Aston Martin DBS Superleggera range-topper announced

AS A flagship model, DBS Superleggera has a certain ring to it. Not a particularly English ring, granted, but Aston Martin has some precedent here.

The replacement for the Aston Martin Vanquish due to be unveiled later this year draws on a couple of well-worn nameplates. The last DBS was a DB9-derived model in 2007, while Lamborghini fans can pipe down because Aston Martin had a Superleggera way back in 1959.

Details are, at present, sketchy as to what the car will look like and what’ll be under the bonnet. Rumours have repeatedly mentioned the Cologne-built 5.2-litre V12, with power output expected to top 522kW (700hp).

Autocar spy image of 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera testing in Europe

The new model forms part of Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan, announced in 2015, laying out the template for the next generation of product. The Vanquish replacement was the third car in the sequence, coming after DB11 and Vantage and just before the forthcoming DBX crossover.

“We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it’s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries,” explains Aston’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman.

The new car is expected to feature carbonfibre body elements to pare back weight and live up to the Superleggera name, eventually spawning a Volante convertible to be sold alongside the coupe.

It might not be the end of the Vanquish badge though. Aston Martin’s chief technical officer, the ex-Ferrari Max Szwaj is said to be heading up a team to rebirth the Vanquish as a mid-engined Ferrari 488/Lamborghini Huracan/McLaren 720S rival.