V12-powered convertibles are on the endangered species list. There aren’t many left today you can buy new and the ones you can buy cost at least six-figures and are often built to order. It’s always been an uber-exclusive segment. Given the decreasing popularity for convertibles and the slow death of the V12, the survival odds are not stacked in this segment’s favor. But if you do happen to have the funds to make a purchase like this, which V12-powered convertible would you opt for? Unfortunately, the list isn’t very big. Not even BMW’s new 8 Series convertible will be offered with twelve cylinders.
But there’s a good chance at least one more could be added to the list assuming Aston Martin will do a DBS Superleggera Volante. There’s even a rumor of a drop-top Ferrari 812 Superfast. But the latter two don’t exist yet and, therefore, could not be included in this list. And so here they are, the fresh from the factory V12 convertibles you can buy today. Enjoy them while you can.
Aston Martin Vanquish S VolanteIf you want a brand new Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante then you need to act fast. Later today could already be too late. Production of this stunning V12 convertible will conclude very soon, making way for the DBS Superleggera and, hopefully, a DBS Superleggera Volante, but this is still unconfirmed.
However, the Vanquish S has something its successor does not: a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 instead of a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12. That alone makes the Vanquish S Volante unique as the market for NA V12s continues to dwindle. But open top V12 awesomeness like this doesn’t come cheap as you’ll have to round up at least $312,000 to drive one home, and that’s without any added options for personalization.
Lamborghini Aventador S RoadsterOkay, here’s something that still has a couple of years life left until its successor arrives. No immediate rush to the dealership. The Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster is just as crazy as it looks. It’s a Lamborghini, after all. Powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 with 740 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque linked to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the AWD Aventador S does the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.0 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 217 mph. If you want to know what wind smacking your head feels like, this is the supercar for you. If for whatever reason these specs don’t impress you, then maybe it’s a good idea to wait a year or so because there’s a chance Lamborghini will unleash a roadster version of its most extreme Aventador to date, the SVJ.
Mercedes-AMG S65 CabrioletThere are many ways one can spend $250,000, but few would give you the overall experience of luxury and performance the way the Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet does. This big drop top does not apologize for anything and it never should. Its 630 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque is the reason why. Its biturbo V12 is an engineering masterpiece. The attention to detail inside and out and outstanding build quality makes us question why Mercedes-Maybach even has to exist. Of course, one could buy the coupe version and call it a day and also be satisfied. But would you truly be happy knowing there was a cherry on top of your ice cream sundae just waiting to be eaten? That cherry is the Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet.
Pagani Huayra RoadsterHoracio Pagani likes to do things the old-fashioned way. When he set out to develop the Huayra hypercar, his Mercedes-AMG engine supplier tried to dissuade him from a naturally aspirated V12. A V8 would be the best all-around choice for power and efficiency. The parties settled on a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12, rated at 764 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque in the Huayra Roadster. Don’t think for a moment Pagani simply sliced off the roof and altered the doors of the Huayra coupe and called it a day. No, the Huayra Roadster’s appearance changed because of a number of design adjustments specifically engineered for a roofless masterpiece. What’s more, the Huayra Roadster is the first roadster in auto history that’s lighter than its coupe counterpart. Only 100 examples will be built and all have been sold for at least $2.4 each. Sorry to get your hopes up.
Mercedes-AMG SL65The Mercedes-AMG SL65 is the latest ultra-luxury roadster from a long line of predecessors going back decades. Sure, it may not be quite as pretty as the Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster, but it does have the same 6.0-liter biturbo V12 under its roof as the S65 Cabriolet, though here it’s rated at 621 hp. Chances are you won’t feel the difference of only nine hp.
Facelifted for 2017, the SL65 still has a few years of life left in it, but we doubt its V12 will make another appearance whenever a complete redesign happens. Then again, Mercedes-AMG might ultimately conclude there is still a market for such an engine in a roadster. Who knows? But if you want one of these gorgeous drop tops now, you’ll have to fork over at least $222,000.
Rolls-Royce DawnIf you want to make an even bigger statement at the country club or wherever you dock your yacht, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is calling you. This hand-built, four-seat luxury convertible comes powered by a turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 producing 563 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. Total weight: Over 5,600 pounds, and yet it still hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Compared to its Wraith coupe sibling, Rolls-Royce claims 80 percent of its body panels are new. Its six-layer roof requires only 20 seconds to unfurl. Buyers also have a near endless palette of 44,000 exterior and interior colors to choose from, making each Dawn unique. Still interested? Good, but you may not be after learning its base price: $350,000, and that’s with absolutely zero options or other bespoke features.
