With all car manufacturers – even exotic ones – being forced to embrace electrification due to netzero government policies and consign their purely internal combustion treasures to museums, what we’re witnessing right now is a final push by some of the most storied sports car marques to unleash their unabashed give-it-everything-you’ve-got curtain call. And behold, the latest and last DBS from Aston Martin, the DBS 770 Ultimate, which kicks off Aston’s 110th birthday celebrations.
James Bond was described by his creator, Ian Fleming, as being a “blunt instrument wielded by a government department”. It’s questionable as to whether the UK’s defense budget bean counters would sign-off the cost of a $387,600 supercar, but 007 would look very much at home in the 770 – which refers to its 770PS or, in real money, 759 bhp. That’s more horses than any series-production Aston before, and an increase of 44bhp over the standard DBS.
They say power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Therefore, this 5.2 twin-turbo V12 could pose very bad news indeed. But as a blunt instrument, goodness, it does the business. It wasn’t like the DBS was short on oomph to start with. With a gargantuan 664 lb-ft of torque available from just 1,800 bhp, it’ll take huge restraint not to shred the tires at every green light. Zero to 62 mph takes 3.4 seconds as it limbers its way up to 211 mph. That’s not an improvement on the standard car, surprisingly. Where most of the difference lies is the feel, with upgraded steering, tightened front stiffness and adaptive dampers. The handling is now more precise, and the steering has more feedback, while overall ride quality is unharmed.
Then there are the aggressive, yet elegant, looks at which Aston is so masterful; additions include a new front splitter, a ‘horseshoe’ engine vent to help pull more air through the radiators, loads of carbon elements, and a new rear diffuser. Most gob smacking are the 21 inch multi-spoke alloys, inspired by Aston’s wild and one-off Victor project, finished in either satin silver or satin black. Inside, there’s additional 770 jewelry, leather, Alcantara, and carbon everywhere you look. The infotainment system remains the Aston’s weak point, and brand customers will need to wait until next year for the next-gen Mercedes-sourced UX.
The DBS 770 Ultimate is limited-edition; 300 coupes and 199 Volantes will be built and, we’re sorry to report, they’re already all sold out. Getting one’s hands on this brute-in-a-suit may require a state sanctioned assassination or two.
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