The new DBS Superleggera packs nearly as much power as the hyper-rare One-77.
Today, the DBS name returns to the Aston Martin lineup. Much in the spirit of the last-generation DBS, the new version is lighter and more powerful than the DB11 on which it’s based. Not only that, but the DBS is another symbol of Aston’s commitment to V12 engines. Specifically, the DBS houses the same 5.2-liter quad-cam, twin-turbo V12 as in the standard DB11. However, here Aston Martin has turned the power up to 11. The DBS Superleggera produces 715 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. That’s a healthy 115 horsepower bump over the DB11. Power is driven to the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
Replacing the Aston Martin Vanquish S as the brand’s GT flagship, the DBS Superleggera weighs 100 pounds less than the outgoing model. Thanks to a bonded aluminum structure and carbon fiber bodywork, the 3,733 pound DBS is also 158 pounds lighter than the DB11. Aston Martin claims that with all that power and less weight, the DBS Superleggera can hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Its top speed is pegged at 211 mph.
But it’s not just straight-line performance Aston Martin focused on. This car produces nearly 400 pounds of downforce with an F1-style double-diffuser. The Aston Marton DBS Superleggera also features a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectorign for better handling through the corners. Drivers can choose from three driving modes: GT, Sport and Sport Plus.
As you’d expect from an Aston Martin, this level of power, looks and luxury don’t come cheap. In fact, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will start at $304,995, and will go on sale later this year. Still, despite the twin-turbo V12 engine, estimated fuel economy figures stand at around 19-20 U.S. mpg, or 12.28 L/100km.
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SPECIFICATIONS: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
| On Sale: | Q3 2018 |
| Base MSRP: | $304,995 |
| Engine: | 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Drivetrain (Layout): | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower: | 715 hp @ 6,500 RPM |
| Torque: | 663 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 5,000 RPM |
| Transmission: | ZF eight-speed automatic |
| 0-60 Acceleration: | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 211 mph |
| Suspension: | Front: Independent double-wishbone w/ coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive dampingRear: Multilink w/ coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive damping |
| Brakes: | Front: 16.1-inch ventilated carbon ceramic discsRear: 14.2-inch ventilated carbon ceramic discs |
| Tires: | Front: Pirelli P Zero P265/35 R21
Rear: Pirelli P Zero P305/30 R21 |
| Fuel economy (EPA): | 22.9 MPG (imperial) / 12.28 l/100km
Approximately 19 Combined mpg U.S. |
Dimensions:
| Wheelbase: | 110.4 inches |
| Length: | 185.5 inches |
| Width: | 84.5 inches (excl. mirrors) |
| Height: | 50.39 inches |
| Turning Circle: | 40.6 feet |
| Curb Weight: | 3,734 pounds (1,693 kg dry) |
