Enhanced Aston DBS
Automatic gearbox, rear seats and uprated stereo made available
A year after we first saw the Aston Martin DBS at Pebble Beach 2007, it has received some tweaks to keep up with the rest of its super-coupe rivals.
The most noteworthy change is the addition of Aston’s Touchtronic 2 transmission, the paddle-operated, six-speed automatic that makes an appearance in the DB9. It has been retuned to handle the 510bhp and 420lb ft the DBS offers, matching the manual’s 4.3sec dash to 60mph.
The final drive ratio has been shortened from 3.15:1 to 3.46:1 to boost acceleration times, while there’s a sport mode that sharpens up the gearshifts via the leather-trimmed alloy paddles.
Other big news is the option of 2+2 layout, following customer feedback to add a pair of (fairly small) rear seats. The 2+0 layout remains standard, though. The DBS also gets a 1000W ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo as standard, while there’s an option of new ten-spoke 20in aluminium wheels, with silver and graphite finishes available. As well as a fresher look for the 191mph Aston, they reduce weight by 8kg – giving a slight boost to handling, acceleration and braking.
The DBS will continue to be built at Aston Martin’s UK and global HQ at Gaydon, where nearly 300 have rolled off the production line. Prices start at £162,500 for the manual, with the new Touchtronic auto demanding an extra £3000.
