The Aston Martin Virage II Volante 6.0 V12, produced from 2011 to 2012, represented a sophisticated evolution within the Aston Martin lineup. Positioned between the DBS and the DB9, the Virage aimed to offer a more focused driving experience than the DB9 while remaining more luxurious and comfortable than the track-oriented DBS. The Volante designation signifies the convertible body style, adding open-air grand touring capability to the Virage’s already impressive repertoire. This particular variant, equipped with the 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 497 horsepower and a six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission, was a flagship offering, embodying Aston Martin’s commitment to performance and luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Aston Martin |
| Model | Virage |
| Generation | Virage II Volante |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 V12 (497 Hp) Touchtronic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 22.3 l/100 km (10.5 US mpg, 12.7 UK mpg, 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg, 26.2 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 15 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg, 18.8 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 349 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 299 km/h (185.79 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.8 kg/Hp, 263 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 301.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 497 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 5750 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft. @ 5750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | AM4R9 |
| Engine displacement | 5935 cm3 (362.18 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.97:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 152 l (5.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 78 l (20.61 US gal | 17.16 UK gal) |
| Length | 4703 mm (185.16 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2061 mm (81.14 in.) |
| Height | 1289 mm (50.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2740 mm (107.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1581 mm (62.24 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Touchtronic |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 398 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 360 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front tires | 245/35 R20 |
| Rear tires | 295/30 R20 |
| Front wheel rims | 8.5J x 20 |
| Rear wheel rims | 11J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Virage II Volante 6.0 V12 lies Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, designated AM4R9. This engine is a testament to traditional British engineering, eschewing turbocharging in favor of a large displacement and sophisticated valvetrain. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly to the intake ports for precise control. The 60-degree V12 configuration provides inherent smoothness and balance. The engine produces 497 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a substantial 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750 rpm. This power is channeled through a six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission, offering both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering-mounted paddles. The Touchtronic transmission was designed to provide smooth and responsive shifts, complementing the engine’s character.
Driving Characteristics
The Virage II Volante 6.0 V12 delivers a grand touring experience characterized by effortless power and refined comfort. The automatic transmission, while not as overtly sporty as a dual-clutch system, provides seamless gear changes, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 4.4 seconds, and the car boasts a top speed of 185.79 mph. Compared to the more aggressively tuned DBS, the Virage offers a more relaxed driving experience, with a greater emphasis on comfort and refinement. The suspension, tuned for both comfort and control, absorbs road imperfections effectively, while the powerful brakes provide confident stopping power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Virage II Volante 6.0 V12 came standard with a high level of luxury appointments. The interior featured premium leather upholstery, wood veneer trim, and a sophisticated infotainment system. Standard features included heated seats, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. Numerous customization options were available, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles with unique color combinations, trim materials, and bespoke features. Optional extras included upgraded audio systems, personalized embroidery, and a variety of exterior styling enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Virage II Volante utilizes a lightweight aluminum chassis, contributing to its relatively low weight for a grand tourer. The suspension system consists of coil springs, double wishbones, and transverse stabilizers at both the front and rear, providing a balance between comfort and handling. The braking system features ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The front brakes measure 398 mm in diameter, while the rear brakes are 360 mm. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Aston Martin Virage II Volante 6.0 V12 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its luxurious interior, powerful engine, and refined driving experience. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission wasn’t as engaging as a manual gearbox, and the fuel economy was relatively poor. Compared to the DB9, the Virage offered a more focused driving experience, while the DBS provided a more extreme performance focus. The Virage aimed to bridge the gap between these two models, offering a compelling blend of luxury and performance.
Legacy
The Aston Martin Virage II Volante 6.0 V12 remains a desirable grand tourer in the used car market. The 6.0-liter V12 engine is known for its reliability, although regular maintenance is essential. The Touchtronic automatic transmission has also proven to be durable. Values for well-maintained examples have remained relatively stable, reflecting the car’s enduring appeal and the prestige of the Aston Martin brand. The Virage represents a high point in Aston Martin’s grand touring heritage, offering a unique blend of luxury, performance, and British craftsmanship.
