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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Aston Martin is adding a series of enhancements to its year-old DBS, including the option of a new ‘Touchtronic 2’ gearbox and a 2+2 seating arrangement.
New gearbox
The DBS’s new automatic six-speed transmission will be introduced as an alternative to the manual gearbox, being derived from the ZF unit that was developed for the DB9.
The automated gearbox been substantially reworked to better suit the performance characteristics of the DBS with a shorter final drive ratio and changed calibration to produce more aggressive shift timing.
A ‘Sport’ button sharpens gearshifts further and brings more dynamic throttle mapping into play. This allows the automatic DBS to match the 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds set by the manual model.
Like the DB9, the new DBS gearbox is controlled via paddles on the wheel, while buttons on the fascia select drive, park, neutral and reverse.
’Plus 2’ option
Aston has also decided to offer the DBS with an optional 2+2 seating arrangement in addition to the original car’s two-seat layout.
It means that two small seats can now be specified to replace the rear storage area as an extra cost option.
More options
Other DBS extras are to include a bespoke 1000w, ten speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Fitting it changes the appearance of the DBS cabin slightly, and Aston claims the system offers “unrivalled sound quality.”
Meanwhile, new 10-spoke, 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels have been devised which reduce the car’s weight by 8kg.
Since the DBS was launched last year, Aston has sold 300 examples worldwide. UK prices start at £162,500.
Will Powell
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