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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2 V12 (A) First Drive Review
14 Aug 2018|12,032 views
What We Like
Aggressive good looks
High levels of cabin richness
Satisfying car to hoot around on the track
Extremely desirable
That lovely V12 soundtrack!
Best of both sporty and GT
What We Dislike
Nil
The first Aston Martin to bear the DBS moniker was back in 1967. This name was only resurrected some four decades later in 2007 when the DBS signified itself as the most powerful model in the DB9 lineup.
Another decade later, Aston Martin revives the DBS nameplate once again. The new model, dubbed the DBS Superleggera, is the brand's new flagship model that successfully blends a charismatic authority with an excellent drive.
5.2-litre V12 engine is a work of art for many reasons
Super looks
This said authoritative charisma comes from the car's savage front end, with a ferocious grille that's flanked by broad shoulders and bold lines. It's certainly sexier than the DB11 with its bold curves and more aggressive-looking than the Vantage with its hunkered stance.
In fact, the DBS Superleggera is lower and wider than the DB11 that it's based on, but the car manages to be 72kg lighter, thanks to lightweight materials and components such as carbon fibre as well as forged wheels.
But more than being just a lightweight grand touring champion, the forms on this new Aston meet function. From its F1-inspired double diffuser and prominent rear spoiler to the side louvre and aeroblades, they all point towards better aerodynamics.
With an eye towards function, the rear spoiler helps with aerodynamics
Super drive
And it's precisely how the whole car has been packed tightly and lightly that makes it such a joy to pilot.
That it takes just 3.4 seconds to reach the 100km/h mark from a standstill doesn't really matter because the DBS Superleggera drives with such an overbearing level of drama that everything about the car simply impresses. Thus, it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with it, more so when we managed to spend more quality time with it on the track.
The epic and sonorous 5.2-litre V12 powerplant (also found in the Aston Martin DB11 V12 AMR) pushes out an audacious 715bhp and a mountain-moving 900Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm. Thus, it has got a useable broad rev band that develops with sound and savagery that simply needs to be tried and tested before you can believe its capabilities.
Floor the throttle and the car will smash the century sprint in just 3.4 seconds
Open the throttle and gun the car down the straights and you can immediately tell just how willing and relentless the engine is, as you see the revs rising up to the redline.
It's every bit brutal and ballistic but it's not just the pure monumental power that makes the DBS Superleggera a super grand tourer. It's also the way the car dances around the track from one apex to another that's just downright remarkable.
Another decade later, Aston Martin revives the DBS nameplate once again. The new model, dubbed the DBS Superleggera, is the brand's new flagship model that successfully blends a charismatic authority with an excellent drive.
Super looks
This said authoritative charisma comes from the car's savage front end, with a ferocious grille that's flanked by broad shoulders and bold lines. It's certainly sexier than the DB11 with its bold curves and more aggressive-looking than the Vantage with its hunkered stance.
In fact, the DBS Superleggera is lower and wider than the DB11 that it's based on, but the car manages to be 72kg lighter, thanks to lightweight materials and components such as carbon fibre as well as forged wheels.
But more than being just a lightweight grand touring champion, the forms on this new Aston meet function. From its F1-inspired double diffuser and prominent rear spoiler to the side louvre and aeroblades, they all point towards better aerodynamics.
Super drive
And it's precisely how the whole car has been packed tightly and lightly that makes it such a joy to pilot.
That it takes just 3.4 seconds to reach the 100km/h mark from a standstill doesn't really matter because the DBS Superleggera drives with such an overbearing level of drama that everything about the car simply impresses. Thus, it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with it, more so when we managed to spend more quality time with it on the track.
The epic and sonorous 5.2-litre V12 powerplant (also found in the Aston Martin DB11 V12 AMR) pushes out an audacious 715bhp and a mountain-moving 900Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm. Thus, it has got a useable broad rev band that develops with sound and savagery that simply needs to be tried and tested before you can believe its capabilities.
Open the throttle and gun the car down the straights and you can immediately tell just how willing and relentless the engine is, as you see the revs rising up to the redline.
It's every bit brutal and ballistic but it's not just the pure monumental power that makes the DBS Superleggera a super grand tourer. It's also the way the car dances around the track from one apex to another that's just downright remarkable.
Body control is tight and precise, and you find yourself having little trouble placing the large car into corners as you twist and turn around the track, thanks to the quick and sharp steering.
Also sharp and crucial to the car's performance is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the huge load of torque in its stride and dispatches everything out to the rear wheels in a clear and concise manner to provide smooth and accurate operations.
The DBS Superleggera handles tightly on the road
Super luxury
Combine this wonderful drivetrain to the immaculately constructed cabin and you get a super grand tourer that's perfect to live with.
It never feels wrong to neglect outright pace with the DBS Superleggera because there's so much grace in here. Everything is beautifully crafted and perfectly finished.
