Behind The Wheel Of Aston's 'Brute' DBS

EXCLUSIVE We drive prototype of 715bhp V12 Superleggera

-Blends performance with panache in 211mph package

- Sean Carson

ASTON Martin’s Second Century business plan continues apace. The recent DB11 AMR improved the DB11 launched in 2016, and the latest Vantage has earned plenty of praise.

Next up is this DBS Superleggera, which will join the line-up later this year. And Aston invited Auto Express to try it in final prototype form, getting the full briefing from its chief engineer, Matt Becker.

“It’s the brute of the range,” Becker tells us. The DBS gets the 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 carried over from the DB11. The engine uses the same hardware, but with more boost pressure from those turbos and a remap, the motor is making 715bhp and 900Nm of torque. There’s a new eight-speed auto gearbox, too. These ferocious figures mean the latest Aston covers the 0-62mph dash in 3.4 seconds, is good for 0-100mph in an astonishing 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 211mph.