Aston Martin know how to design a stunning car, for that there is no doubt. But their press release on the new DBS Superleggera, the replacement for the outgoing Vanquish S, shows the traditional androcentric nature of the automotive industry is still present.
Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman says the DBS Superleggera captures the spirit of Aston Martin’s “raw potency and pure aggression” and “a distinctive and imposing machine blessed with tremendous physical presence” that combines aerodynamics with “classic muscularity and presence for which our most potent series production models are renowned”.
The description then continues “With drawn-in flanks sculpted to accentuate the muscularity of the broad front shoulders and powerful rear haunches, DBS Superleggera boasts a dramatically honed physique that mirrors the extreme muscular nature of its performance”.
After spending a couple of hours with several Aston Martin Executives, including Mark Reichman, in Melbourne earlier this year discussing among other things, the influence of women on car sales and the need to focus on better ways of doing this, I’m really surprised with the tone of this release.
Maybe Aston Martin believe that women will be attracted to the car due to the description conjuring up an image of the stereotypical “dream guy” or maybe they only want to sell this car to men, what do you think?
According to Aston Martin the DBS Superleggera “proudly evokes the towering reputations of Aston Martin’s hardest hitting and best-loved flagships from the past. Combining generous proportions with aggression and athleticism” and “has a commanding and powerful sound character, particularly in the more aggressive dynamic modes, while retaining a level of refinement and civility that compliments its role as the consummate Super GT.”
Aston Martin’s Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering Matt Becker said the dynamics team have pushed hard to create “an aggressive, muscular Super GT”.
“The new DBS Superleggera is a hugely potent car. Every time I drive it I’m blown away by its raw performance – it’s explosively quick if you floor the throttle, but has that relentless, effortless delivery that only a big turbocharged V12 can deliver. While we wanted to create a very, very fast car, it was crucial that it didn’t terrify less experienced drivers. To this end we’ve honed the dynamics so that it’s agile and connected, but also linear and progressive as you work towards its limits. Much like we’ve tuned the engine to deliver the meat of its performance at real world revs, we’ve tuned the handling to engage and reward drivers of all ability levels,” continued Mr Becker.
The heart of DBS Superleggera is Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine with 725PS, 900Nm of torque, a top speed of 340km/h and blistering acceleration that dispatches 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and 0-160km/h in 6.4 seconds, DBS Superleggera is a car dedicated to delivering an unforgettable driving experience and class-leading in-gear acceleration, with 80-160km/h achieved in fourth gear in a mere 4.2 seconds.
Although the tone of the press release is questionable, the DBS Superleggera is a another stunning car out of their Gaydon factory. It’s a 2 + 2 seat Super GT with a big boot that will transport you and your children on some memorable road trips.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will be priced from AUD$517,000 (plus on road costs), with local customer deliveries set to commence late Q4 2018/early Q1 2019.
Contact you local Aston Martin dealer for more information.
Photographs by Aston Martin.