Aston Martin · 2018–2024

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, also sold as the Aston Martin DBS, is a grand touring car produced by British manufacturer Aston Martin from 2018 to 2024. In June 2018, Aston Martin unveiled the car as a replacement to the second-generation Vanquish. It is based on the DB11 V12, but featuring modifications that differentiate it from the DB11 lineage. The DBS name was previously used for a model built from 1967 to 1972 and for the DB9-based DBS 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. In September 2024, Aston Martin announced the third-generation Vanquish as the successor of the DBS Superleggera.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Aston Martin Vanquish · Successor: Aston Martin Vanquish (2024)

All Aston Martin DBS Superleggera data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Specifications

The front of the DBS features a new front bumper, with a larger centre grille compared to the DB11, 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 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which is cast and manufactured at Grainger & Worrall in the United Kingdom before being shipped to the Aston Martin engine plant in Cologne for assembly, is rated 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. In order to optimise the centre of gravity and weight distribution, the engine 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. Chassis-wise, it also comes with torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential for more focused track performance. The car also features many of the same aerodynamic features first seen on the DB11, including Aston Martin's 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. A new quad-pipe titanium exhaust system improves 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). Three driving modes are available: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus which adjust the car's responsiveness.

Variants

=== DBS 59 === The Aston Martin DBS 59 was the first limited-edition version of the DBS Superleggera, created to commemorate Aston Martin's 1-2 finish at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 24 units were produced, each representing one hour of the race. It features an exclusive "Aston Martin Racing Green" paint, bronze detailing on the grille, wheels, and badges, and a revised interior with Heritage Racing Seats trimmed in Obsidian Black leather and fabric inspired by the original DBR1. Each car includes period-correct racing accessories like racing gloves, period-helmet replicas, and a custom luggage set. The DBS 59 retains the 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing 725 PS (533 kW; 715 hp). 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. DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition. In February 2019, Aston Martin unveiled a DBS Superleggera in partnership with Swiss luxury watch maker TAG Heuer. Fifty were built. The bespoke colour is Monaco Black, a metallic black paint with subtle red sparks. It came with 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 black leather and alcantara quilting with red stitching which is only available on this vehicle. Each car came with a limited edition TAG Heuer watch, the DBS Edition Carrera Heuer 02, which was only available to the buyers of the vehicle. The dial represents the grille of the DBS and th

Reception and marketing

Matt Saunders of Autocar awarded the DBS Superleggera a perfect five stars stating, "This is already an outstanding super-GT and represents a rejuvenated British car maker at its absolute best." 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. The DBS made an appearance in the James Bond film No Time to Die.

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