The DBS Superleggera Volante is the fastest convertible Aston Martin ever

That’s the difference in the downforce generated between DBS coupe and convertible at maximum speed. With full bodywork Aston’s flagship production GT generates 177kg of pressure from above. Cut the roof off and replace it with eight layers of insulated fabric and you still get 174kg of downforce.

It makes for an impressive endorsement of the DBS’s aerodynamic prowess, with its DB11-derived “curlicues” and Aeroblade system, which has been modified especially for the Volante. It also makes for a top speed, hood up, identical to that of the DBS coupe… which in turn makes this the fastest convertible in Aston history.

There are lots more impressive numbers about the flamboyantly-named DBS Superleggera Volante. Such as a base price nigh-on a quarter of a million pounds before extras, and a dry weight of 1,863kg.

The car might live up to its Volante (flying) nomenclature but in the Superleggera (super lightweight) stakes it is less accomplished, putting on a hefty 170kg over the coupe. Still, Aston says that at 3.6 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint the Volante is only two-tenths slower than its hard-top cousin.

And of course it looks pretty gorgeous, inside and out, while the bellow of the V12 – rightly bigged up in these electric-obsessed times as an increasingly rare and special thing – will surely be more magnificent than ever with the hood down. Aston says you can start the engine in quiet mode if you don’t want to wake the neighbours...

Pleasingly, and in contrast to Volantes of previous decades, the hood disappears virtually out of sight, its stack height of 260mm when folded being class-leading, says Aston. The hood takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close, and can be operated from inside or remotely from the key fob. As well as two seats there’s a decent boot, says the firm.

Elsewhere it’s the same as the DBS Superleggera coupe that replaced the Vanquish as range-topper last year. Under the bonnet is the same 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 whose power, and 900Nm (666lb ft) mountain of torque, is sent rearwards to the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission via a carbon-fibre prop shaft.

For Aston design boss Marek Reichman the latest addition to Aston’s fast-growing range delivers an “extra level of sensory overload” and it’s hard to disagree with that, especially when a fair amount about the car can be customised to personal preference.

Be warned, though, with options including visible carbon body and cabin parts, a wind defector, full leather interior, bespoke brake caliper colours and a range of veneers and embossing, that £247,500 price will only be going in one direction…