Aston Martin reveals new Vanquish Zagato Volante convertible

Aston Martin has unveiled its answer to the Lamborghini Centenario Roadster and Jaguar Project 7.

Like those cars, the Vanquish Zagato Volante is an exclusive drop-top with special bodywork, extra power and impeccable bloodlines.

Zagato, an Italian design house, has been working with Aston Martin for six decades to produce special spin-offs that build on the British brand's prestigious sports cars.

As with its Zagato coupe cousin unveiled in 2015, the convertible Volante builds on the chassis of Aston Martin's handsome Vanquish, sharing key elements with the marque's flagship roadster. The model made its international debut at the exclusive Pebble Beach concours in California this week.

Power comes from a 6.0-litre V12 engine that makes a stirring 441kW of power, enough to reach 100km/h in less than four seconds. The convertible's classic lines are echoed under the bonnet, where the brand's naturally aspirated motor does duty instead of its latest twin-turbocharged creation which serves in the new Aston Martin DB11.

Aston Martin plans to build 99 examples of the Zagato Volante, with deliveries set to begin in 2017.

• Read more Aston Martin news and reviews