DBS Superleggera

DBS Superleggera. The DBS Superleggera is a high-performance grand tourer produced by British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin. Introduced in 2018, it serves as the flagship model of the brand's contemporary lineup, succeeding the second-generation Vanquish. The name "Superleggera," Italian for "super light," pays homage to the historic collaboration between Aston Martin and the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.

Overview

The DBS Superleggera was unveiled at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking a return of the storied DBS nameplate to the Aston Martin range. Positioned above the Aston Martin DB11, it is engineered as the ultimate front-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car from the Gaydon-based marque. The model's development was led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and aimed to blend extreme performance with long-distance luxury, a philosophy central to the grand tourer tradition. Its launch was a key part of Aston Martin's ambitious "Second Century" plan under the leadership of then-CEO Andy Palmer.

Design and engineering

The exterior design, overseen by Marek Reichman, features a pronounced aerodynamic package including a distinct front splitter, a double-diffuser, and an innovative AeroBlade system—a virtual spoiler that uses airflow from the base of the rear screen. The body structure utilizes a bonded aluminium chassis, with extensive use of carbon fibre for components like the front wings, bonnet, and roof to reduce mass. The interior combines luxury materials like Bridge of Weir leather with modern technology, including a central infotainment system derived from Mercedes-Benz. The heart of the car is the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, codenamed AE31, which is a heavily reworked version of the unit found in the Aston Martin DB11.

Performance

The twin-turbo V12 engine produces 715 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential. This powertrain enables a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars ever from Aston Martin. The chassis employs adaptive dampers, alongside standard carbon ceramic brakes, to provide handling that balances track capability with refined road manners. The car's performance was validated at facilities like the Nürburgring and Silverstone Circuit.

Variants

The primary variant is the DBS Superleggera Volante, a convertible model revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a fabric roof. Several special editions have been released, often in collaboration with the Aston Martin in-house customization division, Q by Aston Martin. Notable examples include the DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer edition, created with the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, and the DBS 59 edition, commemorating the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans victory by Aston Martin with drivers like Carroll Shelby. The model also served as the basis for the limited-run Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato.

Reception

Upon its release, the DBS Superleggera received widespread acclaim from automotive journalists and media outlets such as Top Gear, Autocar, and Motor Trend. Reviewers praised its formidable engine performance, striking design, and its successful synthesis of brutal power with grand tourer refinement. It was favorably compared to rivals like the Ferrari 812 Superfast and the Bentley Continental GT. The model has been featured in prominent media, including the James Bond film No Time to Die, further cementing its status within the Aston Martin legacy and popular culture.

Category:Aston Martin vehicles Category:Grand tourers Category:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Vehicles introduced in 2018