Unveiling the 2008 Aston Martin DBS: A New Era

The year 2008 marked a pivotal moment for Aston Martin, ushering in a new era of performance and luxury with the introduction of the DBS. More than just an evolution, this magnificent machine was designed to be the ultimate embodiment of the DB9 coupe, poised to replace the legendary Vanquish as the brand's undisputed flagship. While executives initially tiptoed around calling it a direct successor, preferring to position it as a 'halo car' to raise brand awareness, the DBS undeniably arrived with a bang, promising a driving experience unlike any Aston Martin road car before it.

Conceived to bridge the gap between road-going grandeur and track-day prowess, the 2008 DBS was a symphony of power, lightweight engineering, and aerodynamic precision. It represented Aston Martin's engineering and technical prowess pushed to its very limits, delivering pure performance without compromise. Let's delve into the myriad of innovations and enhancements that made the 2008 Aston Martin DBS a truly groundbreaking vehicle.

Unleashing Raw Power: The Massaged V12 Engine

At the heart of the 2008 DBS lay a significantly enhanced version of Aston Martin's iconic 6.0-litre V12 engine. Hand-assembled with meticulous precision at the company's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany, this powerplant was tuned for prodigious output, delivering a formidable 510 bhp (517 PS) at 6500 rpm and 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) of torque at 5750 rpm. This represented a substantial leap in power compared to the DB9's 450 bhp, firmly establishing the DBS as the most potent road-going Aston of its time.

Key to this power boost were several internal enhancements. The V12 featured a new 'by-pass' engine air intake port that automatically opened above 5500 rpm, allowing a greater volume of air to flood into the engine. Coupled with re-profiled air inlet ports that further improved airflow into the combustion chamber and a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the engine’s breathing was optimised for maximum efficiency and output. The result was breathtaking performance, with the DBS capable of sprinting from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a mere 4.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h).

Revolutionary Lightweight Construction

One of the most significant advancements in the 2008 DBS was its relentless pursuit of weight reduction. Aston Martin engineers meticulously shaved off approximately 220 pounds (around 100 kg) compared to a standard DB9, bringing the kerb weight down to 1695 kg for the manual version. This was achieved through the extensive and pioneering use of advanced materials and construction techniques.

The DBS became the first production Aston Martin to make widespread use of carbon-fibre body panels. Components such as the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings, and bonnet were crafted from this ultra-light yet immensely strong material, alone contributing a saving of some 30 kg. This commitment to lightweighting extended to the interior, where door pulls were fashioned from carbon-fibre, and even the carpet was woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms. The use of special semi-aniline leather throughout the cabin also contributed to weight reduction while maintaining a luxurious feel and distinctive aroma.

The car’s underlying structure remained Aston Martin's class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture. This bonded aluminium structure provided outstanding strength and rigidity, forming a robust yet lightweight platform upon which the DBS's dynamic capabilities were built. This ingenious combination of the VH architecture with cutting-edge carbon-fibre panels ensured an exceptional balance between strength and mass, crucial for high-performance driving.

Aerodynamic Mastery and Striking Design

The 2008 DBS was not merely about power; its design was a masterclass in functional aesthetics, with every curve and vent serving an engineering purpose. The car wore an aggressive yet elegant body kit designed to help it slice through the air more cleanly and efficiently. Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, emphasised that "everything is present for an engineering reason, nothing is extraneous."

Key aerodynamic enhancements included:

• A new lower bumper section that fed more air to the enlarged radiator and oil cooler, also aiding in cooling the standard carbon ceramic brake rotors.
• Additional apertures in the carbon-fibre bonnet to help vent heat from the upgraded V12 engine underneath.
• Pumped-out fenders to cover the wider track and accommodate the new 20-inch diameter wheels, giving the car a more muscular and athletic stance.
• A 20 mm reduction in ride height, accentuated by enhanced side sills carefully profiled to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce drag along the flanks.
• A large rear diffuser, carried over from Aston Martin's race cars, which created an area of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, significantly reducing lift and improving high-speed stability without the need for large, unsightly external spoilers.
• A more prominent boot spoiler, seamlessly integrated into the carbon-fibre boot lid, and a flat undertray to further improve underbody aerodynamics.
• A redesigned iconic Aston Martin side strake, featuring a bank of LEDs for the side repeater, and a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille.

