This, the flagship sportscar in Aston Martin's mainstream range, is a thoroughbred large-capacity front-engined V12 Super GT with badging that marks the return of two illustrious names. The 'Superleggera' (or 'Super lightweight') tag apparently pays homage to the innovative lightweight construction methods pioneered by Italian coachbuilder Touring with classic DB models of the Sixties. As for DBS, well that nameplate's been around since 1967 and was last used on the 2007-era model that Daniel Craig barrel-rolled in his 'Casino Royale' James Bond debut. This Superleggera model uses the 5.2-litre V12 trhat also features in the brand's DB11 AMR, though naturally with a lot more power and torque - 715hp and 900Nm to be exact. In addition, this Superleggera is 72kgs lighter than a DB11 AMR, courtesy of the carbon fibre panels that coat its aluminium structure. And it offers a higher level of downforce than any of the brand's previous series production models have ever generated. Let's put it to the test.

About the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

By almost every measurement, the DBS Superleggera is a very special sportscar. And in almost every way, it's worthy of its positioning as a flagship Aston Martin model. Though on paper, comparisons to the Ferrari 812 Superfast seem evident, in practice, the Superleggera is a rather different car, less track-focused to be sure but also more road-orientated and easier to live with. Ultimately, what's important here is that the DBS formula is a traditionally Aston Martin one, which is rather reassuring in an era in which the brand is diversifying into uncharted territory like hybrid technology, mid-engined motoring and SUVs. Engineering like that is needed if the company's future is to be sustainable, but the marque can't afford to forget its heritage in producing the kind of classic Super GT that small boys can dream about and wealthy enthusiasts can aspire to. So we welcome the Superleggera. There's nothing quite like it.

Representative finance example

If your borrow amount is £7,000 with a deposit of £1,000, a selected term of 48 months, at a representative APR of 17.9% (fixed) and an annual fixed interest rate of 17.9%, you would pay £171.83 per month. Total charge for credit would be £2,247.84 and total amount repayable is £8,247.84.

Browse other Aston-Martin models

Aston-Martin Cygnet Aston-Martin DB11 Aston-Martin DB7 Aston-Martin DB9 Aston-Martin DBX Aston-Martin Rapide Aston-Martin Vanquish Aston-Martin Vantage Aston-Martin Virage

Browse Aston-Martin DBS by body type

Aston-Martin DBS Convertible Aston-Martin DBS Coupe