Aston Martin DBS Coupe

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The DBS's 512bhp from its V12 engine doesn't tell you half of the story. Carbonfibre body panels and carbon ceramic brakes save weight, helping towards the awesome performance from as little as 2500rpm. Say goodbye to 62mph in 4.3secs, while the top speed is a rather naughty 191mph.

Ride & handling
The trouble with so many sporting cars, GTs included, is the rock-hard ride. Not the DBS. This car manages the rare feat of riding the bumps rather well, yet still providing secure, enjoyable handling. The traction control could work a little sooner to prevent wheel spin (even in third gear) on damp roads, but otherwise there’s plenty of feel through the steering and the car feels more nimble than its size suggests.

Refinement
A great GT must be capable of covering vast distances quickly, while making those on board feel cosseted all the way – the DBS does exactly that. Once the excitement of the initial bark of the V12 engine dies away, and when the car is cruising comfortably, there’s little engine or wind noise to disturb, just the gentle rumble from those massive tyres. But for frequent fuel stops, you'll cross continents in comfort

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
First things first, this is an awful lot of cash for a car – even one of the DBS’s talents. Perhaps what makes the asking price slightly more difficult is that the DBS is based on the much, much cheaper DB9. Sure, there have been no end of clever (and no doubt expensive) tweaks that transform the car, but it’s still a lot more to pay for a very similar car. Running costs will be what you’d expect from a car with 'supercar' status – simply high.

Quality & reliability
The 'Handbuilt in England' inscription on the kickplates as you open the door says it all. This is a modern, British interior using the finest materials in a super-stylish design. It’s all incredibly cool. The exterior is similarly well-appointed. Even the carbonfibre body panels (front wings and bonnet included) are beautifully painted and fitted. As long as your Aston is suitably cared for, it should easily make it to classic status eventually.

Safety & security
For your money you get the expected electronic gadgetry to keep the car on the road (although we’d like the traction control to be a little more proactive – the car will slide a little too much if too much power is applied on a damp road), but unless you opt for the sports seats, you'll only get two front airbags. The sports seats add side 'bags, but there’s still no sign of head airbags. A security tracking system comes as standard.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Approach the DBS at night, plip the remote and the cabin is bathed in a gentle blue light – making the beautifully styled leather interior look all the more inviting. There's plenty of bare aluminium, including the gearlever, which gets all too cold on a winter's morning, while the metallic theme is followed through to the chronograph-inspired dash. The driving position is spot on, but we'd rather have an electronic handbrake than the old-fashioned lever to the right of the driver's seat.

Space & practicality
If your DBS is the inspiration for a motoring holiday, pack light. The boot will, of course, take your golf clubs, but squashy bags are more sensible than hard cases. The plus two seats in the back of the DB9 have been removed (more weight saving) to make way for more luggage space, but this isn’t exactly a commodious car. Accommodation for driver and passenger is just fine, though.

Equipment
In addition to a pretty impressive stereo system, which can be set up to control your iPod, the DBS comes with a Volvo-sourced navigation system and Bluetooth for your mobile phone. Plus there’s the expected climate control to keep you cool (or warm). The fancy key system still needs to be inserted into the dash and pushed to start the engine (adding to the drama) but we’d rather see a keyless system that enabled you to open the doors without plipping the button

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