Geneva 2009: Aston Martin DBS Volante

Aston Martin's stunning DBS Coupe, star of 2 different James Bond films, now has an even sexier sibling - the DBS Volante.

In traditional Aston speak, "Volante" means "expensive convertible," and the DBS Volante is no exception.  The DBS itself is just a more-muscular version of the V12-powered DB9, and with the introduction of a drop-top DBS, there's almost no reason to buy a regular DB9 any more.

Under the Aston's impossibly long hood beats the same 6.0L 48v V12 powerplant as in the hardtop DBS, producing a respectable 510bhp and 420lb-ft (570nM) of torque.  This engine is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed sequential gearbox, mounted transaxle style in the rear in race-car fashion.  Aston claims the top-of-the-line DBS Volante will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, and top out at 191mph.

The DBS Volante still uses a cloth folding roof to conserve weight, as well as maintaining the DBS's gorgeous proportions with the top up - something rather difficult to do with a folding hardtop.  Even Pinin Farina can't get it right; see Volvo C70.

The biggest problem with the DBS Volante?  It's probably somewhere around 3 times the price of the 503bhp, supercharged 5.0L V8-powered Jaguar XKR, which looks... like an Aston Martin DBS.

Still, nothing says "classy" like a dozen cylinders and an Aston Martin badge, even if it was styled by the same guy.

The DBS Volante comes standard with the massive (398mm F/360mm R) carbon-ceramic brakes, assuring that you will look like you're still learning to drive the first time you pull to a stop in front of your favorite night club.  In addition, the hood, front fenders and rear deck are all made from carbon fibre - which will be something nice to brag about to your mates in the pub, I suppose.  Then there's the 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, which hopefully sounds like God playing a trumpet.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but if you have to ask you probably can't afford one.  Don't expect any change back from a quarter-million US Dollars, though.