ASTON MARTIN Virage Volante Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The 2011 Aston Martin Virage Volante was the open-top version of the V12-engined Aston Martin Virage. A GT vehicle that was cut out of production line after just 18 months.

The history of Aston Martin saw many ups and downs. Sometimes, a car that it shouldn't be too successful was well received by the market and a car that gathered all the technology was available at the time of the car's launch failed to convince potential customers.

The Aston Martin Virage supposed to be the return of the V12 engine for the British brand. It was meant to be fast and sporty, but not harsh as a race-car inspired vehicle. Its design was flowing with elongated lines along with the bodywork. The long hood with clear-lenses headlights and the short end made a powerful stance. The three-layer canvas-top used an army-grade layer of Thinsulate between the inside Alcantara and the canvas exterior.

The interior was typical for a GT car, with ample and bolstered seats. The combination of aluminum and leather upholstery was appealing. To keep the center console and the stalk clear, the car-manufacturer installed buttons for the automatic transmission and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Under the hood, there was a 6.0-liter V12 unit able to produce 490 hp. It was mated to a 6-speed automatic, transaxle, gearbox mounted in the back. For the brakes, the Aston Martin Virage was fitted with a standard set of carbon-ceramic kit. Unfortunately, the car was just too close between the DB9 and the DBS so the customers got confused.

Aston Martin convinced its new owner, Ford, to green-light the open-top version of its famous Virage GT, which was a key player in the GT market.

Ford's intentions were clear: to drive the small British car manufacturer into the profit zone. Financially, Aston Martin was in the red area and only with its new parent company managed to survive and develop new products, such as the 1992 Virage Volante.

The car was based on the 1988 Virage and featured the same front fascia with rectangular headlights carried over from Audi 200 and a flat front grille. It wasn't the most aerodynamic shape around, but as long as there was a big engine under the hood, it didn't really matter. The carmaker tried to make the vehicle stiffer and reinforced the chassis, but that added more weight. Last but not least, when retracted, the fabric roof couldn't completely hide behind the rear seats.

Inside, the Virage Volante offered four seats and some luggage for a short trip. The luxurious interior was carefully hand-crafted by Aston Martin's technicians and sported a mix of leather and wood, which covered most of the parts. In the back, the carmaker took care of building a high-quality bench upholstered in leather, even though there was hardly any room for someone there, let alone two people.

Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a new, 5.3-liter V-8 engine and paired it to a five-speed manual.