Aston Martin has finally taken the wraps off the new DBS Superleggera, which replaces the Vanquish S. The Gaydon-based automaker describes the new model as “a Super GT that’s a breed apart”.
The two-door (with 2+2 seating) draws a considerable 533 kW and 900 N.m (the latter from 1 800 to 5 000 r/min) from its twin-turbo 5,2-litre V12 heart, resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3,4 seconds and a 0-160 km/h time of 6,4 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, comes in at a heady 340 km/h.
Drive is directed to the rear wheels via a new rear-mounted, ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. A mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring allows what the brand calls “precise, predictable and exploitable handling”, while a lower final drive makes for “explosive” in-gear acceleration.
Aston Martin promises that “detailed tuning” of the V12 along with a new exhaust system with active valves and quad tailpipes ensure that the DBS Superleggera has a “commanding and powerful sound character”.
The chassis is an evolution of the latest-generation lightweight bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, with forged double wishbones up front and a multi-link system at the rear. Adaptive damping is fitted as standard. With a dry weight of 1 693 kg, the DBS Superleggera is 72 kg lighter than the DB11.
The automaker says there is a choice of two alloy wheel designs, both measuring 21 inches in diameter and both wrapped in Pirelli rubber developed specifically for the DBS Superleggera. Braking is taken care of thanks to 410 mm front and 360 mm rear ventilated carbon-ceramic discs.
“DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the Super GT sector. Handsome beyond measure, its lightweight carbon-composite and aluminium body is sculpted into a shape with tremendous presence and charisma,” said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and CEO.
“Thanks to the remarkable torque available from its twin-turbo V12, DBS Superleggera also packs a breath-taking punch, yet its dynamics have been carefully honed to engage drivers of all ability levels. Immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship,” he added.
