The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a name synonymous with power and elegance, is concluding its production run this year, marking the end of an era for this exceptional grand tourer. Since its debut in 2018, the DBS has represented the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s road car offerings, a luxurious yet potent machine designed for both thrilling performance and comfortable long-distance journeys. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a perfectly aged porterhouse steak – substantial, refined, and utterly satisfying. Even with its Superleggera designation, traditionally implying lightweight and track-focused, the DBS surprises with its four leather seats and a wealth of premium features. To commemorate this final year, Aston Martin is releasing the DBS 770 Ultimate, a special edition limited to just 499 examples worldwide, further solidifying the DBS’s legendary status.
Introducing the DBS 770 Ultimate: The Most Powerful Aston Martin Road Car
The 2023 Aston Martin Dbs 770 Ultimate is not just a farewell edition; it’s a statement. Claiming the title of the most powerful Aston Martin road car ever produced, the 770 Ultimate is an exclusive masterpiece with a production capped at a mere 499 vehicles globally. Enthusiasts and collectors moved swiftly, and the order books are already closed, with fortunate owners eagerly anticipating deliveries starting in the fall. This ultimate DBS retains the formidable 5.2-liter V-12 twin-turbo engine of the standard DBS, but Aston Martin’s engineers have meticulously tuned it to unleash an astounding 759 horsepower at 6500 rpm and a colossal 664 pound-feet of torque, available from 1800 to 5000 rpm. Despite the power surge, the top speed remains an exhilarating 211 miles per hour, a testament to the DBS’s inherent aerodynamic prowess.
DBS Superleggera Performance: A Benchmark of Grand Touring Excellence
The heart of the 2023 Aston Martin DBS, the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12, is the key to its breathtaking performance. This engine, a marvel of engineering, propels the DBS from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.4 seconds, and 0 to 100 mph in just 6.4 seconds. To put this into perspective, that 0-60 mph time matches the iconic 1965 Aston Martin DB5, highlighting how far performance technology has advanced. In its standard guise, the DBS delivers a potent 715 horsepower at 6500 rpm. All this power is channeled to the rear wheels through a responsive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. To ensure optimal grip and handling, the DBS is equipped with bespoke Pirelli tires, engineered specifically for this car. While capable of immense power, the DBS maintains a grand touring character with a suspension setup that favors comfort over outright track aggression, distinguishing it from more hardcore competitors like the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Aston Martin prioritizes a refined ride quality ideal for long journeys, rather than chasing lap records at the Nürburgring.
The DBS chassis features a sophisticated front double wishbone suspension with coil springs and active damping. The car offers drivers a choice of three distinct driving modes – GT, Sport, and Sport Plus – selectable via the Active Damping System (ADS) from Skyhook Technologies, allowing for customization of the driving experience from relaxed cruising to spirited driving.
Complementing its performance are the striking 21-inch forged “Y” spoke wheels, wrapped in specially developed Pirelli tires, sized 265/35/21 at the front and 305/30/21 at the rear, ensuring both exceptional aesthetics and performance.
Real-World Fuel Economy of the DBS: Surprisingly Manageable
Despite its immense power, the Aston Martin V-12 engine in the DBS exhibits reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. EPA estimates rate it at 14 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. For extended journeys, the DBS boasts a substantial 20.5-gallon fuel tank, providing a theoretical range of 287 to 451 miles between refueling stops, making it a truly capable grand tourer.
Grand Touring Luxury and Interior Comfort: Indulgence Without Compromise
The DBS interior is a sanctuary of luxury, loaded with all the amenities expected in a modern high-end vehicle. This focus on comfort is arguably why the DBS deviates from the traditional Superleggera ethos of lightweight minimalism. Buyers of the 2023 Aston Martin DBS expect, and receive, lavish appointments and exquisite leather upholstery throughout the cabin. Heated and ventilated seats ensure comfort in any climate. A range of interior trim options, including ash wood grain, carbon fiber, or satin-finish chrome, allows for personalization. For the discerning traveler, Aston Martin even offers an optional four-piece luggage set, crafted to match the car’s interior. Further enhancing personalization, five optional seat belt colors—Flint, Champagne, Spicy Red, Mocha, or Graphite—are available.
Aston Martin Entertainment and Technology: Seamless Integration
The DBS incorporates an 8-inch display with GPS navigation as standard across all models. Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity are also included. A convenient built-in garage door opener adds to the everyday usability. The infotainment system, sourced from Mercedes-Benz, employs a similar mouse-wheel and touchpad interface for intuitive navigation. Sound is delivered through a standard nine-speaker audio system, with an upgrade to a premium Bang & Olufsen system available for audiophiles.
DBS Trims and Pricing: Coupe, Volante, and the Ultimate Editions
The 2023 Aston Martin DBS lineup includes four distinct trims: the standard coupe, the convertible Volante, and the limited-edition 770 Ultimate versions of both coupe and Volante. The DBS Coupe starts at a base price of $333,686, while the DBS Volante convertible is priced slightly higher at $352,886. For the fortunate few who secured an allocation, the DBS 770 Ultimate Coupe commands a price of approximately $450,000, and the 770 Ultimate Volante around $475,000. With only 300 Ultimate coupes and 199 Volantes being produced, these final editions are destined to become highly sought-after collector’s items, marking a fitting farewell to the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.
