Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as easy as Vanquish, but for now, this is the chosen moniker for the top of the range model from the British marque.

Arresting looks

From an appearance viewpoint, the Superleggera stays true to the recent family design language. It is reminiscent of the recently launched Vantage and DB11, on which it is based, but the aggression factor has been turned up to 11.

A gaping front grille, two large bumper intakes to feed the intercoolers, two hood vents and air extractors on the front fenders leave you in no doubt that there is a potent motor under the lightweight bonnet.

In this two-tone colour scheme the wide haunches are accentuated. At the rear, a pair of thin taillamps sits above quad exhaust tips that flank an F1-style double diffuser. That diffuser is just part of the aero package to help maintain stability at speed and add grip during high-speed cornering. Aston Martin claims that the DBS Superleggera produces 180 kg of downforce.

As the name denotes, the new DBS will feature a host of lightweight materials in its construction, including extensive use of carbon-fibre and aluminium.

Check out this cooky Aston Martin submarine.

Changing direction

Aston Martin has changed direction with its latest offering. Typically range-leading Astons are more relaxed and easy-going in nature, competing with the likes of Bentley’s two-door models, the DBS Superleggera is set to change that somewhat with a sportier, more focused outlook.

Under the hood the DBS Superleggera boasts a twin-turbocharged V12. The engine is based on the unit used in the DB11 but in this new application it produces in excess of 530 kW along with a whopping 900 N.m of torque. That latter figure is produced from 1 800-5 500 r/min.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a carbon-fibre propshaft to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical limited slip differential. Claimed performance figures are 3,4 seconds for the benchmark 0-100 km/h acceleration run and a top speed of 340 km/h.

To help rein in that speed the DBS “superlight” has massive carbon-ceramic discs measuring 410 mm up front with 360 mm items at the rear.

Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, said, “When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It’s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. It’s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it’s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries”.