2010 Aston Martin DBS - Volante

The 2010 Aston Martin DBS coupe and DBS Volante convertible are evolutions of the DB9 sportscar, with distinct bodywork and even more of a racing heritage. The Volante's bruising V-12 engine is a 6.0-liter V-12 that exhales 510 horsepower and twists out 420 pound-feet of torque, which gets shuttled to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. With either, Aston Martin says the Volante dashes to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and charges to a 191-mph top speed.

Playing backup to the massively powerful drivetrain are big carbon-ceramic brakes and a lighter-weight body with a hood, decklid and front fenders made from carbon fiber. Driving feel is adjustable, with dash-mounted buttons for Sport or normal modes. Sport quickens the reflexes of the automatic, the shocks, steering and throttle, while the normal mode promises a more relaxed, GT-style ride.

Instead of a weight-gaining folding hardtop like the Ferrari California, Aston's fitted a lightweight fabric roof that stacks and folds in only 14 seconds, at speeds of up to 30 mph. When it's stowed, the top hides underneath a hard tonneau cover that gives the Volante a distinct look from the coupe.

The Volante is technically speaking, a 2+2, but the back seat and its leather-trimmed seats are admittedly made for "younger persons or extra luggage," Aston reminds. Our sister site MotorAuthority has driven the DBS Volante; we've based our rating here on those driving impressions.