Overview specifications
- Engine: 5935 cc V12, all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (optional 6-speed 'Touchtronic 2' automatic)
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
- Kerb weight: 1695 kg
- City fuel economy: 12 mpgus
- Highway fuel economy: 18 mpgus
- Max. power: 517 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 570 Nm at 5,750 rpm
- Fuel capacity: 78 L
- Wheelbase: 107.9 in
- Length: 185.9 in
- Width: 81.1 in
- Height: 50.4 in[18]
Transmission
The DBS is equipped with a Graziano six-speed manual transaxle (initial 'launch' gearbox) and the optional 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission, based on the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, was introduced in 2008.[19] When fitted with the Touchtronic 2 transmission, the DBS has a heavier kerb weight of 1765 kg.[20]
The DBS is equipped with the 5.9-litre, 60° AM08 V12 with four valves per cylinder.[1] The same basic engine is also used in the DBR9 and DBRS9 racing cars albeit with extensive modifications. The engine of the DBS has a power output of 517 PS at 6,500 rpm and 570 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm with a compression ratio of 10.9:1. The engine also includes an active bypass valve which above 5,500 rpm opens and lets more air into the engine resulting in increased performance and propels the car from 0 to 62 mi/h in 4.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 192 mi/h.[21] In 2007, the British motoring show Top Gear tested the DBS around their Top Gear test track with a lap time of 1:23.9; 3.2 seconds faster than its predecessor, the Vanquish S and a second faster than the comparable Bentley Continental Supersports.
Handling
The DBS uses the Aston Martin VH platform. Due to the structure, 85% of the weight of the car is kept between the wheels, which results in improved handling, responsiveness and feel during tight cornering.[22]
Aston Martin has also developed an Adaptive Damping System, or ADS, which, when turned on, automatically alters the suspension settings in order for the car to cope with the driver's desired driving mode according to the road/weather conditions. Apart from the suspension getting stiffer, throttle and braking response is increased and steering is sharpened.
The DBS was fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres developed especially for the car, along with lightweight aluminium 20-inch wheels.
To reduce weight, Aston Martin made extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the car. The bonnet, the boot, the front wings, the door opening surrounds and the boot compartment are all made of carbon fibre. The carpets are also made by special thin layers made from carbon fibre. The roof and the doors are made of aluminium. The result is a 30 kg weight reduction as compared to the DB9. The car is also fitted with a carbon fibre splitter at the front wings to increase handling and a carbon fibre rear diffuser to increase high-speed stability.
The brake discs are carbon ceramic, which reduces a significant 12.5 kg from the unsprung weight. At the front, there are 398 mm ventilated and drilled brakes with 6-piston alloy monobloc calipers. At the back, there are 360 mm ventilated and drilled brakes with 4-piston alloy monobloc calipers.
Interior
The interior of the DBS uses a blend of carbon fibre, Alcantara, leather, wood, stainless steel and aluminium surfaces, depending on the buyer's specified options. The door panels are capped with carbon fibre or leather, and utilise carbon fibre door pulls. The fascia is, as standard, matrix alloy and iridium silver centre console or, as an optional extra, piano black fascia and centre console. To achieve even greater weight savings, the carpet has a special lightweight carbon weave. The car is started by means of the "Emotion Control Unit", which was initially developed especially for the DBS but became available for the DB9 and the V8 Vantage as well. The key is made from stainless steel and glass and is inserted into a special slot in the dashboard.[23]
