DBS 770 Ultimate Volante

Segment
Compact

Aston Martin has finally revealed the Volante variant, or convertible version, of the gorgeous DBS 770 Ultimate, despite having confirmed its existence when the swansong for the current range-topper was revealed in January. Like its coupe sibling, the 770 Ultimate Volante is powered by a 5.2-liter V12 engine that produces 759 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. This translates into a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 211 mph.

The luxury automaker has also launched the configurator for this highly limited model. Just 499 will be produced, and the Volante is the rarest of the two body styles, as only 199 units are destined to leave the factory. As you'd expect, all examples are already spoken for.

So why launch a configurator in the first place? To let us mere mortals dream.

The first choice is external hue, of which you can choose from 58 colors. These hues are divided into categories, such as Blacks & Greys, Purples & Blues, and Bronzes & Oranges.

Our desired shade is in the Green category; Aston Martin Racing Green (from the Racing Line) looks extraordinary and highlights the vehicle's voluptuous and dramatic curves. Those who want to accentuate the lines of the DBS 770 Ultimate can also choose from Livery Packages, which uplift the exterior with subtle pinstripes in just about any color.

The lower body trimmings can be had in your choice of Gloss 2x2 Twill carbon fiber or Gloss Black tinted Twill carbon fiber; twill is Aston speak for woven carbon fiber. As for the convertible roof, there are just four color schemes - black, red, blue, and black and silver.

Being the Ultimate model, Aston Martin offers just one wheel design. Thankfully, buyers can choose between three distinct finishes. Satin Silver, Satin Black, and a tasteful diamond-turned Satin Black (our personal favorite) can be specified. Seven brake caliper colors are provided, with red, yellow, orange, and even bronze up for grabs.

Finally, buyers can choose traditional red taillight lenses or a more contemporary smoked finish.

With that choice made, it's time to move on to the interior, where the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Before you've even looked at a leather color palette, you have to choose the interior theme (Inspire Sport or Accelerate), both of which can be specified in monotone or duotone.

In keeping with the classic theme, we've gone for Sandstorm (cream) and Eifel Green leather trim.

If that's not to your tastes, Aston Martin offers a kaleidoscope of primary and secondary interior colors, as well as the ability to personalize the stitching and leather welt. Customers can choose between the racier Carbon Fiber Performance seats or the more traditional Sport Plus seats. We'd spring for the latter, as it better suits the grand tourer persona of the Volante. There are just five seatbelt colors to select from.

Sandstorm-colored carpets match the creamy colorway of our cabin, but buyers will be able to have their pick of 11 shades, including reds, blacks, and even blue. Two steering wheel designs are available; the standard, heated GT steering wheel and the Sports Wheel. The second option can be specified with a mix of Alcantara, leather, and carbon fiber finishes.

You won't find any old-world wood trim here. The DBS 770 Ultimate expresses its athleticism through Piano Black, Dyed Tamo Ash, or carbon fiber inlays, the latter available in a woven or forged design.

More carbon fiber can be added to the interior if you replace the Satin Dark Chrome interior jewelry with the sportier Twill material. This can also be placed on the rear of the seats.

Aston Martin can fit a titanium exhaust (presumably at extra cost), along with darkened exterior badging and extended carbon fiber exterior trim. Customers can also add luxury features such as seat ventilation, 16-way power seat adjustment, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, among other things.

A carbon fiber engine cover and tread plates can also be specified. Other nice-to-haves include a custom four-piece luggage set and the Aston Martin build book.

Aston Martin doesn't provide pricing for these options, but it's safe to assume they all carry a hefty fee, much like the car - the first example recently sold for a staggering $819,000 at auction, admittedly for a good cause.

The 770 Ultimate is a fitting end to this chapter of Aston Martin's story, which is set to continue with a series of new sports cars that will be revealed later this year.