From what can be seen, externally, the DBS exactly matched the version seen in Casino Royale; much like a DB9 on which it is closely based but with considerably more menace. The V12 engine was been tuned to produce 510bhp @ 6500 rpm and 420 lb ft of torque at 5750rpm and was coupled to a close ratio 6-speed gearbox. This allowed a top speed of 191 mph and 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds. At launch, the DBS was only available with a conventional gear stick and three pedals although Touchtronic 2 was available as an option from late 2008. For the first time on an Aston road car, the DBS had vented carbon ceramic brakes: 398mm diameter with six pot calipers at the front, 360mm four pot calipers at the back. Another first for an Aston was carbonfibre composite body panels used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, together offering a 30kg saving over the aluminium equivalent. On top of the carbon weave, a patented Surface Veil process was applied a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to give the ultra smooth finish expected on an Aston.

Overall, the weight of the two-seat only DBS was 65kg lower than the DB9; by specifying the Kevlar and carbon-fibre optional seats (not available in the USA) provided a further weight saving of 20kg. The interior leather was lighter weight semi-aniline and even the phantom grey carpets were made of a lighter weight fibre. The conventional key was ditched and replaced by a polished sapphire ECU that was inserted into a slot in the starter button. The centre console was changed with a cast metal surround, new graphics and turned aluminium heater knobs.

Deliveries began in the very early part of 2008 with a launch price of £161,147.

For the 2009MY, AM introduced as a £2000 option, the Touchtronic 2 transmission from the DB9 perhaps in response to demand from the US market where true manual cars are a rarity. Also made optional were lightweight occasional rear seats making the DBS a 2+2. In addition, the DBS was now fitted as standard with bespoke Bang & Olufsen audio equipment featuring rather unusual speakers that rise out of the top roll on the dash. Another option was the introduction of a new 10 spoke 20 inch lightweight wheel offering a 2kg per wheel reduction in unsprung mass. Pictures of a 2009MY car below were taken at the Geneva Salon, a 2+2 Touchtronic 2 example.

I must point out that AM market this car as a DBS but, for historic classification by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, this model should be known as the DBS V12 to differentiate it from the 6 cylinder model of the same name introduced in the 1967.

DBS Volante