Aston Martin is using this week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California to launch the next in its line of sculpted sport-tuned steeds. The Aston Martin DBS, which first came to prominence as the hero's ride of choice in the latest James Bond movie, combines Aston's iconic exterior design with a race-derived V-12 engine for consummate driving indulgence. While the production version of the DBS does not have the defibrillator that Bond uses in <i>Casino Royale</i>, it does come with some surprising cabin tech highlights. Check out our gallery of Aston's official photographs--otherwise known as pure automotive porn.
The 2008 Aston DBS comes with an all-alloy 6-liter V-12 quad-overhead cam engine, making 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This plant will haul the two-seat coupe from zero to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, and gives it a top speed of 191mph. The DBS engine features a bypass engine air intake system that opens when the engine is running at over 5,500rpm to allow more air to the engine for increased performance.
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The DBS makes liberal use of carbon fiber panels for its hood, front wings, trunk lid, trunk enclosure, door opening surrounds, and door pulls, resulting in a weight saving of more than 60 pounds compared with conventional materials.
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The DBS' 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels are wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tires that have been developed especially for the car. All wheels get ventilated carbon ceramic discs--a first for a production Aston Martin model.
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A polished alloy shifter is the gateway to the DBS' rear-mid mounted 6-speed manual transmission.
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The DBS gets an all-new center console with a cast metal surround design. Atop the central stack, an in-dash OEL display shows maps for the car's navigation system, which includes a Traffic Messaging Channel in European markets. Other cabin tech includes a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface with phone book syncing; available satellite radio (U.S. only); and connectivity for digital audio players.
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The DBS' standard 10-way power sports seats are covered in semi-aniline leather. According to Aston, cars outside North America can also be ordered with optional lightweight seats made from carbon fiber and Kevlar composite. These lightweight seats deliver a weight saving of more than 40 pounds.
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On its central stack, the DBS features a traditional dial-face clock, and two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system, all made from solid aluminum.
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For those not content with the soundtrack of the V-12, the DBS features an Aston Martin-branded 700W audio system with Pro Logic II surround sound architecture.
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The DBS comes with a stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. It also features LED brake lights, and a trunk-mounted Aston Martin-branded umbrella.
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The two-seat DBS features what Aston calls a "muscular elegance," with aluminum and magnesium alloy sheet metal and carbon-fiber composite body panels contributing to its "flowing curves, complex surfaces and an unrivaled sculptural beauty."
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The 2008 Aston Martin DBS will go on sale in the first quarter of 2008 with pricing scheduled to be announced at this year's Frankfurt auto show.
