My-Dream-Cars reviews : Aston Martin DBS

Truly great luxury sports cars are few and far between. In a world where innovation is all too often hampered by compromise, pure performance is a rarity available only to the genuinely discerning. Designed as the ultimate driving experience, the Aston Martin DBS bridges the gap between road and track – DB9 and DBR9. Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, available in one trim only, the Coupe.

The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology. A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal.

Power

Outstanding power with supreme control: the DBS represents the synthesis of raw power, race-bred technology and design excellence. Powered by a hand-built V12 engine producing 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS), the DBS delivers breathtaking power and performance. Beneath the flowing lines of the lightweight bodywork, the DBS’s components have been honed to create an exhilarating driving experience: taut, dynamic and monumentally fast, but always highly controlled.

Beauty

Striking beauty with an underlying strength: the dynamic abilities of the DBS are made explicit through the muscular elegance of its bodywork. Crafted from aluminium and carbon-fibre, every surface, curve, line and crease has a function, expressing the car’s potency, performance, agility and speed before the start button has even been deployed. The deep spoilers, flared wheel arches and essential scoops and vents convey pure athleticism, without compromising a quality that is integral to every Aston Martin: beauty.

Soul

The DBS is a machine with soul, created for the open road. As well as offering outstanding performance, the DBS is a luxurious sports car in the classic mould, a sporting two-seater that offers refinement, comfort and an unrivalled place to be for fast, elegant travelling. The DBS is a technological tour-deforce wrapped in an exquisite body. The combination of modern materials and traditional skills is an essential element of the Aston Martin experience. In the DBS, the fusion of power, beauty and soul is without equal.

Performance
The DBS was developed as the ultimate expression of Aston Martin’s engineering and technical ability. The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the car’s form and construction. The DBS is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. Its high level of performance is delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six speed transmission.

The 6.0-litre V12 engine is the heart of the DBS. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600 bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin’s road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder powerplant used in the DBR1 also powered the DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s.

Like all current Aston Martin powerplants, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin’s dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens above 5500 rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm.

The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

Control

A true sports car has to be light and well balanced. A lightweight, rigid structure is the design engineer’s ultimate goal, and achieving the right balance between strength and mass is crucial. Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin’s class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity.

This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car’s weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The DBS’s polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12’s high power output and an exhilarating driving experience.

In order to take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics. The Adaptive Damping System automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be ‘softer’, with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or ‘firm’, providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The DBS’s Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car’s sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during ‘normal’ driving conditions. A designated ‘Track’ mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20″ lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS has a revised Dynamic Stability Control system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC ‘Track’ mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car’s limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.

Aston Martin’s engineers have also employed advanced materials and processes to further reduce weight and increase the DBS’s performance and dynamics. A key feature is the extensive use of carbonfibre body panels, as in the DBR race cars. In the case of the DBS, carbon-fibre panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30 kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength. Each panel has been carefully sculpted to direct the airflow around the car, into the engine and to help cool the braking system; the DBS bodywork is a harmonious composition of flowing, muscular forms. The carbon-fibre elements are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques developed from the aerospace and motorsport industries.

The car’s braking system features another innovation, the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The DBS’s carbon ceramic brake system consists of 398 mm diameter ventilated discs with six-piston alloy monobloc calipers at the front and 360 mm diameter ventilated discs with four-piston alloy monobloc calipers at the rear. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5 kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

Design

The unmistakable form of an Aston Martin, with flowing curves, complex surfaces and an unrivalled sculptural beauty; the DBS is every inch a classic Aston Martin, from the hand-finished grille to the carbon-fibre rear diffuser. The aerodynamic excellence of the bodywork is unsullied by superflous spoilers or wings, allowing the lines to run cleanly from bonnet to boot lid.

The design of the DBS conveys the car’s enormous potential, with a seductive flow that incorporates aggressive detailing and powerful stance. Like a well toned athlete in a figure-hugging suit, the bodywork of the DBS is a tight wrapping on the muscle that lies beneath, expressed in the taut lines and heavily sculpted flanks.

The Aston Martin DBS is a sublime example of exquisitely detailed design, from the five hand-finished alloy slats that form the main grille, to the power bulge on the carbon-fibre bonnet and the LED indicators in the classic Aston Martin cast metal side strake. Every element is beautiful, yet strictly functional.

Low, purposeful and sleek, the DBS communicates performance and agility. Despite its unmistakable silhouette and muscular posture, the DBS is also the model of stylish discretion, with perfect proportions that create a sophisticated and desirable statement.

The interior is designed around the driver, providing clear information with primary controls which fall naturally to hand. The main instrument cluster features white numerals on a dark graphite background, while the re-profiled steering wheel perfectly complements the DBS’s intuitive and supremely balanced handling.

The clear, crisp graphics, precise operation of the controls and beautiful finish make the interior of the DBS a very special place to be. The centre console is a blend of analogue instruments and digital technology, including an advanced audio system, MP3 player connectivity and satellite navigation, regulated by controls fashioned from solid, turned aluminium.

