Is it really important to you that the new Aston Martin DB12 Volante has a 671bhp Mercedes-AMG V8 under the hood? 0-100 kph in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 325 kph? That it claims dampers with a "bandwidth of force distribution" that is 500% more than the DB11 Volante?

Knowing that an Aston Martin convertible is mostly assessed on its capacity to instantly take your emotions to a sunny, long-haul road journey through the south of France or a sunny Californian coast just by gazing at its silhouette, one gets the impression that you don't give a damn. Job well done, we would say.

Of course, it has the same bonded aluminum frame and AMG V8 and eight-speed ZF transmission with the new DB12 Coupe, which is described as "the most accomplished Aston Martin we've driven in years."

The engine cross brace and extra strengthening techniques used on the suspension mounting locations are where they diverge. The fact that it is stiffer than the DB11 Volante is obvious. So is performance.

The eight-layer cloth roof can open in 14 seconds and close at up to 50 kph in 16 seconds when a button is pressed. It has a "K-fold" mechanism, a two-stage folding procedure, according to what is said, "to achieve a class-leading 260mm stack height." Its class-leading stack height won't matter to you as much as the fact that it stacks well.

The top may be customized in terms of color, and when stowed, it reveals the DB12 Volante's very svelte "beltline." The back quarter has, of course, undergone a little change, but everything is extremely seamless.

The inside of the DB12 Coupe will be carried over, and it will be a big improvement over the DB11 thanks to a decent touchscreen, better ergonomics, better materials, and an all-around better atmosphere. at least based on the Coupe that we previously evaluated.

"The Volante name holds a special place in Aston Martin's history," said Marek Reichman, the company's chief creative officer. Huge advancements in engineering, technology, and performance have been accomplished since the original Volante was shown back in 1965.

The external and interior design of the DB12 Volante "reflects these advancements with a muscular physique and athletic stance indicative of its immense performance, and a clean and contemporary interior that stands as a bold interpretation of modern luxury."