Quebec summers are short, which is exactly why open-top motoring matters so much here. From May through September, the right convertible turns a weekend drive through the Laurentians or along the Richelieu into something memorable — and Aston Martin currently offers three very different ways to do it. The Vantage Roadster, the DB12 Volante, and the Vanquish Volante share a family resemblance, a panoramic open sky, and the kind of engineering that makes putting the roof down a pleasure rather than a compromise.
This guide walks through what makes each of the three open-top Aston Martins distinct, and helps Montreal drivers think about which one suits their summer plans.
A Quick Note on Names: Roadster vs. Volante
Aston Martin uses two names for its convertibles, and the distinction matters. The Volante name dates to 1965 and has historically been used for V12 and Grand Tourer convertibles — DB6 Volante, Virage Volante, DB12 Volante, Vanquish Volante. The Roadster name is reserved for open-top Vantage models, including the new Vantage Roadster launched in 2025. Both names share the same purpose: roof-down driving, with no compromise to the car underneath.
At a Glance: The Three Open-Top Aston Martins
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Model
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Engine
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Power
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0–100 km/h
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Top Speed
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Vantage Roadster
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4.0 L V8 Twin-Turbo
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656 hp
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3.5 s
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325 km/h
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DB12 Volante
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4.0 L V8 Twin-Turbo
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671 hp
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3.6 s
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325 km/h
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Vanquish Volante
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5.2 L V12 Twin-Turbo
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824 hp
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3.4 s
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345 km/h
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All three use lightweight K-fold or fully automatic fabric roofs designed to open and close at speeds of up to 50 km/h, meaning a sudden Quebec summer shower doesn't require pulling over.
The Vantage Roadster: The Driver's Convertible
The Vantage Roadster is the most focused of the three. It's the open-top version of the Vantage Coupe — Aston Martin's purest sports car — and it has been engineered to keep the driving experience intact when the roof comes off. The 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo produces 656 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, sending it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 325 km/h.
What makes the Vantage Roadster special for Quebec summer driving is its roof. It opens or closes fully in just 6.8 seconds — the fastest electric folding convertible roof on sale today — and operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The total weight added by the convertible mechanism is only 60 kg over the coupe, so the car still handles like a true sports car.
- Most focused driving experience of the three
- Fastest folding roof on the market at 6.8 seconds
- Class-leading lightweight design
- 2-seat configuration
The DB12 Volante: The World's First Super Tourer, Open-Air
The DB12 Volante is Aston Martin's super tourer in convertible form. Its hand-built 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo produces 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with 0 to 100 km/h taking 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h. It's the only one of the three open-top Aston Martins with a 2+2 layout, which makes it the practical choice for owners who occasionally need to bring along passengers or extra weekend luggage.
The K-fold roof opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Inside, the DB12 Volante shares its cabin architecture with the DB12 Coupe, including the in-house infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, optional Bowers & Wilkins audio, and the kind of leather, veneer, and stitching detail that Aston Martin's craft team is known for.
For Montreal owners who want a grand tourer that can handle a long weekend in Charlevoix with two passengers in back, the DB12 Volante is the answer.
The Vanquish Volante: The Flagship V12
The Vanquish Volante is the most powerful and most exclusive of the three. It is, in Aston Martin's words, the fastest and most powerful front-engine convertible on sale today, with a 5.2-litre Twin-Turbo V12 producing 824 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 345 km/h. Like its coupe counterpart, total production of Vanquish — coupe and Volante combined — is limited to fewer than 1,000 examples per year globally.
The K-fold roof on the Vanquish Volante is engineered with the same brilliant packaging as the DB12 Volante. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard. Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, bespoke Pirelli P ZERO tires, and an Electronic Rear Differential that can lock in 135 milliseconds give the Vanquish Volante supercar-grade dynamics without giving up the long-legged comfort expected of a flagship grand tourer.
Which Open-Top Aston Martin Is Right for You?
The choice between the three comes down to how you intend to use the car.
- For pure driver focus — the Vantage Roadster. Lighter, more compact, the sharpest steering of the three.
- For grand touring with occasional passengers — the DB12 Volante. A 2+2 layout, hand-built V8, and the most complete blend of comfort and performance.
- For the ultimate statement — the Vanquish Volante. A hand-built V12, strict 2-seat layout, and limited production. The flagship.
All three are designed to handle Quebec's variable summer weather, with rapid roof operation that works at city speeds and weather seals engineered to keep the cabin quiet at autoroute pace. All three can also be specified through Q by Aston Martin for fully bespoke colour, leather, and trim combinations.
Plan Your Open-Top Summer at Aston Martin Montreal
The best way to compare the Vantage Roadster, DB12 Volante, and Vanquish Volante is to experience them in person. Each has its own character, its own sound, and its own way of making a Quebec summer drive memorable.
Schedule a private viewing at Aston Martin Montreal to see the current open-top lineup and discuss which model fits your summer ahead.
