Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 27 | 06 | 2018
ASTON MARTIN HAS paid homage to its long and illustrious history by naming it’s new £225,000, 716bhp flagship the DBS Superleggera. The DBS name first appeared in 1967, while the name Superleggera hints at the lightweight construction. (Related: Scots Aston Martin dealer is World No1)
The latest model — first deliveries of the DBS Superleggera are due towards the end of this year — uses the new DB11 as its base. And while the newcomer is also powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12, the powerplant fitted to the Superleggera is notably different.
Not only does it tip the scales 70kg lighter than a V12 DB11, it also uses shorter gearing for better performance. It also comes with a tuned quad exhaust which is 10db louder. According to Aston Martin’s engineering director Matt Becker, that helps make it “more engaging and exciting than DB11.”
Delivering 716bhp and 900Nm of torque, the DBS Superleggera covers the 0-62mph sprint in 3.4secs and carries on to a top speed of 211mph. (Related: Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate)
Power is fed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a lightweight carbon fibre prop shaft. And as if to prove that the Superleggera is a more focussed car than the DB11, Aston has ensured the same drive modes as the Vantage are on hand. That means GT, Sport and Sport + with each tweaking the power delivery, suspension, handling aids, gearbox and steering to make the car progressively shaper and faster.
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.
As befits its flagship status, the 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.
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.
“DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the Super GT sector,” Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, said. "Handsome beyond measure, its lightweight carbon composite and aluminium body is sculpted into a shape with tremendous presence and charisma.
“Thanks to the remarkable torque available from its twin-turbo V12, DBS Superleggera also packs a breath-taking punch, yet its dynamics have been carefully honed to engage drivers of all ability levels. Immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship.”
Related: Aston Martin confirms Red Bull F1 deal
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Jim McGill