Aston Martin has announced its latest ‘Super GT’ model to take the reins of flagship from the aging Vanquish S. This is the new DBS Superleggera.
Both parts of the name reference history. The DBS nameplate was first used in 1967 and resurrected in 2007 – both times for the firm’s flagship grand tourer model. Superleggera harks back even further, to lightweight methods pioneered for the DB4, DB5 and DB6 by the Italian coachbuilder, Touring.
The DBS replaces the much-loved Vanquish S, a car that was beginning to feel somewhat redundant with the launch of the more powerful and more modern DB11. The DBS certainly has the right tools at its disposal, though, with its 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine pushing out 725bhp compared with the 595bhp the Vanquish had.
It’s also around 40kg lighter than the Vanquish S and 72kg lighter than the DB11 thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre. All the body panels are crafted from the material, and they sit atop the lightweight bonded aluminium structure seen first in the DB11.
Those figures all help the DBS Superleggera achieve an impressive 0-60mph sprint time of 3.2 seconds, which it deals with on the way to a 211mph top speed. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while a mechanical limited-slip differential aims to keep things tidy in the corners.
The DBS’ gorgeous bodywork is dictated by aerodynamics – Aston Martin claims up to 180kg of downforce is generated at the car’s top speed, more than any road-going Aston that’s gone before it. This is thanks to a Formula 1-inspired double diffuser as well as the open channels behind the front wheels. Despite the added downforce, Aston says the aerodynamic additions don’t generate any extra drag.
Up front, there’s a gaping grille and slim LED headlights, clearly marking it out as an Aston Martin while managing to look different to anything else in the range. The classical proportions of long bonnet and short tail are present and correct, while the bodywork is tucked in just ahead of the rear wheels to accentuate the car’s powerful haunches. A full-width rear light element connects the DBS to the latest Vantage.
Inside, there’s a 2+2 seating layout and driver-focused cabin lifted mainly from the DB11. Despite the car’s hardcore leanings, the interior remains a place of luxury – leather and Alcantara trim come as standard, as does sat-nav, all-round cameras, an eight-inch infotainment display (borrowed from Mercedes) and connectivity for Bluetooth, iPhone and USB.
First deliveries of the stunning Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will begin in the autumn. Prices kick off from £225,000 in the UK.