Here we go, folks. The 2012 model year will be the last for the current Aston Martin DBS and a newly redesigned model is on its way. In the mean time, Aston Martin fans can enjoy the 2013 DBS Ultimate, which is little more than a slightly upgraded version of the Carbon Black model, but a limited edition nonetheless.
We all anticipate seeing the upcoming 2014 Aston Martin DBS in the 2012 Paris Auto Show, which kicks off the 29th of September. We are also anxiously awaiting some official photos from Aston Martin, which we expect to see some time in June. As we wait, the spyshot groups are out and about seeking some prey and fell upon a 2014 DBS specimen frolicking around the streets and snapped a few pics. Unfortunately, the DBS was wearing significantly more clothing than the models at the Beijing Auto Show and there wasn’t much to be seen.
Well, our crack rendering team has stripped the clothing from this beauty and gave us a good idea of what to expect, with the above picture. Rendering is not what we’re all about though, as we also are prepared to offer you a full review of this new beast using the information we have gathered and just a pinch of speculation.
Exterior
As expected and promised, the exterior of this new DBS steals a few styling cues from the One-77 supercar, but there are no drastic similarities to make this appear like a baby- One-77, thank you Aston Martin.
Starting at the front end, you will notice that there is a completely different front lip. Aston did away with the gaping mouth look that the 2012 DBS had and replaced it with a lower lip and a small rectangular mouth that will likely act as a front-lip spoiler. We are not certain of its construction, but we certainly assume it will not be made of cheap plastic. It’ll likely receive a carbon fiber or other high-quality treatment.
The 2012 DBS features rather svelte air dams on either side of the front fascia, whereas the new DBS will feature larger air ducts, giving the front end a sportier, racing appearance. The headlight assemblies appear to be very similar to the 2012 model year, but the new DBS’s headlights look to come to a harder point on the front, giving it a meaner look.
The hood is also a similar shape to its 2012 counterpart, but the hood on the new DBS has nostril-style heat extractors that sit farther apart from one another. Short of the nostril repositioning, the hood is nearly identical between the old DBS and new DBS.
The front fenders seem nearly identical to the 2012 model year’s fenders and feature the same heat extractor split in half with a chrome strip that runs onto the front part of the door. The most obvious difference down the side of the new Aston Martin DBS is a low indentation, reminiscent of the indentation created by the heat extractors on the One-77, on the front fender, door, and rear quarter panel. This definitely gives the new DBS’ side profile a lot more character than the 2012 model year.
The roofline on the new DBS is very slightly revised, as it features a little higher peak, which is likely to help increase headroom, but it quickly slopes back downward and finishes in the same fastback-like manner as the 2012 model year. The rear quarter panel arches are slightly more aggressive, giving it an appearance closer to the One-77 supercar.
The rear end is the most redesigned part of the new DBS. The first notable difference is a significantly larger and more aggressive spoiler that the one found on the current model. Aston Martin did us all a huge favor and eliminated the god awful and overused clear taillights in favor of more traditional red ones, but the overall shape and design of the taillights is the same as on the 2012 model.
You will also find that the rear bumper and exhaust exits are far more refined in the newest rendition of the DBS. The rear bumper actually is complete, as opposed to having the plastic insert that the 2012 model year does, and it features two cutouts where the exhaust pipes protrude.
Overall, Aston Martin did a really good job redesigning the exterior without completely dismantling the DBS. We would have liked to have seen a bit more restyling, but it is still a beauty.
Interior
The interior is really a wildcard at this point, as Aston Martin hasn’t provided any details on it and all of the spyshots show an interior nearly identical to the current DBS. Chances are that the test mules still use the interior from the 2012 model year and the upgrades will come later. If Aston Martin reuses the 2012’s interior, it will be in for some angry enthusiasts. It’s not that the 2012’s interior is bad, by any means, but a redesign should always include a new interior.
We will update you if more interior information comes out, as we approach its release date.
Engine and Drivetrain
It is well known that the engine will be the same 6.0-liter V-12 setup that the 2012 model year utilizes, but with mild modifications. With these mods, the V-12 engine will produce significantly more power. Rumors have been swirling about the power output, ranging from 550 horsepower all the way up to 600 horsepower. That puts this new engine at anywhere from 40 horsepower to 80 horsepower more than the 2012 model.
As for the drivetrain, there are rumors about that as well. There were reports that the six-speed manual option would no longer be available, but other reports are saying that the six-speed will be the base transmission. Honestly, eliminating the manual transmission would be a mistake in this car. According to the spyshots, there are paddle shifter controls on the steering wheel, which indicate that whatever automatic is used, which is rumored to be the ZF-sourced eight-speed, it’ll have paddle shift capabilities.
This model will likely carry over the limited slip rear differential from 2012 and the 3.71-to-1 rear axle ratio.
As we said, the engine and drivetrain details are based solely on rumors, but they are from pretty reliable sources. We will keep you informed the second we hear anything else regarding the engine and transmission.
Suspension and Braking
Aston Martin hasn’t released any information on the suspension and braking systems yet, so we anticipate that the new DBS will ride on the same chassis as the current DBS, giving it the same braking and suspension systems. In that case, the suspension will be an adaptive damping system. The front end will feature an independent double wishbone-style system with an anti-roll bar, monotube dampers, and anti-dive geometry, which prevents nose diving on hard braking.
The rear suspension will be essentially the same setup as the front. The only difference would be the geometry of the rear suspension which is set up to reduce squatting and lifting, thereby increasing acceleration and grip, and keeping the tires on the ground.
The front brakes feature six-piston calipers that squeeze onto 398 mm (15.66-inch) carbon ceramic ventilated discs. The rear brakes have four-piston calipers that squeeze 360 mm (14.17-inch) carbon ceramic ventilated discs. As expected of a high-performance luxury ride, the DBS includes an electronic brakeforce distribution system and traction control.
Pricing
There has been no official release on the new DBS’s pricing, nor do we expect it until late this year or early next year. The 2012 DBS has an MSRP of $275,461 and we shouldn’t expect to see any drastic increase, so look for it to come in around the $285K to $290K range.
When Can I Get One
The release date has not yet been given. We do know that the 2014 DBS will make its debut in September, which given the normal course of action, that would put us at a February or March 2013 release, making this one of the earliest 2014 models.
Competition
The only true head-to-head competition for the 2012 DBS is the upcoming Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which is slated to replace the 599. First and foremost, we are using the term “competitor” very loosely here. The F12 is slated to pump out an impressive 740 horsepower from its 6.3-liter V-12 engine, which crushes even the highest estimates for the Aston Martin DBS.
On the outside, the F12 Berlinetta screams “Supercar,” whereas the Aston Martin is more of a luxury sports car. That’s not to say that the F12 Berlinetta is a better looking car, it is just more muscular looking than the DBS.
The only unknown here is the pricing, as the 599 bottomed out at $320,000, which is $45,000 more than the outgoing DBS. Chances are that with the increases on this new Ferrari, the MSRP will shoot up significantly, which is another reason the term “competitor” is used loosely here.
Conclusion
For a buyer that prefers sleek styling and a luxurious look and feel over pure unadulterated muscle looks, the 2014 Aston Martin DBS is the way to go. If you prefer the muscular look, then the way to go is the Ferrari.
As we said, pricing is still unknown, so that may ultimately make up your mind. We advise not making any final decisions until all of the details are released on both the Ferrari F12 and the 2014 Aston Martin DBS.
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