The overall design conveyed strength, power, and agility, famously described as "brutal, but dressed in black tie" – an apt comparison to Daniel Craig's edgier James Bond, whose cinematic outing in "Casino Royale" featured the DBS, albeit as an unplanned cameo that ultimately influenced the car's name, harking back to George Lazenby's 007 in 1969.

Enhanced Handling and Braking Systems

To fully exploit its rigid and lightweight platform, the DBS introduced a suite of advanced handling and braking technologies. The car benefited from a near-perfect weight distribution, with 85% of its weight positioned within its wheelbase, ensuring exceptional agility and a stable platform for its high power output.

• Adaptive Damping System (ADS)

  A new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) was employed, using two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions. This allowed for instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics, automatically altering suspension settings to provide high levels of control. The system could switch between 'softer' for improved ride quality and 'firm' for enhanced body control during spirited driving. A designated 'Track' mode automatically set all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving.

• Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) Brakes

  In a significant first for a road-going Aston Martin, the DBS featured Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard. These state-of-the-art brakes offered shorter stopping distances and exceptional resistance to fade even in the most demanding conditions. Crucially, CCM brakes were also approximately 12.5 kg lighter than conventional systems, reducing the car's overall weight and, more importantly, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing suspension performance.

• Revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

  The DBS also came with a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to maintain maximum traction. While automatically on by default, drivers could engage a 'Track' mode by pressing a button for two seconds, raising the intervention threshold to allow experienced drivers to explore the car's limits. Holding the button for four seconds disengaged DSC entirely, offering pure, unadulterated driving.

The car was fitted with specially developed Pirelli P-Zero tyres on new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, ensuring optimal grip and performance.

The Upgraded Cockpit and Infotainment

The interior of the 2008 DBS represented a significant overhaul of the DB9's cockpit, with a focus on improved ergonomics and the integration of cutting-edge technology, all while maintaining Aston Martin's renowned craftsmanship and luxurious feel. The aim was to make controls more intuitive and precise, especially for performance driving.

• The centre stack was reconfigured to be more functional and user-friendly, with HVAC and audio controls designed for easier access.
• Materials were chosen for both luxury and weight saving, including special semi-aniline leather, Alcantara, and exposed carbon-fibre elements with carefully selected weave patterns.
• The instrument cluster featured white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility.
• A new steering wheel profile included a twin-stitched detail marker indicating the 'on-centre' position, and the gear knob was fashioned from polished alloy.

• The Emotion Control Unit (ECU)

  A true highlight was the innovative Emotion Control Unit (ECU). Evolving beyond a simple key, this beautifully machined and highly tactile polished glass unit, incorporating a stainless steel inner case, resembled a fine wristwatch or contemporary jewellery. To operate the car, the glass ECU was inserted into a special docking station within Aston Martin's signature dashboard-mounted glass starter button, glowing red to indicate readiness. Pressing the ECU flush with the button fired the engine, and upon stopping, it automatically motored out for removal, adding a touch of theatre to every drive.

• New Centre Console and Audio System

  The start sequence was augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround and crisp typography. A traditional dial-face clock sat at the centre, flanked by two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning, fashioned from solid, turned aluminium. These controls also navigated the audio system, Bluetooth telephone preparation, and satellite navigation functions.

  

  The 2008 DBS came standard with the new Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS system, developed specifically for the car. This 1000W system delivered sound through 13 channels across 10 speaker locations, featuring new speaker grille designs and acoustic lenses that rose out of the fascia, offering an unrivalled audio experience. Connectivity was modernised with an integrated Apple iPod connector, USB connector (supporting WAF, WMA, MP3), and a 3.5mm auxiliary socket. Bluetooth telephone preparation was standard, allowing phone directories and call logs to be displayed on the car’s screens.

Transmission Choices: Manual and Touchtronic 2

While the initial concept shown in 'Casino Royale' featured a six-speed manual gearbox, the production version of the 2008 DBS offered choices to cater to different driving preferences. The car came standard with a rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, providing a direct and engaging connection to the potent V12.

