2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: iconic name, 715bhp and £225,000 price for new supercar

This is the new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: a new top-of-the-range ‘Super GT’ and the replacement for the old Aston Martin Vanquish S. The new car is available to order now, priced from £225,000, with UK deliveries expected to begin in autumn 2018.

Based on the Aston Martin DB11, the DBS Superleggera is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 petrol engine that produces 715bhp – enough for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, 50-100mph in fourth gear in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 211mph. A new exhaust and more aggressive driving modes than other Aston Martins also help boost performance and sharpen up the driving experience. The new Aston is aimed squarely at the more expensive Ferrari 812 Superfast, another V12-powered, front-engined supercar.

Aston Martin has revived two names from its history for its new car: the first DBS was introduced in 1967, while ‘Superleggera’ – Italian for ‘super light’ – was a badge worn by Aston Martin sports cars with lightweight bodywork made by Italian coachbuilder Touring. The new Aston Martin DBS continues the lightweight theme with carbon-fibre body panels styled to set it apart from the rest of the range.

• Carbuyer's best supercars on sale in 2018

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera's bodywork isn’t just dramatic for the sake of good looks, though: the British manufacturer claims the car produces 180kg of downforce at top speed, more than any other series production Aston Martin. A Formula 1-style rear diffuser and other sophisticated aerodynamic aids help produce the figure, while lightweight 21-inch forged alloy wheels finish off the modern look.

18

Inside, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is loosely on the DB11’s layout, albeit with even more leather and bespoke trim options. Leather and Alcantara trim are standard, as are the ‘Sports Plus’ seats and steering wheel. As with other Astons, the sky's the limit when it comes to personalisation, but specially chosen combinations of trim and colours can be selected via Aston’s ‘Designer Specifications’ if you can’t quite decide.

As you might imagine, standard equipment is comprehensive: keyless entry, a 360-degree parking camera, parking assistance and an infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, sat nav and a wi-fi hot spot are all included.