Aston Martin's latest combines two names, drops weight and adds power to make a new flagship grand tourer.
The DBS Superleggera calls back to a badge Aston has used for decades, along with the coachbuilder that helped create it. The first Aston Martin Superleggera was the DB4. Back then, the name referred to the lightweight tube-frame chassis built for the car by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring. The DBS badge came with the DB6 replacement in 1967. The name returned for a flagship Aston from 2007-2012.
This latest does the names proud. It starts with a 725 hp, 664 lb-ft, twin-turbo 5.2L V12. That's 117 more than the last DBS made. The engine is mounted low and back in the chassis to improve weight distribution and handling.
It doesn't wear a tube-chassis like the original, but it's still special. The chassis is bonded aluminum, and based on the DB11's. Carbon fibre body panels and an evolution of the structure trim the curb weight to 1,693 kg, and 72 kilos less than the DB11. The extra power and reduced weight make this rear-drive GT even quicker. Aston says it'll hit 100 km/h from rest in 3.4 seconds, 160 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach 342 km/h flat out.
Helping it hit that top speed, the gorgeous bodywork works in the wind tunnel as well. Thanks to an F1-inspired double-diffuser, the DBS Superleggera generates 180 kg of downforce at top speed. That's the most ever for a production Aston, and the automaker says it comes with no drag penalty. Bringing the party to a stop are carbon brake discs at all four corners.
Since this is a Super GT, not a track monster, there are plenty of comforts inside. Like a 360-degree camera with park distance display and park assist. It will even hold luggage for two. Not much of it, based on the photos, but two small suitcases and two bags. Leather and Alcantara are standard on the performance seats. Two 21-inch alloy designs are available, both wearing special Pirelli tires.
Deliveries of the DBS Superleggera are expected in the third quarter of this year.
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