Sensory overload

The speed, the sound, the colour. Take Aston Martin’s ultimate GT, the DBS Superleggera, subtract the roof, and hit the accelerator. 

WORDS  Cameron Officer / IMAGES Josh Hilliam

When you consider the lineage of the sports car, the convertible outdates the hard top. It’s curious to be reminded of this fact when considering that, for most modern manufacturers, the range roll-out now usually always goes hardtop first, soft top second.

Sure, the gap between the two models being shown off to the public is decreasing, as carmakers realise the two variations usually appeal to very distinct parts of their audience and both subsets need satiating. 

Helping to shorten the timespan between the coupe and roadster versions of your favourite premium sports car in the modern era, is also the underlying fact that, now more than ever, manufacturers aren’t in the business of softening the edges for the drop top. Roof mechanism and associated structural changes aside, the convertible is no longer a slight concession – if anything, it adds a whole new visceral element to the experience.

And here’s an example now.

Starting with the sublime Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – the Brit brand’s flagship ‘Super’ GT – as a base probably gives this dazzling machine the ultimate leg up. 

The DBS Superleggera Volante features a clutch of iconic nameplates on one car. With DBS, Aston Martin revived an iconic nameplate that first appeared in 1967, while Touring’s famous mark – Superleggera (or “Super lightweight”) – was once again introduced to the bonnet of an Aston Martin with the coupe version in 2018. 

A collaboration that originally paved the way to the DB4, 5 and 6 Mark 1, the DBS Superleggera pays homage to the craftsmanship of the famous Italian coachbuilder in a new century. 

If anything, the Volante extends the aerodynamic extremism of the hard top even further. Aston Martin knows a thing or two about maximising surface airflow, showcased in full effect by the very shape of the car. At the front, the car’s splitter and air dam help accelerate airflow underneath the front of the car to keep it suctioned to the road and assist with cooling by feeding air to the front brakes. Those side strakes behind the front wheel arches aren’t just decorative features either: they draw more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and aid with high-speed stability.

Naturally, there are no mechanical changes under this beast’s broad bonnet. Aston Martin’s all-alloy 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 remains in-situ, with the power (533kW) and torque (900Nm) to send the open top GT from standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. This is undoubtably the fastest Aston Martin convertible in the company’s history.

It’s also the best sounding. But you probably already figured as much.

Aston Martin considers the deep baritone soundtrack delivered by the car’s powertrain as a “critical hallmark” of the Volante experience. No sound, no soul in other words. But the Volante – with the roof down of course – delivers all the soulfulness you could wish for. 

The DBS Superleggera Volante has been tuned to provide harmonics that are synonymous with an Aston Martin GT, helped along immeasurably by the car’s quad exhaust system. At lower speeds, you can hear the mechanicals doing their thing up ahead beyond the firewall. There is a satisfying burble that you never tire of. Under acceleration, the soundtrack – beyond the car’s looks, its sumptuous interior, or premium badge – becomes the absolute reason why you hanker to drive this car. 

It isn’t all fire and brimstone if you don’t want it to be, however. Like its hard top sibling, the DBS Superleggera Volante features a series of dynamic driving modes, which bring their own level of noise to the party (along with modifying the dynamic parameters of the car’s acceleration, steering feel, and firmness). 

In GT mode, the engine note simmers, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the acoustics become progressively more intense. Conversely, if you wish to make a subtle getaway for that day trip in the country without disrupting the neighbours, the Volante also has a ‘quiet start’ mode which masks the usual aural drama with a quieter, low-key alternative on start-up.

Noise aside, that fold-away roof does remain a further defining feature of the Volante. 

The electronically operated roof is an advanced fabric system which continues the silhouette of the roof line and incorporates no less than eight layers of insulation and acoustically enhancing materials. 

This particular Volante is even more special, customised as it is with striking Aston Martin ‘Commissioned by Q’ exclusive Golden Saffron paint. Yes, that’s right: Aston Martin has its very own ‘Q Branch’. A bit like the employer of the car’s most famous enthusiast driver, James Bond, the Q Division takes care of special-order modifications for customers, allowing for truly bespoke Aston Martin models… just without the headlight-mounted machine guns.

Further to the dazzling exterior paint, this Volante also features an interior that is a mix of Aston Martin Special Metallic Black Leather with California Poppy welt and quilting stitching, twill satin carbon fibre inlays, and special sill plaques. It’s certainly worth the attention to detail in the cabin when you can stow the soft top and have it on show.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante certainly doesn’t play second fiddle to the legendary coupe. It sets its own mood, cuts its own dash, and makes a sound that you’ll instantly fall for. Lower the roof and listen to the roar. 

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The new extraordinary: driving the new Aston Martin DBX to one of Taupō’s most luxurious lodges

PHOTOS Vinesh Kumaran WORDS Steve Vermeulen

Did somebody say take Aston Martin’s new DBX to one of Taupō’s most luxurious lodges? You don’t have to ask twice.

It’s never a bad day in the office when an invitation arrives to drive something a bit special and stay in a lavish setting. I seldom get to enjoy that perk with the family in tow, so when the opportunity arose to showcase Taupō’s beautiful Kinloch Manor and earn some serious brownie points with my wife and son, I grabbed it with both hands. The transport? Aston Martin’s DBX. “Well, okay. If I must.” The DBX is infused with a sense of adventure that bodes well for a family getaway. Even so, I didn’t quite know what to expect. After all, a debut foray into a high-riding, Labrador-toting SUV model isn’t without risk for any sportscar brand, not least one with more than a century of pedigree, such as Aston Martin. It’s all too easy to be blinded by nostalgia, but that’s simply not a realistic view of how we prefer to get around these days. SUVs from sportscar brands are the new normal. Or, at least in the DBX’s case, the new extraordinary. Inside the DBX is a superbly appointed cabin, richly perfumed by the leather covering over almost every surface. Aston Martin’s focus remains on the driving experience, and this goal hasn’t been complicated with superfluous technology, as can be the case with German counterparts. Rather ironically, however, the Brit brand actually relies quite heavily on German tech, leveraging the expertise and scale of Mercedes-Benz for quality audio and infotainment systems.

