DBS Volante Performance
The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS’s form and construction. The DBS Volante is powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine at the heart of the DBS which was launched in 2007. Producing 510 bhp (517 PS / 380kW), peak power is delivered at 6500 rpm and the 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque is delivered at 5750 rpm. Tractable at any time, the DBS possesses a ‘flat’ torque curve providing 85% of the torque from 1500 rpm.
The 3.71:1 (manual) and 3.46:1 (Touchtronic) final drive ratio assures that all the DBS Volante’s power is useable, while also enhancing in-gear acceleration.
Adding to the sonorous V12 enhances the aural soundtrack. Special by-pass valves in the exhaust allow a quieter exhaust note at low speeds; at 4000 rpm these open to reduce the pressure in the exhaust system, raising the power output as well as generating a rousing aural accompaniment.
The DBS Volante is available as standard with a rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox with gear ratios optimised to extract the very best from the 6.0-litre engine. Providing customers with even greater personalisation capabilities, a ‘Touchtronic’ 6- speed automatic featuring a torque converter is also available as an option.
Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.
System functionality is consistent with that on the DB9, with ‘Park’, ‘Reverse’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Drive’ modes selected via facia mounted controls.
When in ‘Drive’ mode, pulling either of the leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column will activate Touchtronic mode, enabling the driver to control gear shifts via the paddles. Touchtronic mode is also accessible directly on engine start-up. Alternatively, the ‘Drive’ mode can be selected at any time by pressing the ‘D’ control on the centre console, engaging a fully automatic mode which will select the most appropriate gear for the speed and driving conditions automatically.
The system also includes a ‘Sport’ mode - activated by a button on the centre console – which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper and more forceful, engine speed matching on downshifts is more aggressive and in full automatic mode, upshifts occur at higher speeds. The Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle map to match the high-performance characteristics of the DBS Volante.