Elite Traveler Summer 2024

The DB12 harnesses so much power smoothly via a taut suspension setup, which allows for just enough body roll to prevent discomfort on rougher roads while supporting stability at the kinds of breathtaking pace that this big two-door can manage

ASTON MARTIN DB12 VOLANTE

In something of an ironic twist of fate, Aston Martin’s venerable DB loses a V12 engine option for the new generation — which is dubbed DB12. Blame the lamentable change on emissions regulations or fuel economy legislation, but Aston sure compensated by turning the twin-turbo 4.0L V8’s wick up to an unbelievable 671 hp. That’s a good chunk of almost 150 ponies gained versus the outgoing V8-powered DB11, and even 41 more than a DB11 equipped with the V12. The DB12 harnesses so much power smoothly via a taut suspension setup, which allows for just enough body roll to prevent discomfort on rougher roads while supporting stability at the kinds of breathtaking pace that this big two-door can manage. Aston Martin believes the DB12 Volante ushers in a new automotive category: the super-tourer, which pairs supercar performance with the style and opulence of a traditional grand tourer. Behind the wheel of a DB12, the term certainly feels fi tting, as the combination of power, style and comfort reaches levels never conceivably combined in the past. Optioning the Volante, which translates to ‘convertible’ in Aston Martin’s historical parlance, adds around 244 lbs of weight. But the suspension and power combine to mask the resulting, healthy curb weight of 3,960 lbs. The added heft never detracts from the DB12 Volante’s spirit, though, instead lending a sense of substantiality to any driving scenario. Willowy lines on the exterior express the super-tourer ethos, from the front grille to the almost voluptuously muscled haunches at the rear. Impeccable design and materials within the cockpit further enhance the aesthetic, including porous wood trim and immaculately upholstered leather that cozily snugs passengers into otherwise fi rm yet spacious seats. There’s plenty of headroom beneath the thickly quilted soft-top, but on nice days or even cool nights, the entire length of the roof can lay back in just 14 seconds or close in 16 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. And despite the low roo fl ineand raked windshield, the DB12 Volante manages to prevent the excessive wind bu ff eting that can often make driving convertibles from other automakers signi fi cantly less enjoyable. Aston Martin DB12 Volante from $309,886, astonmartin.com

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC AZURE The Bentley name always brings to mind luxurious touring cars, but don’t forget the marque’s historical racing success in the nascent years of motorsport. James Bond even drove a Bentley in the original Ian Fleming novels, though the fi lm series swapped in Aston Martins — and then a brief fl ing with BMW (all Bond’s fl ings are brief, after all). Today, Bentley’s Continental GTC Azure carries on the stately demeanor typical of a preeminent British coachbuilder in convertible form. The Azure can still come equipped with a W12 engine, but the twin-turbo V8 produces unbelievable amounts of low-end shove even while easing into the throttle, as seemingly endless depths of power burble out of the throaty quad-tipped exhaust pipes. Dropping the Azure’s soft-top only enhances the 4.0L’s soundtrack while rushing to 60 mph as quickly as 3.9 seconds, despite a curb weight of well over 5,000 lbs. Of course, doing so anywhere near the top speed of 198 mph is probably not the greatest idea so, much like other manufacturers, Bentley restricts the convertible top’s operation to speeds of only 31 mph. At a more reasonable pace, the Continental’s sporting heritage shines through, too, as all-wheel-drive handling and adaptive air suspension help to produce stunning dynamics, in both a straight line and through tighter corners than might ever seem possible. Still, truly the very de fi nition of grand touring shines as the Azure’s happy place. Rough roads smooth out, speed bumps absolutely vanish and the stresses of tra ffi c simply evaporate from within a Bentley. Just lay the top back, nestle into some of the most comfortable seats ever made and enjoy the warm air scarf while trying not to fi ddle endlessly with the tactile details smattering the dash, from the textured inner door handles to eminently satisfying climate control stalks. At every touchpoint, the Azure proves how much Bentley’s 105 years of expertise come together to create a serene and silky ride quality that most luxury automakers can only hope to imitate, but never quite replicate. Bentley Continental GTC Azure from $311,000, bentleymotors.com