Wikipedia

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

This article is about the 2018 car. For the 1967 to 1972 model, see Aston Martin DBS. For the 2007–2012 model, see Aston Martin DBS (2007).

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, also sold as the Aston Martin DBS,[3] is a grand touring car produced by British manufacturer Aston Martin from 2018 to 2024. In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the car as a replacement to the second-generation Vanquish. It is based on the DB11 V12, but featuring modifications that differentiate it from the DB11 lineage.[4]

Aston Martin DBS
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin
Model codeAM7
Production2018–2024
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Gaydon, Warwickshire
DesignerMarek Reichman
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
DoorsSwan
Related
Powertrain
Engine5.2 L AE31 twin-turbo V12
Power output
  • 725 PS (533 kW; 715 hp) (DBS)
  • 770 PS (566 kW; 759 hp) (DBS 770 Ultimate)
Transmission8-speed ZF 8HP95 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,805 mm (110.4 in)
Length4,715 mm (185.6 in)
Width2,145 mm (84.4 in)
Height1,280 mm (50.4 in)
Kerb weight
  • 1,693 kg (3,732 lb) (Coupe)[1]
    1,863 kg (4,107 lb) (Volante)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAston Martin Vanquish (Second generation)
SuccessorAston Martin Vanquish (Third generation)

The DBS name was previously used for a model built from 1967 to 1972 and for the DB9-based DBS between 2007 and 2012. In addition, the car also uses the Superleggera name which is a reference to Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, who helped Aston Martin develop their lightest grand tourers in the 1960s and 1970s.[5] In September 2024, Aston Martin announced the third-generation Vanquish as the successor of the DBS Superleggera.[6][7]

Design

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The front of the DBS features a new front bumper with a large centre grille compared to the DB11 in order for improved engine cooling along with two air extractors on the sides to cool the brakes and two vents on the hood that aid in the engine cooling process. The 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which is cast and manufactured at Grainger & Worrall in the United Kingdom before being shipped to the Aston Martin engine plant in Cologne for assembly, is uprated at 725 PS (533 kW; 715 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) of torque from 1,800–5,000 rpm.[8] In order to optimise the centre of gravity and weight distribution, the V12 unit has been positioned as low and as far back in the chassis as possible.

The DBS Superleggera features the new ZF 8HP95 transmission with a shorter final-drive ratio of 2.93:1, in contrast to the DB11's 2.70:1.[9] Chassis-wise, it also comes with torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential for more focused track performance.[10] The car also features the same aerodynamics first seen on the DB11 including Aston Martin's innovative Aeroblade system, but refines aerodynamics with an F1-inspired double-diffuser that helps the car generate 397 lb (180 kg) of downforce – the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin.[11] A new quad-pipe titanium exhaust system ensures improved engine sound while the usage of carbon fibre in major areas of the car lowers the weight down to 1,693 kg (3,732 lb).[12]

Performance

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The DBS Superleggera can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, and 0–161 km/h (100 mph) in 6.4 seconds. The car can also accelerate from 80–161 km/h (50–100 mph) in 4.2 seconds at fourth gear and can attain a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).[13] Three driving modes are available: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus which adjust the car's responsiveness.[14]

Variants

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DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition

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In February 2019, Aston Martin unveiled a DBS Superleggera in partnership with Swiss luxury watch maker TAG Heuer. Fifty were built. The bespoke colour is Monaco Black, a metallic black paint with subtle red sparks. It came with interior and exterior carbon options and satin black 21” alloy wheels, Pirelli P Zero tyres with red stripe and red brake calipers. The interior of the car is composed of black leather and alcantara quilting with red stitching which is only available on this vehicle.[15][16]

Each car came with a limited edition TAG Heuer watch, the DBS Edition Carrera Heuer 02, which was only available to the buyers of the vehicle. The dial represents the grille of the DBS and the black and red leather strap reminds the interior of the car.[17]

DBS Volante

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A Volante (convertible) model of the DBS was unveiled in April 2019. It has nearly identical performance and the same engine and transmission as the coupé but comes with an eight-layer soft top with eight colour options. For the first time on an Aston Martin automobile, the windshield surround is available in carbon fibre as well as the rear tonneau cover.[18]

DBS Superleggera OHMSS

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In May 2019, Aston Martin unveiled a DBS Superleggera to celebrate 50 years of the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The car followed the specification of the original DBS used in the film, with an Olive Green exterior colour and a traditional Aston Martin Grill. Only 50 units were made.[19]

DBS GT Zagato

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In October 2019, Aston Martin revealed the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato at the Audrain’s Newport Concours in Rhode Island United States. The car is based on the DBS Superleggera and peak power has been raised from 715 hp to 760 hp. It can only be purchased as part of the £6 million before tax "DBZ Centenary Collection" pack which includes a DB4 GT Zagato continuation as well as a DBS GT Zagato. Only 19 "packs" were available for sale.[20]

DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition

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In November 2019, the Concorde Edition was unveiled to celebrate 50 years since the first flight of Concorde. This latest member of the Aston Martin Wings Series was commissioned by Aston Martin Bristol and only limited to 10 units. Each of which have a unique registration respective to the 10 Concorde aircraft flown by British Airways. This variant features many Concorde and British Airways inspired design elements on both the exterior and interior, with some parts derived from Concorde itself.[21][22]

DBS Superleggera 007 Edition

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The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition was revealed in August 2020. The 007 Edition features Ceramic Grey exterior paint with contrasting black carbon fiber roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser, and rear spoiler. It also has gloss black, diamond-turned 21-inch wheels. Production is limited to 25 units.[23][24]

DBS 770 Ultimate

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Aston Martin has revealed its send-off car for the DBS, called the 770 Ultimate. It gets 770 PS (566 kW; 759 bhp) from its 5.2-litre V12, hence the name, and benefits from a handful of visual and mechanical upgrades.[25] Production is limited to just 499 units (300 coupés and 199 convertibles), with every build slot already sold out.[26][27]

Reception and marketing

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Matt Saunders of Autocar awarded the DBS Superleggera a perfect five stars stating, "This is already an outstanding super-GT and represents a rejuvenated British car maker at its absolute best."[28] The Sunday Times noted that the car's low ground clearance could cause it to get caught on speed bumps and that the car's high power output could make it potentially dangerous to drive in wet weather.[29] The DBS made an appearance in the James Bond film No Time to Die.[30]

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  •  
    DBS Superleggera (rear view)
  •  
    DBS Superleggera Volante with top down
  •  
    Interior (DBS Superleggera)
  •  
    DBS Superleggera OHMSS
  •  
    DBS Superleggera OHMSS (rear view)
  •  
    Diamond-turned forged wheel
  •  
    DBS GT Zagato
  •  
    DBS GT Zagato rear
  •  
    DBS Superleggera Volante

References

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  1. ^ "DBS Superleggera review: we drive the ultimate Aston". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  2. ^ "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante (2019) review: sun seeker". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  3. ^ Dorian, Drew. "2022 Aston Martin DBS". Car and Driver. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  4. ^ Attwood, James (26 June 2018). "New Aston Martin DBS Superlegerra revealed as Ferrari 812 Competitor". Autocar. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  5. ^ Smith, Luke John (18 April 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - Iconic nameplate returns to replace the Vanquish". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Aston Martin Vanquish Returns as the Brand's GT King". Car and Driver. 2 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Return of the Vanquish – Aston Martin's new V12 super GT revealed". CAR Magazine. 2 September 2024.
  8. ^ Petrany, Mate (27 June 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Britain's Answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". Road and Track. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  9. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (26 June 2018). "700 Club: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Revealed". Car and Driver. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  10. ^ "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera review". Top Gear. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  11. ^ Gallagher, Stuart (26 June 2018). "New 715bhp Aston Martin DBS Superleggera debuts – Aston's answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". Evo. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  12. ^ Guio, Robert (27 June 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Delivers 715 Horsepower". Motor Trend. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  13. ^ "2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera First Drive: Glorious. Glorious. Glorious". Motor Trend. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  14. ^ "New Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2018 review". Auto Express. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  15. ^ "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition is a stunner". Motor1.com. 22 January 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  16. ^ "Up Close and Intimately Personal With the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition". The Drive. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  17. ^ "Aston Martin And TAG Have Teamed Up On A Special-Edition DBS Superleggera". GQ. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  18. ^ Golson, Daniel (23 April 2019). "The 2020 Aston Martin DBS Volante Is a 211-MPH Droptop". Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  19. ^ Pattni, Vijay (6 May 2019). "Aston has built a Bond-themed DBS Superleggera". Top Gear. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  20. ^ "This is the sublime Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato". Top Gear. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  21. ^ "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition enters production". Autocar. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  22. ^ "First Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition revealed". Auto Express. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  23. ^ "The 007 Edition Aston DBS Superleggera and Vantage are here". Top Gear. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Aston Martin 007 Edition Models Celebrate New James Bond Movie Release". Motor1. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  25. ^ Pattni, Vijay (18 January 2023). "Farewell, DBS: this is the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate". Top Gear.
  26. ^ Groves, Jake (14 April 2023). "Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate: 'an emphatic last word'". CAR Magazine.
  27. ^ Barker, John (10 May 2023). "New Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate review – 759bhp super-GT driven". Evo.
  28. ^ "Aston Martin DBS review". Autocar. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  29. ^ "Jeremy Clarkson: The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante Is Too Powerful". The Sunday Times Driving. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  30. ^ "No Time To Die trailer drops, stars James Bond's Aston Martins". Motor1.com. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
 
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