Aston Martin DBS

Source: Exec Digital US

Date :21/11/2007 05:24:38

Elegance, charisma and capability are three elements to describe the new Aston Martin DBS.

You only had to take one look at its V12 Vanquish to see that the firm had successfully encompassed all of these characteristics.

While the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish ceased production in 2007, a gateway was opened for a newly created model this year and the 2008 Aston Martin DBS is all geared up to be the firm’s next top performer.

And it needs to be just that; following Ford’s sale of Aston Martin to a UK led group in June, the company will be competing for the affections of America’s millionaires with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz.

Visually, the front end of the DBS is dominated by air scoops and cooling ducts which help cool the six-litre V12 engine. ?On appearance it is bigger, meaner and curvier than the Aston Martin DB9, which was pitched as a low end 911 Porsche turbo in terms of price and appeal. The DBS, however, slots firmly into a category of its own.

It’s essentially a DB9 with more power, more grip, and less weight. When coupled with its race style interior, the car becomes something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is also the first Aston Martin to use composite brake discs.

While our European cousins are offered luxurious sport seats made from carbon fiber, these can’t accommodate an occupant sensor, and therefore contravene US airbag regulations. Instead, we’ll have to make do with the standard seats, which unfortunately cost precious cabin space.

But with over a thousand people pre-ordering the eagerly awaited DBS, this is a car that is set to deliver the complete driving experience, and it’s a clear sign that Aston Martin may yet flourish without the backing of Ford’s financial muscle.

With a price tag of US$265, 000, the DBS is set to be the most extreme road-going Aston Martin available, a car that is aimed at the bigger boys as an alternative to the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, the Lamborghini Gallardo or even the Porsche GT3 RS.

ASTON MARTIN DBS

Technical Data

Engine

Number of cylinders

12

Engine Configuration

V

Displacement

362 ci

Power at engine speed

517PS @ 6,500rpm

Torque at engine speed

420lb-ft @ 5,750rpm

Transmission

0-62 4.3 s

Top track speed

191mph

Weight:

Maximum gross weight

3,737lb

Price

US$265, 000

For more information:

Aston Martin