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