2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

All-new for the latest model year, the DBS Superleggera occupies the top spot in the Aston Martin line-up. This positioning puts it in the same ring as some of the most exclusive cars in the world, but Aston believes its flagship has what it takes to give the Italians a run for their money.

Overview

The DBS Superleggera lives up to its flagship status by being the fastest and most powerful car Aston Martin has ever produced. It achieves this with a twin-turbocharged evolution of the company's 5.2-liter V12 engine. It makes 715 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 664 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, and it sends its output to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Aston installed the eight-speed in a transaxle configuration (over the rear axle, in other words) to improve the DBS' weight distribution. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes 3.4 seconds and the DBS keeps going until the speedometer shows 211 mph. Put it in fourth gear and it will accelerate from 50 to 100 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Torque vectoring and a mechanical limited-slip differential help the driver make the most of the extra power.

Looking the part

The DBS Superleggera looks fast even when parked on the side of the road. It's recognizable as an Aston Martin thanks to a wide grille with mesh inserts, a long hood that begins to slope down above the front wheels, and vents behind the front wheel arches.

The sloping roof line ends in a carbon fiber spoiler. Thin tail lights connected by a light bar emphasize the DBS' width, while an elegant Aston Martin script tells other motorists what they're following -- or what they just got passed by on the track.

Life aboard

Supercars aren't basic, brutal machines anymore. The DBS Superleggera comes standard with a long list of comforts and convenience features including keyless entry, navigation, heated seats, automatic temperature control, full carpet, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. The passengers benefit from an in-car Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth connectivity. Many of the tech -- including the infotainment system -- comes from Mercedes-Benz.

Craftsmanship comes standard, too. The steering wheel and the sport seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Buyers with deep enough pockets can work directly with Aston Martin to design a one-of-a-kind car.

Key competitors

Buyers looking at an Aston Martin DBS Superleggera can also consider the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Lamborghini Aventador S, and the McLaren 720S. Of course, there's a good chance enthusiasts looking at the DBS already own all three.