Aston Martin teases DBS return

ASTON Martin has confirmed that the successor to its current Vanquish S flagship will be named the DBS Superleggera, with the “Super GT” set to break cover around June this year.

While the British car-maker is keeping full details under wraps for now, it has promised that the “DBS Superleggera will feature the highest levels of performance, craftsmanship and design”.

Thus, it will comfortably sit above the Vantage sportscar and DB11 grand tourer in the Aston Martin model line-up, which is set to expand with the addition of the DBX SUV next year, and a Lagonda-branded electric sedan and SUV in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

This will mark the third use of the DBS moniker, which was first used for the original model in 1967 before popping up on the 2008 GT made famous by the 2007 James Bond film Casino Royale.

The Superleggera designation – Italian for ‘super light’ – pays homage to Italian automotive coach-builder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, who worked with Aston Martin on the 1958 DB4, 1963 DB5 and 1965 DB6 Mark I GTs.

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera is renowned for its lightweight construction technology, which, as its name suggests, is likely to be found in the DBS Superleggera.

Given the Vanquish S employs a 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine that produces 433kW of power and 630Nm of torque, the DBS Superleggera is expected to take a major leap forward in the powertrain stakes.

It is likely to adopt a more potent version of the DB11 V12’s 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged unit that already develops 447kW and 700Nm, which could potentially push it past the 500kW barrier and towards the 588kW Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Nevertheless, Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman, who also penned the 2008 DBS, appears to have big plans for the new model.

“When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is,” he said. “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”.

As with the aforementioned models, a Superleggera badge will adorn the bonnet of the DBS Superleggera – as depicted by the non-descript single teaser image released by the brand.

According to British automotive publication Autocar, Aston Martin also plans to launch a mid-engined rival for the Ferrari 488 GTB, which will be dubbed Vanquish and, like the DBS Superleggera, sit below the Valkyrie hypercar.