Engineering:Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

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Short description: Grand tourer produced by Aston Martin as a successor to the Vanquish
Aston Martin DBS (AM7)
Aston dbs.jpg
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 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)
uk|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight
  • 1,693 kg (3,732 lb) (Coupe)[1]
    1,863 kg (4,107 lb) (Volante)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAston Martin Vanquish (Second Generation)

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, also sold as the Aston Martin DBS,[3] is a grand touring car produced by British manufacturer Aston Martin since 2018. In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the car as a replacement to the Vanquish that 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 V12 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]

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 German-built,[6] 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.[7] 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.[8] Chassis-wise, it also comes with torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential for more focused track performance.[9] 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.[10] 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).[11] Three driving modes are available: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus which adjust the car's responsiveness.

Variants

DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition

In February 2019, Aston Martin unveiled a DBS Superleggera in partnership with Swiss luxury watch maker TAG Heuer. Production was limited to 50 units worldwide. The bespoke colour is Monaco Black, a metallic black paint with subtle red sparks. It came with full 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 bespoke black leather and alcantara quilting with red stitching, only available on this limited edition.

Each of the 50 cars came with a limited edition TAG Heuer watch, the DBS Edition Carrera Heuer 02, only available to the buyers of the DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer edition. The dial represents the grille of the DBS and the black and red leather strap reminds the interior of the car.[12]

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.[13]

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.[14]

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.[15]

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.[16][17]

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.[18] Production is limited to just 499 units (300 coupés and 199 convertibles), with every build slot already sold out.[19][20]

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."[21] 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.[22] The DBS made an appearance in the James Bond film No Time to Die.[23]

Gallery

References

  1. "DBS Superleggera review: we drive the ultimate Aston". Car Magazine. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/aston-martin/dbs-superleggera/. 
  2. "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante (2019) review: sun seeker". Car Magazine. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/aston-martin/dbs-superleggera-volante/. 
  3. HUNTER, GoAutoMedia-CALLUM. "Aston Martin announces range-wide MY22 updates" (in en). https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/aston-martin/aston-martin-announces-range-wide-my22-updates/2021-07-26/85557.html. 
  4. Attwood, James (26 June 2018). "New Aston Martin DBS Superlegerra revealed as Ferrari 812 Competitor". Autocar. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-revealed-ferrari-812-competitor. 
  5. Smith, Luke John (2018-04-18). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - Iconic nameplate returns to replace the Vanquish" (in en). Express.co.uk. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/947744/Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-Vanquish-car-2018. 
  6. "Aston Martin Starts Production of New 5.2-Liter Twin-Turbo V-12 Engine". 21 June 2016. https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/aston-martin-starts-production-of-new-52-liter-twin-turbo-v-12-engine-ar173589.amp.html. 
  7. Petrany, Mate (27 June 2018). "Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Britain's Answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". Road and Track. https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a21945106/aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-britains-answer-to-the-ferrari-812-superfast/. 
  8. Huffman, John Pearley (26 June 2018). "700 Club: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Revealed". Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2019-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-official-photos-and-info. 
  9. Pleskot, Kelly (26 June 2018). "ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA PACKS 715 HP". Motor Trend. http://www.motortrend.com/news/aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-packs-715-hp/. 
  10. Gallagher, Stuart (26 June 2018). "New 715bhp Aston Martin DBS Superleggera debuts – Aston's answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast". EVO. http://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/vanquish/20204/new-715bhp-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-debuts-aston-s-answer-to-the. 
  11. "DBS Superleggera: Aston Martin's flagship Super GT is here". Top Gear. August 2018. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/aston-martin/dbs-superleggera. 
  12. Press release: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer edition https://media.astonmartin.com/aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-tag-heuer-edition/
  13. Golson, Daniel (23 April 2019). "The 2020 Aston Martin DBS Volante Is a 211-MPH Droptop". Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27228582/2020-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-volante-photos-info/. 
  14. Pattni, Vijay (6 May 2019). "Aston has built a Bond-themed DBS Superleggera". Top Gear. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/movies/aston-has-built-bond-themed-dbs-superleggera. 
  15. "This is the sublime Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato" (in en). 2019-10-04. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/sublime-aston-martin-dbs-gt-zagato. 
  16. "The 007 Edition Aston DBS Superleggera and Vantage are here". 17 August 2020. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/movies/007-edition-aston-dbs-superleggera-and-vantage-are-here. 
  17. "Aston Martin 007 Edition Models Celebrate New James Bond Movie Release". https://www.motor1.com/news/439395/vantage-dbs-superleggera-007-edition/. 
  18. Pattni, Vijay (18 January 2023). "Farewell, DBS: this is the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate". https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/farewell-dbs-aston-martin-dbs-770-ultimate. 
  19. Groves, Jake (14 April 2023). "Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate: 'an emphatic last word'". https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/aston-martin/dbs-770-ultimate/. 
  20. Barker, John (10 May 2023). "New Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate review – 759bhp super-GT driven". https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/dbs/770-ultimate. 
  21. "Autocar, October, 2018". Autocar.co.uk. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/dbs-superleggera. 
  22. "JEREMY CLARKSON: THE ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA VOLANTE IS TOO POWERFUL". The Sunday Times Driving. 13 October 2019. https://www.driving.co.uk/news/jeremy-clarkson-even-think-aston-martin-dbs-superleggera-volante-powerful/. 
  23. "New Bond Film stars Various Aston Martins". motor1.com. https://uk.motor1.com/news/386117/james-bond-new-trailer-release/.