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Aston Martin’s DBS Superleggera is a ‘Super GT’ to rival the Ferrari 812

It was leaked all over the Internet yesterday but now it’s official – Aston Martin has revealed the DBS Superleggera, a 715bhp ‘Super GT’ that replaces the outgoing Vanquish S as the marque’s flagship model and returns both the DBS and Superleggera names to the Aston range…

Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century’ product offensive continues with the arrival of the DBS Superleggera, an extreme evolution of the DB11 that is less long-distance Grand Tourer and more pulse-raising supercar. From an aesthetic point of view, the wide and muscular aluminium and carbon-fibre body is dominated by the deep honeycomb grille and aggressive Vulcan-inspired splitters and rear double-diffuser, which, combined, generate 180kg of downforce – the highest ever figure for a production Aston.

Beneath the surface, the 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 has been moved lower and further back in the chassis and fettled to develop 715bhp at 6,500rpm and 664lb ft between 1,800 and 5,000rpm. Coupled with a 70kg reduction in weight over the DB11, the DBS speeds from 0–62mph in 3.4sec and onto a top speed of 211mph. Aston says the DBS also sounds more ‘commanding and powerful’, thanks to the new quad exhaust arrangement. A stiffer rear sub-frame, a Dynamic Stability Control system, and revised engine mounts should equate to a more dynamic, responsive, and exciting driving experience, akin to that of the new Vantage but with slightly more refinement.

While the use of Touring’s Superleggera name is nothing more than a marketing gimmick and the removal of the rear Aston wing badge is sacrilege, we think the DBS looks fantastic and, on paper at least, a prospective rival to Ferrari’s fabulous 812 Superfast. It’ll cost 275,000 euros when it hits the showrooms in the autumn. 

Photos: Aston Martin  

You can find a broad selection of classic and modern Aston Martins listed for sale in the Classic Driver Market.