A central dial allows for the navigation of all functions and there are just three basic driving modes. You don’t need to be an IT guru to navigate your way through the media, navigation and drive functions. Critical information, including the sat-nav map graphic, can be presented within the high- resolution instrument cluster ahead of the driver as well. Despite relying on external suppliers for some elements, Aston Martin chose to be the master of its own destiny and develop a unique SUV chassis. The end result is deeply impressive. The DBX disguises its mass well, utilising double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Mechanically it’s very advanced, but also benefits from the latest in air suspension tech that adjusts both compression rate and ride height. Electronic torque vectoring to each wheel helps keep the 2.2-ton vehicle on the driving line and 48-volt active anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers also keep body roll to a minimum. Believe it or not, the DBX exhibits less roll than the smaller, sportier Vantage. Meanwhile, the well- planted all-wheel drive system delivers traction and torque management for optimum acceleration on corner exit, or sure-footedness if you really want to go off road. En route to Kinloch, my family and I settled in comfortably while the 542hp (404kW) V8 ate up the miles ahead. What felt like no time at all passed before we were on the country back roads of the Kinloch area, 20 minutes northwest of Taupō. Bright autumnal yellows and reds flashed past the DBX’s panoramic glass roof as we purred towards our destination.

We couldn’t help but voice a collective “Wow!” as we entered Kinloch Manor’s grounds. Despite being shrouded in low cloud, the vista remained deeply impressive, with Lake Taupō dominating the horizon. Kinloch’s central lodge rises from the landscape like a white stone fortress, while blackened-timber-clad suites nestle sympathetically into the hillside. Everything’s presented within the surrounds of a manicured golf course.

“It’s like a painting,” my son aptly suggested as we approached. The rendered stonework and generous use of monolithic slabs of timber continue throughout the lodge and dining area. Everywhere you look, beautifully detailed bespoke craftsmanship adorns the environment, from the smallest detail such as a bone domino set, to more substantial elements like the counter-weighted steel fireguards that hang in front of huge open fires, and the black timber ceiling with a 3D geometric form encompassing the generous square footage of the lodge. There’s a European and antipodean hybrid feel to Kinloch’s architecture and décor. It’s homely but doesn’t feel like home, with comforting spaces in which you can lounge in by the fire with a wine, soak up the views, plan some activities and chat before retreating to your accommodation. Our suite offered up another premium experience all its own. Two terraces opening onto the golf course provided panoramic views of the lake, while another large front deck replete with sun loungers invited relaxation. We knew we wouldn’t be catching many rays on this autumn visit, but lighting the wood burner (one of two fires in the two- bedroom suites) and kicking back for a few hours in the lavish surrounds was the ideal way to leave the day’s busy schedule behind. While my wife soaked in the enormous tub, my son and I took a golf buggy to the course for a scenic tour, and some driving and putting practice. The entire Kinloch experience is simply world class. We often forget just how magical our own backyard can be and investing in local luxury is arguably a far more rewarding experience in the world we inhabit right now. As for the DBX, it certainly presents a compelling case for luxury you can take with you when you leave.

Thanks to Luxury Lodges of New Zealand and Kinloch Manor for making our stay possible.

Aston Martin DBX: supreme luxury on all terrains

With the kind of exhilarating power and control necessary for navigating New Zealand’s unique and challenging terrain, the Aston Martin DBX brings with it a luxury that could comfortably take you from one end of the country to the other.

The first ever SUV from Aston Martin, it’s also a rare example of getting it right first time - scooping ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ from The Sunday Times and ‘Best Luxury SUV’ from the GQ Car Awards.

4 October, 2020; London UK: Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV, DBX, has been awarded the ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ at The Sunday Times Motor Awards. While the shortlist is drawn up by judges at News UK, the winners are chosen by readers votes.

Will Dron, Editor of Driving.co.uk at The Sunday Times said, “A brand traditionally associated with sports cars had a tough job on its hands creating its first SUV, but the fact that Sunday Times readers voted the DBX their favourite design of the year — against some truly stunning competition — is a clear indication that Aston Martin got it right first time.”

The Aston Martin DBX was first revealed in November last year and sees the British brand compete in a new segment of the global luxury market for the first time. Built on a new dedicated platform in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales, DBX remains distinctly an Aston Martin through both its engineering and design: From the signature grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate flip that draws inspiration from the brands most focused sports car, Vantage.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda EVP and Chief Creative Officer says, “We are delighted that Aston Martin DBX has been awarded by readers of The Sunday Times for its design. We designed DBX as we would a sports car, but its unique platform gave us the freedom to create an SUV with stunning performance and design, and to be awarded Best Designed Car of the Year makes us very proud of what we have achieved ”.

Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering Matt Becker says the DBX offers supreme confidence, whatever the terrain.

“Our performance has seen us push the boundaries of what is possible for an SUV.”

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DBX is an SUV with a V8 engine that offers an exhilarating 550PS power output, backed by 700Nm of torque. That power is delivered over the widest possible range, focused on providing instant throttle response.

The DBX has active all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and height-adjustable air suspension, which combine to give you the confidence and versatility you need for life’s great adventures. Thanks to lightweight aluminum construction, and its world-leading powertrain and suspension developed by the finest engineers of their kind, DBX drives like no other SUV - it drives like a sports car.