Performance: The Vanquish replacement retains the same 5.9L V-12 but loses ten horsepower to the outgoing 2008 Vanquish S model. It will also lose weight as well, with a sizeable drop of around 300 or so pounds. Less weight equals better performance even with a horsepower drop. The new DBS will blaze to sixty in about 4.3 seconds, besting the outgoing Vanquish S by about a half a second. However, the Vanquish might beat the DBS in the long haul. Aston Martin rates the top speed of the Vanquish S and DBS at 200+ and 191 mph respectfully.

Exterior: There is no denying that the DBS is a beautiful car from any angle you might approach. Based on the same good looks of the DB9, the DBS adds a more aggressive front spoiler, larger fender flares, huge 20” wheels, a bigger grill and larger side vents. These add-ons not only enhance its style but allow it to cut through the air better as well.

Interior: The interior of the DBS draws in memories of how an unattached individual might decorate his apartment. Black and silver is the kind of simple color combination that even a single man would find easy to come up with. It is adorned in soft leather, glossy black plastic and carbon fiber pieces all accentuated by satin silver bits and knobs. All you need to add is some glass table tops with satin sheets to complete the bachelor pad package. Maybe some of the other color combinations will push this interior into manhood.

Market Impact: Differentiating models is the name of the car manufacture game. Companies offer different products at different price points to keep competition on the enemy and not their own automobiles. The DBS misconstrues the Aston Martin line-up. What we get for double the money of a DB9 is the same V-12, similar looks and interiors that will soon be one par with one another. The only thing the DBS adds is a bit more speed.

by Ben Greene