Built upon the already potent DBS coupe (Aston's current top offering and James Bond's latest ride), the 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante mixes some open-air fun into the cocktail. In place of the slinky fastback roof is a power-folding cloth top, similar to those used on both the DB9 and V8 Vantage Volantes. We're told it can retract underneath a voluptuous tonneau cover in as little as 14 seconds, and adds only 253 pounds to the DBS' curb weight.
From the beltline on down, the DBS Volante is virtually identical to its coupe siblings. A 517 hp, 6.0-liter aluminum V-12 lurks underhood, and is coupled either to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional ZF-sourced six-speed automatic. Expect to see typical Aston Martin luxuries inside, including a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, iPod connector, and sumptuous leather trim as standard equipment.
Aston Martin claims the 2010 DBS Volante can reach 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, a figure that's mysteriously equal to that of the lighter DBS coupe. Aston hasn't announced pricing as of yet, but expect to see early examples arrive in the U.S. by the third quarter of 2009.