Aston Martin DBS, just like in the movies…

It has kept virtually everything from the model in “Casino Royale”, the latest opus in the James Bond saga, except the gadgets ! Close-up of a star, racy and very luxurious.

Prepare to take the wheel of a car truly unlike any other, a unique model, from the worlds of racing and the movies. An atypical combination which makes it something of a phenomenon. Professionals compare it to a super DB9, even sleeker, more sculptural too, with an engine-block revisited. It has thus gained an extra 57 hp, giving a total 517. Compared with the DB9, it has also shed 65 kilos (thus now weighing in at 1,695 kilos on the scales), a factor explained by its lighter aluminium bodywork. This 2-seater with a magnesium alloy and carbon fibre composite body flaunts flowing design with a special bumper, a more virile underbody and a rear with an assertive profile. Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in carbon fibre and Kevlar (optional) and the entire passenger compartment, designed like a cockpit, is a blend of luxury and high-tech. Interior in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, the centre console finished in Iridium Silver or optional Piano Black wood, a carbon fibre finish for door handles and door trims, trip computer, audio system with frontal six-CD autochanger, and the “nec plus ultra”, a (so British !) Aston Martin umbrella with a holder mounted in the trunk ! The height of refinement, the engine is switched on by means of a “key” made of crystal encircled with aluminium, which is inserted into the control panel. Then, a first for Aston Martin, the DBS is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, diameter 398 mm at the front, 360 mm at the rear ; a technique which reduces the suspended masses by 12.5 kilos while offering infallible endurance even with intensive use. The engine, an all-alloy V12, comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, mid-mounted on the rear axle to provide improved distribution of the weight and thus ensure better road-holding (85 % of the weight is centered between the two front and rear axles). Thanks to this intelligent distribution of its weight, this elegant thoroughbred can attain a top speed of 301 kilometres per hour. As regards security and comfort, everything has naturally been designed to offer the driver and his passenger maximum levels of safety and well-being. The heated, electrically operated seats have ten different positions with height, tilt and lumbar adjustment ; like the exterior mirrors, they incorporate a memory function. In addition to frontal and side airbags, the DBS is, of course, equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and a Torque Control System. Among the many options, and for the sheer fun of it, owners can order customised sill plaques, a multi-storage saddle (thermos…), First Aid kit and smoker’s kit. Enough to amuse the agent of Her Royal Majesty, who sleeps in everyone of us…

DBS in figures :

An extremely luxurious thoroughbred which counts amongst its illustrious drivers a certain Bond, James Bond. The gadgets have, of course disappeared, though the Aston Martin DBS retains all its star qualities.

In the same vein : Ferrari F-430 Spider : four tiny seconds whisk you from standstill to 100 km/hr. Worth noting, the “Manettino”, a rotating pushbutton on the steering wheel with which to select operating modes (snow, slippery roads, sport, racing…). 176,500 €.

Length : 4721 mm

Wheelbase : 2060 mm

From 0 to 100 km/h : 4,3 s

Price : 241.400 €

By Cécile Olivéro.