There's just nothing in the cabin that intimidates you, and that's the whole point of the car. It's one that's meant to be driven, regardless like a mad man or a gentleman, instead of being daunting.
The cabin is undoubtedly a pleasant place to be in
Super masterpiece
The Ferrari 812 Superfast - the car that Aston Martin's canon has aimed at with the DBS Superleggera - may be somewhat more desirable because of its prancing horse badge, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's because the DBS Superleggera is created to be used and to appeal quite differently.
As such, the parameters of what the Aston can do is so vast that it manages to be the 'one to have' in the super grand tourer territory.
It's a car you can drive to work everyday, one that performs how supercars can, and has the full track handling qualifications that will not disappoint the most discerning buyers and drivers alike.
You can drive from one country to the next with this car without worrying about cargo hauling capabilities
But more than that, it's got the kind of character and richness that you simply cannot ignore. The sense of occasion with this machine isn't quite like what you get with a Ferrari, even if the Italian marque remains to be a highly desirable brand to be associated with.
What the DBS Superleggera can provide for you then is the kind of authoritative charisma that will make you smile more often, and for many good reasons to say the least.
Also sharp and crucial to the car's performance is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the huge load of torque in its stride and dispatches everything out to the rear wheels in a clear and concise manner to provide smooth and accurate operations.
Super luxury
Combine this wonderful drivetrain to the immaculately constructed cabin and you get a super grand tourer that's perfect to live with.
It never feels wrong to neglect outright pace with the DBS Superleggera because there's so much grace in here. Everything is beautifully crafted and perfectly finished.
There's just nothing in the cabin that intimidates you, and that's the whole point of the car. It's one that's meant to be driven, regardless like a mad man or a gentleman, instead of being daunting.
Super masterpiece
The Ferrari 812 Superfast - the car that Aston Martin's canon has aimed at with the DBS Superleggera - may be somewhat more desirable because of its prancing horse badge, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's because the DBS Superleggera is created to be used and to appeal quite differently.
As such, the parameters of what the Aston can do is so vast that it manages to be the 'one to have' in the super grand tourer territory.
It's a car you can drive to work everyday, one that performs how supercars can, and has the full track handling qualifications that will not disappoint the most discerning buyers and drivers alike.
But more than that, it's got the kind of character and richness that you simply cannot ignore. The sense of occasion with this machine isn't quite like what you get with a Ferrari, even if the Italian marque remains to be a highly desirable brand to be associated with.
What the DBS Superleggera can provide for you then is the kind of authoritative charisma that will make you smile more often, and for many good reasons to say the least.
What We Like
Aggressive good looks
High levels of cabin richness
Satisfying car to hoot around on the track
Extremely desirable
That lovely V12 soundtrack!
Best of both sporty and GT
What We Dislike
Nil
The first Aston Martin to bear the DBS moniker was back in 1967. This name was only resurrected some four decades later in 2007 when the DBS signified itself as the most powerful model in the DB9 lineup.
Another decade later, Aston Martin revives the DBS nameplate once again. The new model, dubbed the DBS Superleggera, is the brand's new flagship model that successfully blends a charismatic authority with an excellent drive.
5.2-litre V12 engine is a work of art for many reasons
Super looks
This said authoritative charisma comes from the car's savage front end, with a ferocious grille that's flanked by broad shoulders and bold lines. It's certainly sexier than the DB11 with its bold curves and more aggressive-looking than the Vantage with its hunkered stance.
In fact, the DBS Superleggera is lower and wider than the DB11 that it's based on, but the car manages to be 72kg lighter, thanks to lightweight materials and components such as carbon fibre as well as forged wheels.
But more than being just a lightweight grand touring champion, the forms on this new Aston meet function. From its F1-inspired double diffuser and prominent rear spoiler to the side louvre and aeroblades, they all point towards better aerodynamics.
With an eye towards function, the rear spoiler helps with aerodynamics
Super drive
And it's precisely how the whole car has been packed tightly and lightly that makes it such a joy to pilot.
That it takes just 3.4 seconds to reach the 100km/h mark from a standstill doesn't really matter because the DBS Superleggera drives with such an overbearing level of drama that everything about the car simply impresses. Thus, it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with it, more so when we managed to spend more quality time with it on the track.
The epic and sonorous 5.2-litre V12 powerplant (also found in the Aston Martin DB11 V12 AMR) pushes out an audacious 715bhp and a mountain-moving 900Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm. Thus, it has got a useable broad rev band that develops with sound and savagery that simply needs to be tried and tested before you can believe its capabilities.
Floor the throttle and the car will smash the century sprint in just 3.4 secondsOpen the throttle and gun the car down the straights and you can immediately tell just how willing and relentless the engine is, as you see the revs rising up to the redline.
It's every bit brutal and ballistic but it's not just the pure monumental power that makes the DBS Superleggera a super grand tourer. It's also the way the car dances around the track from one apex to another that's just downright remarkable.
