Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is a grand tourer produced by British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin since 2018. In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the car as the marque's V12 flagship grand tourer based on the DB11 V12 but featuring modifications that sets it apart from the DB11 lineage as a replacement to the Vanquish.[3] This car uses the iconic DBS name plate used by both the original DBS and the DB9-based DBS V12. In addition, the car also uses the Superleggera name which is a tribute to Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, who helped Aston Martin develop their lightest grand tourers in the 1960s and 1970s.[4]

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 V12.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin
Production2018–present
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 Aston Martin AE31 twin-turbocharged V12
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)

Design and transmission

The front of the DBS features a new front bumper with a large centre grille 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 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.[5] 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.[6] Chassis-wise, it also comes with torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential for more focused track performance.[7] 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.[8] 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).

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).[9] Three driving modes are available: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus which adjust the car's responsiveness.

Variants

DBS Superleggera Volante

A Volante (convertible) model of the DBS Superleggera 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.[10]

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.[11]

DBS GT Zagato

In October 2019, Aston Martin revealed the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato at the Audrain’s Newport Concours in the 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.[12]

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.[13][14]

Reception and marketing

Matt Saunders of Autocar rewarded the DBS Superleggera with a perfect five-star score stating, "This is already an outstanding super-GT and represents a rejuvenated British car maker at its absolute best."[15] Motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson criticized the DBS Superleggera Volante stating that it "endlessly catches it's chin-mounted skid plates on speed humps" while also criticizing the speed claiming, "It's almost too fast" and that buyers "would be well advised to treat the throttle with extreme caution" concluding that buyers would be better off with the DB11 Volante."[16] The DBS is set to make an appearance in the James Bond film No Time to Die.[17]

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

References
  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. Attwood, James (26 June 2018). "New Aston Martin DBS Superlegerra revealed as Ferrari 812 Competitor". Autocar. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  4. Smith, Luke John (18 April 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - Iconic nameplate returns to replace the Vanquish". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  5. Petrany, Mate (27 June 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Britain's Answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". Road and Track. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  6. Huffman, John Pearley (26 June 2018). "700 Club: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Revealed". Car and Driver. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  7. Pleskot, Kelly (26 June 2018). "ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA PACKS 715 HP". Motor Trend. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  8. 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.
  9. "DBS Superleggera: Aston Martin's flagship Super GT is here". Top Gear. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  10. <Golson, Daniel (23 April 2019). "The 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante Is a 211-MPH Droptop". Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  11. Pattni, Vijay (6 May 2019). "Aston has built a Bond-themed DBS Superleggera". Top Gear. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  12. "This is the sublime Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato". Top Gear. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  13. "The 007 Edition Aston DBS Superleggera and Vantage are here". Top Gear. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  14. "Aston Martin 007 Edition Models Celebrate New James Bond Movie Release". Motor1. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  15. "Autocar, October, 2018". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  16. "JEREMY CLARKSON: THE ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA VOLANTE IS TOO POWERFUL". The Sunday Times Driving. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  17. "New Bond Film stars Various Aston Martins". motor1.com. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
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