Meet the all-new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Aston Martin continues their onslaught of a new and refreshed model lineup with the replacement for the Vanquish. Instead, they have revived a different combination of names from their glorious past to release the all-new 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.

It was spotted doing runs around the Nürburgring Nordschleife under some camo-bodywork but now we can see it in its final form and it is a beastly beauty. The DBS Superleggera like its name suggests is lighter than the car it is based on – the DB11. The full carbon-fibre body panels make it lighter by 72kg but at a kerb weight of around 1800kg, it is still a hunky car, a super-grand-tourer. Under the hood is a familiar 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 developed by AMG and then tuned by Aston themselves. Originally launched with the new DB11 in 2016 but now only available with the DB11 AMR, the 600bhp RWD powertrain has been tweaked to increase the output to an impressive 715bhp and 900Nm of torque channelled via a carbon fibre propshaft and an 8-speed ZF gearbox.

There are new aero bits as well that add to its menacing look which will definitely distinguish itself from its relatively mild-mannered sibling. The DBS Superleggera is shorter but wider, especially at the back with the big haunches over the rear tyres. The large gaping front grille is flanked by two more air scoops and a carbon spoiler lip spoiler extending out ahead of them. Go back a bit and over the front wheel arches, there are newly developed vents to channel turbulent air out from the wheel wells. There are vents on the bonnet as well which will sport the Superleggera badging if opted for. At the bottom of the sides, there are the sharp and aggressive sills for controlling airflow down the side and back. Once at the back, you’ll see the different taillights for the wider rear end and the fixed aeroblade spoiler. Lower down it has the double diffuser flanked by the new quad-pipe exhaust system. Altogether, all these aerodynamic elements generate 180kg of downforce at its top-speed of 340kph, a figure same as the Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Running on specifically developed 21″ Pirelli P Zeros, when up to temperature, allow this super GT to do 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and that kind of performance is why the DBS Superleggera gets new-gen carbon-ceramic brakes as well. It also has adaptive suspension which sits 5mm lower than the DB11 AMR, with increased camber on both ends and bespoke geometry. It also has a mechanical differential and torque vectoring by braking. All these components together should make the DBS Superleggera sharper around the corners as well.

Plenty of power, effective aerodynamics, sportier suspension and dollops of carbon fibre is all very good, but this is still a GT with a 2+2 seat layout even if the rear seats won’t accommodate any regular sized adult. The DBS Superleggera gets the same steering and console setup from the DB11 and the interiors are plush and comfortable for driving cross country with a decent amount of luggage space. It has conveniences like a satnav and infotainment system, charging socket, cubby holes, parking assist and a 360-degree camera too. I wonder if they’ll make an AMR version, completely stripped of all conveniences and track only to make it a true superleggera.

But this is the new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a super GT that will sit atop the DB11 AMR in the lineup and what a car it is. What do you make of it? Would you pick this over the likes of a Ferrari 812 or a new BMW 8 Series with an M badge? Let us know in the comments below the gallery and don’t forget to subscribe to The Auto Loons for plenty more updates from the world of cool cars.