Wednesday 4th April 2007

PistonHeads scoops new Aston Martin

We catch DBS pounding the Autobahn

---

DBS testing halts while driver grabs a pie

This is the new Aston Martin DBS, scooped by PistonHeads. Ignore the faux DBRS9 badging, this car is destined to take over the mantle of Aston range-topper from the Vanquish.

The big coupe was spotted in a parking area close to an Autobahn in Germany where it had been undertaking some high speed testing before the model goes on sale in October of this year. Although the Vanquish line closes this summer, sources at Aston Martin are refusing to call the DBS a successor to the old flagship.

Diffuser part of new aero kit

Precise details on its exact specification are still sketchy, but expect the 6.0 litre V12 to push out around 520bhp. Coupled with a weight loss of around 100kg, and the fitment of a six speed manual gearbox, the DBS is claimed to be the quickest production Aston ever.

Featuring a restyled DB9 body, and an aero kit made from carbon fibre, the DBS also sits 20mm lower than the standard DB9 and runs on new 20-inch alloys. Nevertheless, the chassis is still a variant of the VH alloy architecture that underpins both the DB9 and the V8 Vantage. As can be seen in one of the photos, carbon ceramic brake discs will be available.

6.0 V12 produces 'around' 520bhp

Inside, there’s a host of new metals and soft materials, and a totally redesigned centre stack. We can't wait...

DBS caught at the 'Ring2

DBS caught at the 'Ring

Ignore the badging, it's a DBS	Ceramic discs visible
DBS due out in October	New car sits 20mm lower than DB9

Images by Sebastian Geisler

[road_terrorist]

looking good

[andyinpembs]

grrrrr.......

[boolay]

Quote "Inside, there’s a host of new metals and soft materials, and a totally redesigned centre stack. We can't wait..."

and a Defibrillator, i hope?...

[Mattygooner]

I would take it home to show me mum.....

[evoesque]

Officially in my top 5 now.

A truly wonderful looking car with the presence and style to match almost anything else on the road. I always thought the DB9 was a bit tame looking (I like a sports car to look like a bit of a racer). The DB9 is beautiful but this has a real menace to it.

[RobPhoboS]

Looks awesome

[Stu R]

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

[hollymere]

Hope its got the drive to go with the looks unlike the V8 Vantage, but if it goes anything like it looks it will be an amazing car

[abarthchris]

mm thats is so nice! what a good colour too.

want one... i want 2...

Wonder what it would look like with no roof? bit ott i would imagine

[pasthim]

I don't get it? A range topper which is the DB9 with body kit and extra nice bits? Not a different model is it really?

[Mr Whippy]

boolay said:

and a Defibrillator, i hope?...

With really really bad wiring, wiring so BAD a four year old could spot it

Dave

[e4uan]

Like the look of this, esp if they can make a lightweight stripped version... (GT3 RS style)

[225]

Stunning, I'll have that colour too thanks. Although I think it will look rather nice in a metallic black.

[Beefmeister]

e4uan said:

Like the look of this, esp if they can make a lightweight stripped version... (GT3 RS style)

Hopefully with David Richards at the helm this might be a possibility now....

[Billy7766]

Oh...now that I like. Is the underpinning a DB9?
I really like the front wheel arches and under body/rear diffuser, there's a hint of Ferrari in there but less...well..knobendesque for want of a better word. I also like the AMG/SLR scoops (persumable brake cooling?) under the doors, very nice.
Definitley a winner if it can actually drive well

[wab172uk]

pasthim said:

I don't get it? A range topper which is the DB9 with body kit and extra nice bits? Not a different model is it really?

My thought too.

Why not just call it the "DB9 Vantage"

[bob1179]

That car is fnarrrrrrr....


Now where is my cheque book and can anybody lend me a few quid (I've got 22 quid in my account)?

[goochie]

That is th ebest looking car I've seen in a very long time. I used to have a soft spot for the gallardo but that Aston has just taken its place.

If I were a teenager I'd have it's poster on my wall

[mk1fan]

BawmChicaWhaWha oh yes!

[Al 450]

wab172uk said:

pasthim said:

I don't get it? A range topper which is the DB9 with body kit and extra nice bits? Not a different model is it really?

My thought too.

Why not just call it the "DB9 Vantage"

Who said it was a different model?