2011 Aston Martin DBS

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3737
City (MPG) TBD
Hwy (MPG) TBD
Horsepower 510@6500
Torque (lb-ft) 420@5750
Wheelbase 107.9
Length (in.) 185.9
Width (in.) 75.0
Height (in.) 50.4

Though heavily based on the mechanically (and stylistically) similar DB9 and Virage models, the Aston Martin DBS distinguishes itself with a more aggressive look, slightly better power and a greater focus on handling. It's also the current ride of choice of a certain British spy.

The DBS is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fiber body panels, which results in high levels of performance and control thanks to the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a powerful and flexible V12 engine.

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin’s dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-liter V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements including a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm 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 510 horsepower at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

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 aluminum structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity.

Carbon-fiber panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength.

To take full advantage of its 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 ADS 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.

The DBS's Adaptive Damping System ensures 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 tires that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions.

The car's braking system marks the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg 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.

Introduced as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, DBS customers will now be afforded the option of the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic transmission. Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the power and performance characteristics of the DBS.

Black Edition

Aston Martin offers a special Carbon Black edition of the V12 Vantage for customers desiring for their car to have a unique aesthetic treatment. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina., each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks.

Inside, owners will be greeted by swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon – Aston Martin's global headquarters in England.

Key Competitors
Though more of a grand-tourer than an all-out sports car, the DBS is often pitted against performance machines like the graceful Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the brutish Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 as well as the Lexus LFA .

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Exotic
    • Weight: 3737 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 185.9 in.
    • Width: 75.0 in.
    • Height: 50.4 in.
    • Wheelbase: 107.9 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: TBD
    • Rear Track: TBD
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 2
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: TBD
    • Shoulder Room: TBD
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 5.9L V12
    • Power: 510 hp @ 6500 rpm
    • Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: TBD
    • City Fuel Economy: TBD
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front: 20" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 245/35
    • Rear: 20" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 295/30
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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