The DBS is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of body panels, ultra-light carbon fiber, which results in high levels of performance and control thanks to the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a powerful and flexible V12 engine.
As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is assembled by hand in the offices of Aston Martin’s engine dedicated in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-liter V12 has a growing number of power improvements, including a by-pass air intake port of the engine that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-shaped intake ports air that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber.
Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the DBS delivers 510 horsepower at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final drive ratio ensures that the additional power is useful, enhancing in gear acceleration in the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 particular.Like and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin, class-leading all league -VH (Vertical Horizontal architecture), a lightweight bonded aluminum structure that provides excellent strength and rigidity.
Carbon fiber panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of about 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength.
To take full advantage of its rigid platform, the DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car ride and features driving. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be ‘softer’, with an improvement in ride quality, or ‘firm’, providing improved body control for a more lively driving.
Damping settings are determined by an electronic control unit that takes readings from sensors on the car’s systems, including throttle position, brake position, direction and speed of rotation of the wheels.
The DBS’s Adaptive Damping System ensures that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising comfort during normal driving conditions.
The so-called Track mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for driving the circuit. The DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero, which were developed especially for the car, along with new wheels 20 inch alloy rims.
The DBS also has a revised version of the system Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), designed to help maintain traction in difficult driving.
Car’s braking system marks the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used in a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade even under the most demanding driving. CCM brakes are also some 12.5 kilograms lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car in general and in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.
Presented as an alternative to six-speed manual gearbox, DBS customers will now have the option of Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic transmission. Derived from the same ZF transaxle unit that was developed for the DB9, the system has been substantially redesigned to accommodate the characteristics of power and performance of the DBS.
