Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

On the bonnets of the Aston Martin models DB4, DB5 and DB6 Mark I there was a silver raised lettering with curved letters, reading the Italian word ‘Superleggera’. This was a reference to the Superleggera building technique used and patented by Italian coachbuilder Touring for the construction of ultra lightweight bodyworks. Today this name is a permanent addition to the revitalized company in Turin, which now operates as Touring Superleggera. The Italians, however, don’t have anything to do with the new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera other as they agreed to use the name.

The new DBS Superleggera is based on the known DB11, but the engineers turned all switches from 9 to 10. Everywhere, where the DB11 retains a little optically and technically, to delight those customers that want to use it as a daily driver and a high-mileage GT, the DBS now sets new standards. This starts in the exterior with a new front end with larger grille and additional air intakes, large air vents in the hood, modified front fenders with cutouts behind the front wheels above the sills, narrow LED rear lights and a double diffusor with influences from Formula 1. To fill the wheel arches customers can choose between two different alloy wheel sets, each 21 inch big and covered in Pirelli tires specially developed for the DBS.

Aston Martin is combining this new optical presence with a new power stage of the specially developed V12 biturbo engine with 5.2 liters displacement. In the DBS Superleggera this brings it to 725 PS and 900 newtonmeters of torque. The top speed is 210 mph in the data sheets, the sprint to 62 mph takes 3.4 seconds and the intermediate sprint from 50 to 100 mph takes 4.2 seconds. The rear axle, equipped with a mechanical slip differential and torque vectoring function, gets its power from an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. Thanks to the ingenous aerodynamics, which takes over the ‘curlicue’ and ‘aeroblades’ from DB11 in a modified and improved form, but additionally combined with a spoiler lip on the boot lid and the double diffuser already described, the DBS achieves 180 kilograms of downforce at top speed.

Not only bodywork and engine, but also the chassis comes in its basic features from the DB11. However, the double wishbones at the front and the sophisticated multi-link rear axle receive the latest generation of adaptive dampers, whose sensors recognize the current driving situations and provide together with the preselected driving mode corresponding adjustments. As for the powertrain the driver can choose between the three presets ‘GT’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’.

Inside up to four people – if you really want to fit some co-drivers in the rear small seats – are covered in luxury and a comprehensive standard equipment. Driver and co-driver take place in well-formed Sport Plus performance seats. Fine leather and Alcantara cover seats, dashboard as well as door cards and side panels. Of course there is a rich program of leather, Alcantara and stitch colors to configure the interior exactly as desired. Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera system including Park Distance Display and Park Assist, keyless access, a digital radio (DAB plus), bluetooth connection for smartphones and iPods to stream music as well as a navigation system and a WiFi hub. Audio and telephone functions can be controlled via a central display.

Prices start at 225,000 GBP in Great Britain and 304,995 US$. First deliveries are expected to start in Q3 2018.

Images: Aston Martin