheels translate the immense torque into forward momentum with startling immediacy. The steering feels alive and communicative, the chassis responds decisively, and the brakes inspire trust even during aggressive deceleration.
The duality of the Volante—luxurious GT and track-capable powerhouse—embodies Aston Martin’s philosophy that performance should never replace elegance but coexist with it. Every vibration, shift and acoustic note contributes to an immersive experience that few modern vehicles can replicate.
Market Position and Legacy
The DBS 770 Ultimate Volante holds a unique place in the super-GT market. In the competitive landscape of high-horsepower convertibles, it stands alongside models such as the Ferrari 812 GTS, Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible and Lamborghini Aventador Roadster derivatives. However, the DBS 770 Ultimate Volante offers something distinct: a combination of handcrafted British luxury, twin-turbo V12 power and bespoke exclusivity that appeals to both driving purists and collectors.
With production strictly limited, the model is assured future desirability and value appreciation. As the final DBS and one of the last non-electrified V12 Aston Martins, it carries an emotional weight that enhances its collectability. It represents the end of an era defined by combustion mastery, positioning itself as one of the brand’s most significant modern releases.
Read: BMW M5 G90 (2025): Electrified Power Meets M Performance
Conclusion
The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante is not merely a convertible GT; it is a work of engineering passion and artistic elegance. As the most powerful production Aston Martin powered by an internal combustion engine, it offers an exhilarating, emotionally engaging and luxurious driving experience that honors the legacy of the V12. With its beautifully sculpted exterior, opulent interior craftsmanship, sharpened chassis dynamics and blistering performance, the 770 Ultimate Volante stands as a fitting tribute to a legendary lineage.
It is both a celebration and a farewell—a final bow for the DBS as Aston Martin moves into an electrified future. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 770 Ultimate Volante is one of the most desirable and culturally significant Aston Martins in modern history.
Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante – Specifications Chart
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 5.2-L Twin-Turbocharged V12 |
| Power | 770 hp |
| Torque | 900 Nm |
| Transmission | ZF 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 0–100 km/h | ~3.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 330+ km/h |
| Brakes | Carbon-Ceramic |
| Wheels | Forged 21-Inch Alloy |
| Body Style | Convertible (Volante) |
| Seating | 2+2 Configuration |
| Production | Limited Series |
| Chassis Enhancements | Strengthened Suspension, Revised Steering Components |
