Styled by Aston Martin’s in-house designer William Towns, DBS was a dramatic departure from the DB6 it was conceived to complement as a flagship model for the brand. Powered from launch by Aston Martin’s celebrated Tadek Marek-designed inline-six engine (in both regular and more powerful Vantage specifications) the fastback four-seater DBS was produced alongside the ageing DB6 for three years, until the older car was finally phased out in 1970.
Two years into production, the six-cylinder DBS was joined by the DBS V8, which was powered by Aston Martin’s all-new, all-alloy 5.3-litre V8 engine. Featuring distinctive alloy wheels in place of the original car’s wire wheels and ventilated disc brakes to cope with the increased performance, DBS V8 was hailed as the world’s fastest four-seater production car. In total, just over 1000 DBS examples were built between 1967 and 1972, including both V6 and V8-powered editions.
After a 35-year hiatus the DBS name was revived in 2007, when the all-new DBS was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. A development of the DB9, DBS went on-sale the following year, replacing the first generation Vanquish S.
In the new DBS Superleggera, Aston Martin has a Super GT that’s a breed apart. One that takes the fight to the world’s best on its own terms. Clad using immaculately sculpted carbon fibre body panels this latest model is blessed with muscular, highly individual styling. A look that’s perfectly matched by epic performance courtesy of Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, tuned to produce tremendous power and immense torque for breath-taking response and extraordinary in-gear performance.
Still Very British
As the British marque’s magnificent new Super GT flagship, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera replaces the esteemed Vanquish S. That’s a tough act to follow, but one it was born to do.
Chasing Down The Rivals
With 725PS, 900Nm of torque, a top speed of 211mph and blistering acceleration that dispatches 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds, DBS Superleggera is a car dedicated to delivering an unforgettable driving experience and class-leading in-gear acceleration, with 50-100mph achieved in fourth gear in a mere 4.2 seconds.
While being resolutely modern in design and engineering, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera proudly evokes the towering reputations of Aston Martin’s hardest hitting and best-loved flagships from the past. Combining generous proportions with aggression and athleticism, DBS Superleggera expresses itself with an explicit design language. One that combines compelling curves with advanced aerodynamics for a sleek shape that both cheats the wind and clamps the car to the road.
Aeronautics
Evolving innovative aerodynamic concepts first seen on the DB11 – such as the curlicue and Aeroblade – and then taking things further with an F1-inspired double-diffuser, DBS Superleggera generates 180kg of downforce at VMAX: the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin. This significant increase comes with no additional drag penalty.
The Heart
The heart of Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine. Set low and and as far back in the chassis as possible to optimise the centre-of-gravity and weight distribution, this high-performance engine develops 725PS at 6500rpm and 900Nm from 1800-5000rpm. Detailed tuning of the V12 together with a new exhaust strategy with active valves and quad tail pipes ensures DBS Superleggera has a commanding and powerful sound character, particularly in the more aggressive dynamic modes, while retaining a level of refinement and civility that compliments its role as the consummate Super GT.
DBS Superleggera deploys its prodigious power and torque to the rear wheels via a new rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Featuring a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring for precise, predictable and exploitable handling and a lower final drive for explosive in-gear acceleration, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera combines the responses of a supercar with the refinement of a GT, with the capability of a maximum speed of 211mph.
Riding Machine
The chassis is an evolution of the latest generation lightweight bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, with forged double wishbones at the front and a sophisticated multi-link system at the rear. Latest generation adaptive damping is fitted as standard, with sensors detecting the prevailing driving conditions, as well as the demands the driver is making of the car. Both the powertrain and chassis have a choice of three dynamic modes – GT, Sport and Sport Plus – which can be selected by the driver to intensify or relax DBS Superleggera’s responses according to the needs of the driver.
Living Conditions
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera features a generous level of standard equipment, including keyless entry, tyre pressure monitoring system and a 360-degree camera with Parking Distance Display and Park Assist. The audio system has DAB plus Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, iPod, iPhone and USB playback. There is also an integrated satellite navigation system and wi-fi hub. All the in-car infotainment systems use a central LCD screen, controlled via a central dial.
Cladding
As befits its flagship status, DBS Superleggera features a high level of craftsmanship with extensive scope for personalisation via a generous choice of options. Supple, aromatic leather and Alcantara upholstery comes as standard, as do the Sports Plus performance seats and steering wheel.
Wheels
There is a choice of two alloy wheel designs: the standard ‘Y’ Spoke Forged Wheel and the Lightweight Twin Spoke Forged wheel. Both are 21″ in diameter and fitted with Pirelli tyres developed specifically for DBS Superleggera. There is also a choice of striking Designer Specifications, with specially chosen colour and trim combinations selected by the Aston Martin Design Team to accentuate certain aspects of DBS Superleggera’s character.
Design & Aerodynamics
As befits its position as the flagship of Aston Martin’s series production range, the new DBS Superleggera is a truly stunning piece of design. Designed in-house at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, under the guidance of Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, DBS Superleggera captures the spirit of its great Super GT ancestors, combining the inherent elegance for which Aston Martin is renowned with raw potency and pure aggression. The result is a distinctive and imposing machine blessed with tremendous physical presence, but also a shape of unusual purity, balance and immaculate detailing.
Continuing Aston Martin’s pursuit of highly individual designs for each of its models, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera combines perfect proportions and painstaking surfacing. Its magnificent physique – flawlessly sculpted utilising lightweight carbon fibre panels – is compelling, while carefully considered details create areas of intrigue while clearly showcasing the aerodynamic functionality that sets this supreme Super GT from its rivals.
The bold front grille is influenced by one of the most repeated shapes found in nature – the honeycomb – while the bonnet’s elongated power bulges and flared nostril bonnet vents create a dynamic sense of speed, while emulating its spiritual predecessor. With drawn-in flanks sculpted to accentuate the muscularity of the broad front shoulders and powerful rear haunches, DBS Superleggera boasts a dramatically honed physique that mirrors the extreme muscular nature of its performance.
The front splitter and airdam work in unison, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes. The new deeper side strake draws more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and aid high-speed stability. Behind the front wheels, the so-called ‘open stirrup’ and ‘curlicue’ – inspired by the Aston Martin Vulcan and Vantage GTE race car – allow air to escape and flow cleanly along the car’s flanks. At the rear, the combination of a Double Diffuser and enhanced Aeroblade ll cleverly ducts airflow to generate additional drag-free downforce – the highest ever achieved by a series production Aston Martin with 180kg at VMAX.
The interior makes an equally bold statement: clear, intuitive ergonomics and flowing lines combined with bold use of materials. Brilliantly supportive Sports Plus seats hold you firmly in place but readily deliver exceptional long-distance comfort, while the faceted Sports Plus steering wheel is tactile perfection. A hooded Sports binnacle shrouds the recessed instruments to further enhance the driver-focussed cockpit feel.
Fixed, full-length paddle shifters facilitate up and downshifts without the driver having to reposition their hands on the steering wheel during cornering, with the shift actuation honed for a direct and positive feel. The centre console features the familiar array of ‘PRND’ transmission buttons in the upper section, with smooth touch-sensitive HVAC controls located in the lower portion. Operation of the infotainment system is via a centrally-mounted control dial.
The new DBS Superleggera will be available for viewing in the showroom. For viewing appointment, please call +60 3 2163 1196. Estimated price from RM1,205,000 before duties.
For more information, visit www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com