Another decade later, Aston Martin revives the DBS nameplate once again. The new model, dubbed the DBS Superleggera, is the brand's new flagship model that successfully blends a charismatic authority with an excellent drive.
Super looks
This said authoritative charisma comes from the car's savage front end, with a ferocious grille that's flanked by broad shoulders and bold lines. It's certainly sexier than the DB11 with its bold curves and more aggressive-looking than the Vantage with its hunkered stance.
In fact, the DBS Superleggera is lower and wider than the DB11 that it's based on, but the car manages to be 72kg lighter, thanks to lightweight materials and components such as carbon fibre as well as forged wheels.
But more than being just a lightweight grand touring champion, the forms on this new Aston meet function. From its F1-inspired double diffuser and prominent rear spoiler to the side louvre and aeroblades, they all point towards better aerodynamics.
Super drive
And it's precisely how the whole car has been packed tightly and lightly that makes it such a joy to pilot.
That it takes just 3.4 seconds to reach the 100km/h mark from a standstill doesn't really matter because the DBS Superleggera drives with such an overbearing level of drama that everything about the car simply impresses. Thus, it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with it, more so when we managed to spend more quality time with it on the track.
The epic and sonorous 5.2-litre V12 powerplant (also found in the Aston Martin DB11 V12 AMR) pushes out an audacious 715bhp and a mountain-moving 900Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm. Thus, it has got a useable broad rev band that develops with sound and savagery that simply needs to be tried and tested before you can believe its capabilities.
It's every bit brutal and ballistic but it's not just the pure monumental power that makes the DBS Superleggera a super grand tourer. It's also the way the car dances around the track from one apex to another that's just downright remarkable.
Body control is tight and precise, and you find yourself having little trouble placing the large car into corners as you twist and turn around the track, thanks to the quick and sharp steering.
Also sharp and crucial to the car's performance is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the huge load of torque in its stride and dispatches everything out to the rear wheels in a clear and concise manner to provide smooth and accurate operations.
The DBS Superleggera handles tightly on the road
Super luxury
Combine this wonderful drivetrain to the immaculately constructed cabin and you get a super grand tourer that's perfect to live with.
It never feels wrong to neglect outright pace with the DBS Superleggera because there's so much grace in here. Everything is beautifully crafted and perfectly finished.
There's just nothing in the cabin that intimidates you, and that's the whole point of the car. It's one that's meant to be driven, regardless like a mad man or a gentleman, instead of being daunting.
The cabin is undoubtedly a pleasant place to be in
Super masterpiece
The Ferrari 812 Superfast - the car that Aston Martin's canon has aimed at with the DBS Superleggera - may be somewhat more desirable because of its prancing horse badge, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's because the DBS Superleggera is created to be used and to appeal quite differently.
As such, the parameters of what the Aston can do is so vast that it manages to be the 'one to have' in the super grand tourer territory.
It's a car you can drive to work everyday, one that performs how supercars can, and has the full track handling qualifications that will not disappoint the most discerning buyers and drivers alike.
You can drive from one country to the next with this car without worrying about cargo hauling capabilitiesBut more than that, it's got the kind of character and richness that you simply cannot ignore. The sense of occasion with this machine isn't quite like what you get with a Ferrari, even if the Italian marque remains to be a highly desirable brand to be associated with.
What the DBS Superleggera can provide for you then is the kind of authoritative charisma that will make you smile more often, and for many good reasons to say the least.
Also sharp and crucial to the car's performance is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the huge load of torque in its stride and dispatches everything out to the rear wheels in a clear and concise manner to provide smooth and accurate operations.
Super luxury
Combine this wonderful drivetrain to the immaculately constructed cabin and you get a super grand tourer that's perfect to live with.
It never feels wrong to neglect outright pace with the DBS Superleggera because there's so much grace in here. Everything is beautifully crafted and perfectly finished.
There's just nothing in the cabin that intimidates you, and that's the whole point of the car. It's one that's meant to be driven, regardless like a mad man or a gentleman, instead of being daunting.
Super masterpiece
The Ferrari 812 Superfast - the car that Aston Martin's canon has aimed at with the DBS Superleggera - may be somewhat more desirable because of its prancing horse badge, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's because the DBS Superleggera is created to be used and to appeal quite differently.
As such, the parameters of what the Aston can do is so vast that it manages to be the 'one to have' in the super grand tourer territory.
It's a car you can drive to work everyday, one that performs how supercars can, and has the full track handling qualifications that will not disappoint the most discerning buyers and drivers alike.
What the DBS Superleggera can provide for you then is the kind of authoritative charisma that will make you smile more often, and for many good reasons to say the least.
Car Information
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2 V12 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8km/L
Horsepower
533kW (715 bhp)
Torque
900 Nm
Acceleration
3.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
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