Wednesday 4th April 2007

PistonHeads scoops new Aston Martin

We catch DBS pounding the Autobahn

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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

[road_terrorist]

racefan_uk said:

Is it just me that thinks this isn't going to be the DBS but actually the road going version of the DBRS9 GT3 racecar? (Despite what the article says)

I was under the impression the DBS was pretty much the road going version of the DBRS9 just with some extra creature comforts thrown in?

Being an Aston I'm pretty sure you could order a stripped out racing version made road legal if you really wanted one, they will pretty much customise any part of the car if you are willing to stump up the dosh.