NURBURG, Germany — A prototype for the future Aston Martin DBS Volante was caught outside the automaker's Nürburgring workshop this week, during what we assume are preparations for hot laps on the popular test circuit.

The 2008 Aston Martin DBS coupe was shown last fall, so the arrival of a drop top is no surprise, especially since Aston Martin Vice President and General Manager for North America John Walton alluded to the "possibility" of the DBS Volante at a recent Aston Martin press event in Dallas.

"We design everything we make with the ability to build a coupe and a roadster," said Walton. "We never do anything as an afterthought." Walton said it would be at least 18 months away for the DBS Volante, "if we went there."

Aston's head product PR guy, Matthew Clarke, also echoed the 18-month target, which would put the DBS Volante's debut shortly after the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide sedan's summer 2009 target.

Aston execs also reiterated the fact that the DBS is more than just a DB9 with body cladding and a bigger engine, and that more development time was needed to make the DBS into a roadster, while keeping its sports car handling intact.

What this means to you: Easily one of the most beautiful convertibles on the road today, even in prototype form. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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