Crucially, Aston Martin introduced the 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed automatic transmission as an option. Derived from the ZF transaxle unit developed for the DB9, this system was substantially re-engineered to accommodate the DBS's higher power and performance characteristics. The Touchtronic 2 featured a shorter final drive ratio (3.46:1 compared to the manual's 3.71:1), aiding quicker acceleration and an improved performance feel. Changes to the gearbox calibration ensured more aggressive gear shifts and greater usability, remarkably matching the manual's 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

The Touchtronic 2 system offered intuitive control via leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles mounted on the steering column, allowing drivers to manually control gear shifts. It also included a 'Sport' mode, activated via a button on the centre console, which engaged a more aggressive gear shift strategy, sharper and more forceful changes, more aggressive engine speed matching on downshifts, and a more responsive throttle map.

Exclusivity and Positioning

The 2008 Aston Martin DBS was designed to be as exclusive as it was powerful. With a production run limited to just 300 cars per year, it matched the exclusivity of its predecessor, the Vanquish. Priced similarly, starting around $260,000 to $269,000, the DBS was positioned at the pinnacle of Aston Martin's range, a statement of intent for the brand's future direction. Despite its clear superiority, Aston Martin's executives carefully positioned the DBS as a standalone product based on the DB9, rather than a direct Vanquish replacement, perhaps leaving room for an even more extreme supercar in the distant future. Nevertheless, the DBS was undeniably the company's technology flagship, showcasing the best of what Aston Martin had to offer.

Comparative Glance: DBS vs. Vanquish S

While Aston Martin might have been hesitant to call the DBS a direct Vanquish successor, its performance figures and technological advancements clearly put it ahead, particularly when compared to the original Vanquish. Even against the later Vanquish S, the DBS brought significant advancements.

While the Vanquish S had a slight edge in raw horsepower and top speed due to a later tune, the DBS’s significant weight reduction, advanced braking, and sophisticated suspension systems meant it offered superior all-round performance, agility, and a more refined driving experience. The DBS truly moved the game on for Aston Martin.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2008 Aston Martin DBS

Was the 2008 Aston Martin DBS a good car?

Absolutely. The 2008 Aston Martin DBS was widely regarded as an excellent car, representing the pinnacle of Aston Martin's engineering and design at the time. It combined stunning aesthetics with high performance, advanced materials, and a luxurious, driver-focused interior. Its blend of road manners and track capability made it a highly desirable grand tourer.

How many 2008 Aston Martin DBS cars were produced?

Production of the 2008 Aston Martin DBS was highly exclusive, limited to approximately 300 cars per year. This exclusivity contributed significantly to its appeal and ensured its status as a rare and sought-after vehicle.

What was the price of the 2008 Aston Martin DBS?

The starting price for the 2008 Aston Martin DBS was around $260,000 to $269,000, placing it at the very top of Aston Martin's model range and on par with its predecessor, the Vanquish.

Did the 2008 DBS replace the Vanquish?

While the 2008 DBS effectively took over the role as Aston Martin's flagship performance model after the Vanquish ceased production, Aston Martin executives preferred to describe it as a 'halo car' and a 'standalone product based on the DB9' rather than a direct successor. This subtle distinction allowed them to raise brand awareness and potentially leave room for future, even more extreme supercars.

What was the significance of carbon-fibre in the 2008 DBS?

The 2008 DBS was the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of carbon-fibre body panels for components such as the bonnet, boot lid, and wings. This innovation significantly reduced the car's weight by approximately 30 kg, contributing to its enhanced performance, agility, and fuel efficiency. It marked a crucial step in Aston Martin's adoption of advanced lightweight materials.

What was the Emotion Control Unit (ECU)?

The Emotion Control Unit (ECU) was the innovative and highly distinctive key and starter mechanism for the 2008 DBS. It was a beautifully crafted polished glass unit with a stainless steel inner case, designed to resemble fine jewellery. To start the car, the ECU was inserted into a special docking station on the dashboard, glowing red before the engine was fired by pressing the unit flush with the starter button, adding a unique theatrical element to the driving experience.

In conclusion, the 2008 Aston Martin DBS was far more than just a new model; it was a powerful statement of intent. It showcased a relentless commitment to pushing boundaries in performance, lightweight engineering, and driver-focused luxury. From its invigorated V12 engine and groundbreaking use of carbon-fibre to its sophisticated handling systems and meticulously crafted interior, every aspect of the DBS was designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. It truly was, as Marek Reichman put it, 'a to-die-for car,' a sentiment that James Bond himself would undoubtedly approve of.

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