► 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
► New 770 Ultimate version incoming
► Mega GT nearing the end of its life
Aston Martin has confirmed a new special edition – the final one – of the DBS Superleggera. The new edition is called the 770 Ultimate, and marks the end of the DBS Superleggera model with a big power increase.
The brand says the new 770 Ultimate features 760bhp from its twin-turbo V12, with Aston also promising a re-engineered chassis and different tuning as well as a bit of a light re-style.
We’ll have to wait for more details for now, but Aston confirms that only 499 examples of the new 770 Ultimate will be built.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: key specs
The standard DBS Superleggera’s performance figures are already pretty punchy:
- Engine 5.2-litre V12
- Max power 715bhp @ 6500rpm
- Max torque 664lb ft @ 1800-5000rpm
- Top speed 211mph
- 0-62mph 3.6sec
- 0-100mph 6.7sec
The Aston V12 engine
While the new DBS Superleggera is certainly a looker, Aston Martin believes it owes much of its character to the 12 cylinders under the bonnet – the lump is set far back under the hood in fact, in a near front-mid position. In order to keep the handling sweet, and weight distribution on the money, the Superleggera’s powerplant has been shifted as far back as possible.
The Superleggera’s V12 is capable of producing 715bhp at 6500rpm and 664lb ft of torque between 1800-5000rpm, meaning it’s brutal enough for some incredible performance stats. Sixty will arrive from a standing-start in just 3.2 seconds, while 100mph follows just 3.2 seconds after that.
That prodigious torque means it’ll also zip between cruising speeds – and in-gear acceleration is an area Aston is particularly happy with. In fourth gear, we’re told the Superleggera will double 50mph in 4.2 seconds.
And once you get through all the cogs in the 8-speed ‘box, you’ll be hitting a top speed of 211mph. You’ll enjoy getting there, too; the DBS uses active valves and quad tail pipes to ensure the car has a soundtrack to match its performance.
Handling
The DBS uses the same bonded aluminum underframe as the DB11, but adds carbonfibre body panels across the exterior body for additional weight-saving. The result? The DBS Superleggera is stronger than the DB11, but 72kg lighter, with a kerbweight of 1693kg.
Like the DB11 you’ll find double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear – and road condition-sensing adaptive dampers are fitted as standard. Like other models, you’ll be able to tweak them too, from the softest GT mode, to a harder Sport and hardcore Sport Plus setting.
As for looks? The DBS’s carbonfibre panels lend the Superleggera a more aggressive look to match its increased performance. Styling cues have been carried over from the standard DB11, but an F1-style double-diffuser makes it debut on the new flagship.
Tech
As you’d expect from a car that costs £225,000, the Superleggera includes all the tech you’d usually find on a high-end car. Parking assists are here, as is keyless entry, and you’ll also find an infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB playback and a wi-fi hub.
And the Volante?
Here’s our first official look at the drop-top version of Gaydon’s V12 flagship. It’s the fastest convertible ever to be manufactured by the company, boasting a top speed of 211mph.
It’s not a surprise that Aston is following the coupe DBS with a Volante convertible – it’s almost the done thing to get the tin opener out and cut the roof off at AM HQ.
The fabric roof takes 14 seconds to drop, and 16 to pirouette back into shape. Its makers are proud that it stacks into a package just 260mm high when stowed.
Check out our DBS Superleggera review