To start the DBS is pure theatre. Ignition is controlled by a stainless steel and sapphire ECU (Emotion Control Unit), as refined and elegant as a fine timepiece. Once inserted into the dashboard, the ECU glows red in delicious anticipation of the glorious sound of the V12 engine.

Tasked with creating the opulent feel of a true luxury sports car whilst also saving weight, Aston Martin’s designers have used special semi-aniline leather, with its softer, more sensual feel and distinctive aroma. The Alcantara and semi-aniline leather sports seats are electrically adjustable and bear the DBS signature stitch patterning and logo.

iPod Integration

The DBS features a complete integration package for iPod personal digital media players from Apple, allowing the iPod to be seamlessly incorporated into the dashboard display and electronic systems. The DBS is Aston Martin’s flagship V12 model, a performance grand tourer developed from race-bred technology, innovative new materials and Aston Martin’s legendary design skills and attention to detail.

The iPod range is integrated into the DBS via a specially designed interface, bringing the functions of this award-winning range of digital media players into the car’s in-dash display. Finger-tip controls replicate the innovative menu structure of the iPod to ensure that your hands need never stray from the wheel in the search for the perfect accompaniment.

The iPod is docked with the DBS via a cable located in a compartment in the centre arm-rest, which also provides the iPod with power. There is ample space available, allowing all types of iPod, including the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic, to be used in conjunction with the car. A power socket, auxiliary input and USB interface allow the connection of other media players.

Once docked with the cable connection, the iPod menus are replicated on the DBS’s main display. The driver can use either the selector wheel or two steering wheel buttons to replace the iconic click wheel interface of the iPod, allowing one to safely navigate through the music on the iPod without the need to take your hands off the wheel.

Full iPod functionality comes as standard, meaning one can browse through up to160GB of music on the move, switching between artists, albums, playlists or simply shuffling random tracks as the mood takes you. With up to 40,000 songs at your disposal, the perfect combination of road and soundtrack are never more than a few clicks away.

Playback is through Aston Martin’s Premium 700 W Audio System – standard equipment with the DBS – , with a Dolby® Pro Logic II® circuit developed exclusively to provide outstanding sound quality.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc.

SPECIFICATION

Body

• Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 seating
• Bonded aluminium VH structure
• Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon fibre composite body
• Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
• High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam)
• Halogen projector headlamps (main beam)
• LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine

• All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
• Compression ratio 10.9:1
• Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
• Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves

Transmission

• Rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2′ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
• Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
• Limited-slip differential
• Final drive ratio – manual: 3.71:1
• Final drive ratio – automatic 3.46:1

Steering

• Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock to lock
• Column tilt and reach adjustment

Wheels and Tyres

• Front: 8.5’’ x 20’’ Pirelli P Zero 245/35
• Rear: 11’’ x 20’’ Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Suspension

• Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode
• Front: Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers.
• Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers.

Brakes

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Traction Control
• Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
• Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers

Interior

• Semi-aniline leather and Alcantara interior
• Matrix alloy facia trim and Iridium Silver centre console finish
• Carbon fibre door trims and door pulls
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA & Canada only)
• Electrically adjustable seats
• Memory seats & exterior mirrors (three positions)
• Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags
• Side airbags (sports seats only)
• Heated seats (sports seats only)
• Heated rear screen
• Automatic temperature control
• Organic electroluminescent (OEL) displays
• Trip computer
• LED map lights
• Cruise control
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system*1,2
• Bluetooth® telephone preparation*1
• Powerfold exterior mirrors
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring system*1
• Alarm and immobiliser
• Remote-control central door locking and boot release
• Umbrella and holder
• Battery Disconnect Switch (BDS)
• Battery conditioner
• Tracking device (UK only)*3
• Boot-mounted umbrella

In-Car Entertainment

• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system
• Integrated Apple iPod® connector*4
• USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
• 3.5mm auxiliary socket

Options

• 20″ alloy wheels with Graphite finish
• 20″ 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels
• 20″ 10-spoke diamond turned graphite painted alloy wheels
• 2+2 Seating
• Satellite radio system (USA only)
• Piano Black facia trim and centre console finish
• Leather storage saddle
• Personalised sill plaques
• Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror*1
• Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener (Europe only)
• Alarm upgrade (volumetric & tilt sensors)
• Tracking device*1/3
• First aid kit
• Ashtray and cigar lighter

Dimensions

• Length: 4721mm (185.9’’)
• Wheelbase: 2740mm (107.9’’)
• Width: 1905mm (75’’) exc. Mirrors 2060mm (81.1’’) inc. Mirrors
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp gall, 20.5 US gall)
• Height: 1280mm (50.4’’)
• Weight: 1695kg (3737 lb)

Performance

• Max speed: 191mph (307km/h)
• Max power: 380kW (510bhp/517 PS) @ 6500 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-100km/h (62mph) 4.3 seconds
• Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm

*1 Not available in all markets. Please consult your dealer for details.
*2 Includes Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) in Continental Europe.
*3 Complies with UK Thatcham Category 5 requirements. Excludes subscription. Standard in the UK.
*4 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries
*5 Data not applicable to North American market

My-Dream-Cars reviews : Aston Martin DBS