THE fastest Aston Martin in mainstream production is going topless with the arrival of the DBS Superleggera Volante.

Due for release in the autumn and priced from £247,500, the new model is one of the fastest convertibles ever produced.

Like the regular DBS Superleggera it is powered by a 5.2-litre V12 engine developing 715bhp giving it a top speed of 211mph and a 0 to 60 sprint time of just 3.6 seconds.

Aerodynamically the Volante has been modified to accommodate its cloth roof with changes to the rear spoiler which now develops 177kg of downforce at maximum speed - just three kilos less than the coupe.

The roof itself is made from eight layers of fabric and takes 14 seconds to open, 16 to close and can be operated remotely within two metres of the car via the keyfob.

For the first time on an Aston Martin Volante the window screen surround is available with a 2x2 twill carbon fibre finish, with the option to continue that theme to the car's tonneau.

The finish replaces a leather trim and a tinted carbon fibre effect is available as an option.

The Volante has been announced only days after Aston Martin revealed its specialist Q division is to produce a limited run of 24 models to commemorate the brand's historic 1-2 Le Mans victory in 1959.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president, said: "There is nothing on earth that compares to the roar of an Aston Martin V12 and I believe that the DBS Superleggera Volante provides one of the greatest sensory experiences in the automotive world.

"This is truly a testament to the no compromise approach of our engineers and designers, to deliver the two key aspects of a convertible Super GT. Exceptional performance in an irresistible form, DBS Superleggera has justifiably won the hearts and minds of Super GT lovers the world over, and the Volante takes this concept to the next level."