Aston Martin DBS (2007)
| Aston Martin DBS V12 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Aston Martin Lagonda Limited |
| Production | 2007 - present |
| Assembly | Gaydon, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford VH platform |
| Related | Aston Martin DBR9 Aston Martin DBRS9 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L V12 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Aston Martin Vanquish S |
The modern Aston Martin DBS is a high performance sports car from the UK manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston has used the DBS name once before on their 1967-72 grand tourer coupe. The modern car replaces the Vanquish S as the flagship of the marque.
The DBS V12 and James Bond
The DBS was first seen in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. It was officially unveiled at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance sporting a brand new exterior colour, a graphite grey with a blue tint which has been dubbed 'Casino Ice'. The two seater coupé (as opposed to the 2+2 DB9 which the car is based on) has a bonded aluminium chassis and is made of lightweight magnesium alloy, carbon fibre composite and aluminium. It is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of carbon-fibre body panels.
Although Ford sold over 90% of Aston Martin Lagonda Limited in 2007, the DBS returns for the pre-credits car chase around Lake Garda in the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace.[1]
Performance
Power comes from the heavily revised handmade 6.0 litre V12 engine from the DBR9 racing car, tuned to deliver 510 bhp (380 kW; 517 PS) at 6500 rpm and Template:Auto ftlbf of torque at 5750 rpm. The V12 power plant features a new by-pass air intake port that opens above 5500 rpm to boost engine breathing as well as re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. A curb weight of 3737 pounds (1690 kg), combined with the 510 bhp (380 kW; 517 PS) V12 help the DBS accelerate 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of around Template:Auto mph.[2]
The DBS is fitted with new vented carbon ceramic brakes discs – a first for a road-going Aston Martin, it reduces unsprung weight by 12.5 kg (28 lb). The front wheels are fitted with Template:Auto mm diameter carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers. The rear wheels have Template:Auto mm diameter brakes with four-piston calipers. The double wishbone alloy [suspension] features an adaptive damper controlled suspension which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.
Also included is a new hand finished interior with black lacquer, brushed alloy, semi-aniline leather and Alcantara as some of the materials. The Aston Martin DBS also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system with 13 active loudspeakers including 2 tweeters with ALT (Acoustic Lens Technology)[3]. The car comes with a six speed manual or "Touchtronic" six speed-automatic. [4]
On 22 January 2008, spy photos of a convertible DBS otherwise known as the DBS Volante appeared on the internet,[5] Now officially, Aston Martin announced on there website and Facebook page late February, that will premiere the DBS Volante at the Geneva Auto Salon on March 3rd, 2009.[6]
Naming confusion
Some confusion over the name of the production version occurred when some test mules running around the Nürburgring were given DBRS9 badges. However, it would seem that this was only a trick played by Aston to confuse spy photographers.[7] The official name of the vehicle has been declared to be Aston Martin DBS V12.
The first cars ever to hold the name Aston Martin DBS were originally produced from 1967 until 1972. One of them featured in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
References
- ^ "Aston Martin DBS to star in new James Bond film". Aston Martin. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-11.
- ^ Aston Martin DBS
- ^ "BeoSound DBS Sound System". Bang & Olufsen.
- ^ RSPORTSCARS | Price, Specs and More
- ^ Aston Martin DBS Volante spy photos » Australian Car Advice | News Blog
- ^ [http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=55863096533&ref=mf Aston Martin Facebook note on there page
- ^ Car and Driver - Spied 2008 Aston Martin DBS
External links
