2008 Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin revealed an all-new flagship model for the 2008 model year called the DBS. A concept version of the coupe was revealed in 2006, followed by an appearance in the James Bond film Casino Royale.

The production car goes on sale in 2008. The world got its first look at the aluminum, magnesium alloy and carbon fibre composite body at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The DB9's 6.0 liter V12 finds a new home in the DBS, albeit with more power. Output is rated at 510 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 rpm. The power goes to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted transaxle with six-speed swapped with the use of a clutch pedal. A limited-slip differential is included.

Slightly lighter than a DB9 at 3,737 lbs thanks partly to its two-seat configuration, the DBS rockets to 62 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds. A top speed of 191 mph -- conveniently one mph better than the DB9s -- should satisfy most Autobahn cruisers.

Carbon ceramic brakes and Pirelli P-Zero tires mounted on 20-inch alloy wheels finished in graphite keep all the power in check. An electronic Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode transforms the flagship from a daily driver to a corner-carving tool - albeit an expensive one -- with minimal body roll.

Creature comforts include a 700W premium audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II programming, a six-disc changer and iPod interface. The external source compatibility doesn't end there, as a USB connection and 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack are both integrated as well.

When unveiling the concept version, CEO Ulrich Bez said the DBS "is not of the understated elegance of a DB9, nor the youthful agility of the V8 Vantage. It is explosive power in a black tie and has its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond."