New DB11-based supercar gets 720hp of V12 turbo power in a bid to attract some punters of the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
It surely looks like a racy DB11…
After teasing the market for months about its all-new DBS Superleggera, Aston Martin has finally revealed it in production-ready form.
Designed as a replacement for the DB9-based Vanquish, the DBS Superleggera is being built around the credentials of the DB11.
As the Gaydon suits want to make the DBS Superleggera the most potent and sporty Aston to look at, a raft of pronounced design elements feature on the skin.
Although the profile looks DB11 fanfare, the DBS Superleggera receives a mesh-style grille and big air vents up front, as well as bonnet creases pointing to the engine’s potency. The rear sees four tailpipes and a slim rear lamp design.
The interior of the DBS Superleggera has been tailored to look different from that of the DB11 via the use of unique leather upholstery and plastic trim.
That power level doesn’t seem to beat the Fezza…
For the DBS Superleggera, Aston has taken the existing 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 and modified it to produce 725hp and 900Nm. That’s nearly 120hp more than in the stock DB11 and around 90hp more than in the AMR-fettled version.
The brand’s eight-speed torque-converter automatic has been recalibrated to suit the DBS Superleggera’s sporty character and sends drive to just the rear wheels.
As a result, the DBS Superleggera goes from 0-100kph in 3.4sec. That’s 0.5sec and 0.3sec quicker than in the DB11 and AMR variant respectively.
As well, the DBS Superleggera’s acceleration time is a tenth of a second quicker the outgoing Vanquish S, which had 600hp 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12.
But yes, as you suggested, the DBS Superleggera seemingly doesn’t have the on-paper credentials to beat the Ferrari. The 812 Superfast has 800hp 6.5-litre non-turbo V12 good for 0-100kph in 2.9sec.
So it won’t be dearer than the Fezza…
That’s the case, as performance and price usually go collateral in the game of selling supercars.
As the 812 Superfast costs 31 million baht in Thailand, the DBS Superleggera would cost just a smidge less than that when sales start in the third quarter of this year.
But as Aston has always said from day one of announcing its plan of dusting off the DBS Superleggera nameplate, the new sports car flagship is all about a sporty driving experience thanks to increased levels of downforce, as well.
If that’s the case, then the DBS Superleggera could be the answer for Aston fans wanting a truly sporty option for the road. A recent drive of the DB11 AMR has proven that a racier model has the potential of sitting on top of it.
