ASTON MARTIN has launched a stunning all-new luxury convertible, the DB11 Volante, which joins the DB11 Coupe which went on sale late last year.

The open-topper is powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo 510bhp V8 engine and is built around the all-new bonded aluminium structure first seen in the Coupe.

Lighter and more rigid than the model it replaces, the DB11 Volante has been engineered to deliver greater levels of performance and handling to accentuate the more sporting side of its character, while increased refinement, comfort and interior space ensure it remains a real grand tourer.

Visually the Volante features a striking single-piece aluminium bonnet and innovative "Curlicue" aerodynamic feature from the DB11 Coupe, combined with new wood or carbon fibre veneer panels on the seat backs, a tailored fabric hood and ultra-slim tail lights giving the convertible a stunning sporting look.

The defining feature of the DB11 Volante is its roof. Made up of eight layers it takes just 14 seconds to lower and 16 to close and can be operated remotely from the key, or on the move at speeds of up to 31mph with a 31mph headwind.

The new hood system has also led to a 20 per cent gain in boot volume compared to the outgoing DB9 Volante.

Aston Martin's testing procedures pushed this all-new roof mechanism to punishing extremes.

Engineers subjected the roof to more than 100,000 cycles in special weather chambers designed to simulate conditions in the world's harshest environments, compressing 10-years of use into a one month test.

DB11 Volante development prototypes were put on test in locations including Death Valley and the Arctic Circle.

The Volante's three-stage powertrain and chassis modes work in harmony with an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, electric power steering and limited-slip differential with dynamic torque vectoring.

The Volante can hit 62mph in just 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 187mph.

Creature comforts include a heated steering wheel encourage all-season open-air motoring and rear seat ISOFIX child seat attachment points - a first for a Volante model.

Aston Martin president and chief executive officer, Dr Andy Palmer, said: "For many of our customers, indeed many generations of Aston Martin customer, the Volante has always offered something very special: a unique combination of elegant style, innate sporting ability and sensory engagement that lifts it above other open-top cars.

"The new DB11 Volante captures those qualities perfectly and promises the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an open-top Aston Martin".

The recommended price in the UK is £159,900.