Aston Martin sings to a sad tune as they unveil a limited edition DBS for the final time
The world keeps turning. Or so we’re told. The death of the DBS is a macabre one, one that will send a stake right into the heart of the automotive industry and stop the vehicle globe from turning. We’re not one for semantics around here, but this hurts.
At least Aston Martin has given us a consolation prize– the limited run DBS 770 Ultimate. Long name aside, the 770 is the ultimate DBS, a 7-gun salute for the trooper of the supercar world. Limited to only 499 models, all have been swooped up by the elites of the planet, but that’s no reason to stop gawking. Instead, we’re left with one of the sole bastions of the V12s in the flesh– and only time left to admire it.
The DBS 770 is Aston Martin’s most powerful rendition of the DBS yet. An emphatic variant of the iconic model, it’s the British auto manufacturer’s most vicious vehicle yet. With 759 horsepower spewing from a 5.2 L V12, it’s easy to say this is one hell of a goodbye. Think of a funeral with fireworks and explosions… it’s a heck of a way to go out.
Quickly Nearing the Finish Line
As the finish line is in sight, the DBS 770 can get there quickly. Gaydon insists a 3.2 second claim to 60 mph, a brisk dash compared to its impressive 211 mph top speed. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF-built 8-speed automatic transmission– one of the last of its breed. A RWD V12 Aston, who would’ve known it would be in such hot demand?
In order to stop such a vehicle, Aston Martin fitted their signature carbon ceramic brakes to each wheel of the 770, measuring in at 410mm x 38mm front discs and 360mm x 32mm in the rear. While the same as the seemingly beige DBS, these brakes are engineered to withstand higher heat levels and have increased resistance to brake fade. As if anyone would dare take this goliath on the track.
Other Astons That Aren’t Dead… Yet
A girthier crossmember and a suite of other upgrades beneath the 770’s sinister grin give substantial boosts in the handling department. Aston Martin claims that front end lateral stiffness has been improved by 25% to provide maximum performance feel and response. This increase was achieved with a thicker rear undertray, which also increases global torsional stiffness by 3% for perfectly balanced driving dynamics.
An Evil Smile
Anyone who’s ever taken a look at the DBS’s front fascia knows how menacing its design is. Its front DRLs give off a grotesque appearance that looks just right. Enough to make any onlooker shiver just a little. Aston has expanded on that mantra by adjusting the bumper setup to make the 770 look just a tad bit more sinister and to increase performance.
Enhanced cooling towards the radiator provides better thermal management and a better field of view for the driver. Paired with a dramatic design decision in the 770’s “horseshoe” engine vent, this DBS looks to be its sharpest yet. In the rear, a new carbon fiber sill element visually lowers the side profile towards the rear wheel, creating a poised stance that accentuates the DBS’s muscular physique.
The tire size has also increased, giving way to 21-inch rotundas along all four corners which are wrapped in special Pirelli P Zeroes– you don’t get those with just any car.
The Eulogy
As much as you want the 770, it’s not for everyone. The Ultimate will only be limited to the aforementioned 499 models, 300 coupes and 199 convertibles, which Aston Martin calls Volantes. The order books are filled, the folks in Gaydon are whisking away, and all is well. Well, except for the part that the DBS is leaving. So no. Not all is well.
