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]
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
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
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
DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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]
