DBS

Segment
Coupe

After building our anticipation with tantalizing teasers, spy videos, and leaked images, Aston Martin has presented the new range-topping DBS Superleggera to replace the Vanquish S. Representing the automaker's new Super GT flagship, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera revives two iconic nameplates. The DBS moniker was first used in 1967 and hasn't been used since Aston Martin's DB9-based DBS that appeared in Casino Royale back in 2006, which incidentally replaced the first-generation Vanquish.

The Superleggera name, on the other hand, is a homage to the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring that helped design some of the lightest Aston Martins ever made. Powering Aston Martin's new Ferrari 812 Superfast-fighting flagship is the same 5.2-liter, twin-turbo V12 found in the DB11 tuned to deliver a whopping 715 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and and 516 lb-ft of torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm. To optimize the center of gravity and weight distribution, the V12 unit has been placed low and as far back in the chassis as possible. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a new rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Featuring a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring, Aston Martin says the DBS Superleggera "combines the responses of a supercar with the refinement of a GT." 0-62 mph takes a blistering 3.4 seconds, while 0-100 mph takes 6.4 seconds before the DBS Superleggera tops out at 211 mph.

As you'd expect from a new flagship Aston Martin, the DBS Superleggera adopts an aggressive design, blending sleek curves with advanced aerodynamics and a gaping grille. In essence, it looks like a DB11 on steroids. It features the same aerodynamics first seen on the DB11 including Aston Martin's innovative Aeroblade system, but takes things to the next level with an F1-inspired double-diffuser that helps the DBS Superleggera generate 396 pounds of downforce – the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin. This significant increase comes with no additional drag penalty, either.

A new exhaust system featuring active valves and quad tail pipes ensures the DBS Superleggera has a "commanding and powerful sound character," while still retaining the refinement you'd expect from a potent grand tourer. The chassis is an evolution of Aston Martin's lightweight bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, with forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. Adaptive damping is fitted as standard, with sensors detecting the driving conditions. Thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, the DBS Superleggera is 158 pounds lighter than the DB11, bringing the curb weight down to 3,732 pounds.

Three selectable dynamic modes are available: GT, Sport and Sport Plus, which intensify or relax the DBS Superleggera's responses as required. As standard, the DBS Superleggera includes keyless entry, a tire 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's also an integrated satellite navigation system and wi-fi hub, while the in-car infotainment systems use a central LCD screen. Inside, the cabin looks strikingly similar to the DB11's interior.

Leather and Alcantara upholstery comes as standard, along with Sports Plus performance seats and steering wheel. Alternatively, customers can opt for more striking Designer Specifications with specially chosen color and trim combinations selected by the Aston Martin Design Team. There's also a choice of two 21-inch alloy wheel designs wrapped in Pirelli tires developed specifically for DBS Superleggera: the standard 'Y' Spoke Forged Wheel and the Lightweight Twin Spoke Forged wheel. Prices for the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera start at $304,995, with deliveries slated to start in Q3 2018.