The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been unveiled and dubbed the British supercar brand’s ‘fastest and most-powerful ever.’
The new model replaces the Vanquish S as Aston Martin’s most potent car and returns the DBS designation to the line-up for the first time since 2012. The Superleggera suffix, first used in 1967 on the original Aston Martin DBS, is Italian for ‘Super Light’ and was originally used by an Italian coachbuilder.
Expected to target the likes of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the DBS Superleggera will cost from £225,000 and is evolved from the DB11.
The new model employs the same 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine as the DB11, but tuned upwards to produce 725hp and 900Nm of torque compared to the 630hp and 700Nm of the fastest DB11 AMR.
It is put to the road by a new rear-mounted ZF transmission with eight speeds. A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted with torque vectoring to aid handling and a lower final drive.
As a result, the DBS Superleggera offers a top speed of 211mph and a 0-62mph time of only 3.4 seconds – 0-100mph takes just 6.4 seconds.
Body construction of the newcomer employs an updated version of the bonded aluminium structure used on the DB11 and clad in carbon fibre panels styled for a more muscular appearance. Aerodynamics that debuted on the DB11 have been retained for the new DBS, including the ‘curlicue’ and ‘Aeroblade’ downforce aids.
The car also boasts Formula One-style double-diffuser aerodynamics combining to generate 180kg of downforce at full speed – the highest yet on a series production Aston Martin but according to its makers with no additional drag penalty.
Suspension employs forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. Aston Martin’s latest generation adaptive damping is fitted as standard, with three modes selectable by the driver – GT, Sport and Sport Plus change both chassis and powertrain settings accordingly.
First examples of the DBS Superleggera are expected on UK roads in the Autumn of 2018.
