Aston Martin DB11 Volante tests on Nurburgring ahead of 2018 launch

The Aston Martin DB11 Volante has been spotted high performance testing at the Nürburgring 12 months before it goes on sale

The test model looks identical to the “lightly disguised engineering car” that was shown by Aston Martin earlier this year

An insurance database check confirmed that the development model is running the same twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 as the coupé

It makes 600bhp at 6500rpm and 516lb ft between 1500 and 5000rpm

The DB11 Volante could also launch with a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8...

...it is due to be introduced to the Aston Martin range next year in the successor to the V8 Vantage before joining the DB11 range

Producing between 500 and 550bhp, the engine is currently used in the Mercedes-AMG GT

The aluminium-bodied DB11 Volante will be slightly heavier than the coupé due to the addition of its roof-opening mechanism and chassis strengthening

With an inherently strong body and chassis, only a subtle increase in weight is expected, with a spokesman revealing that the Volante is aiming to match the coupé’s 0-62mph time of 3.9sec

A sound-deadening multi-layer fabric roof will keep noise down in the cabin

Aston Martin is likely to make subtle changes to the driving dynamics, including a slightly softer suspension set-up than that of the hard-top

Four-seater convertible rivals including the Bentley GT Speed Convertible, Ferrari California T and Mercedes S 63 AMG Convertible

The DB11 Volante will launch with a price-tag of around £155,000, £10,000 more than the hard-top

The 2018 DB11 Volante is just one part of Aston Martin’s plan for the next five years...

....In the near future, replacements for the V8 Vantage and Vanquish are due, as well as a new all-electric version of the Rapide, called the RapidE

The Aston Martin AM RB-001 hypercar will go on sale in 2018, while the DBX crossover – the first car to be produced at Aston’s St. Athans, Wales plant – will arrive in 2020

St. Athans was handed over to Aston Martin by the Ministry of Defence