2010 EDO Competition Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin DBS

The Edo Competition Aston Martin DBS, of course!!! The German tuner Edo Competition has just given its expert touch-ups to the Aston Martin DBS giving the DBS a performance boost without playing with its already impressive design.

Bringing no major changes to the exterior of the Aston Martin DBS, the Edo Competition package adds new 21-inch three-piece racing wheels with stainless steel outer rims offering Continental tires size 255/30 ZR 21 for front and 295/25 ZR 21 for the rear.

The main focus has been directed to the performance with the package employing a new high performance exhaust system, special catalytic converters and high flow air filters that raised the output figures from 517 hp and 570 Nm to an impressive 550 hp and 600 Nm (442 ft-lb). This mounted power now sprints the Aston Martin DBS from standstill to 100 km/h in merely 4.1 seconds with a top speed of around 320 km/h. Edo Competition also brings a new high performance brake system with 405 mm rotors with 6-piston monoblock calipers and performance brake pads for the front and 380 mm rotors with 6-piston monoblock calipers and performance brake pads for the rear.

Aston Martin DBS Volante Debuts at Geneva Motor Show

Few carmakers have the pedigree - the panache - of Aston Martin, and even fewer cars can match the elegant DBS. Now Aston Martin has seen fit to add a drop-top version of the DBS, called the Volante.

The DBS Volante is powered by the same 6.0L V12 engine rated at 510hp (380kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque as the hard-top DBS. Top speed in the convertible variant is 191mph (307km/h) and it sprints to 62mph (100km/h) in just 4.3 seconds.
"The DBS Volante delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the hood up or down. It combines engineering excellence with design perfection," said Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez. "The DBS Volante offers a subtle mix of power and performance. Adding to this, the fine craftsmanship - it is an unparalleled ownership and driving experience."

Only the 16th convertible Aston has built in its 95-year history, the DBS Volante rides at the forefront of the company's available technology. Beyond the simply awesome sounding V12, the car gets a choice of six-speed manual or Touchtronic automatic six-speed transmissions. Structural rigidity is preserved well, with the Volante exhibiting 75% of the stiffness of the coupe, thanks in part to a rigidly mounted rear sub-frame and optimized front and rear shear panels.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard, and the most cutting edge materials are used throughout the car, including a carbon fiber hood, front wing and trunk lid. Despite the weight-shaving measures, the DBS Volante is still a big GT, with a curb weight of 3,990lb (1,810kg). An Active Damping System (ADS) keeps the big car's roll under control, however, and can be tuned for comfort or speed.

Aston's partnership with Bang & Olufsen bears more fruit in the DBS Volante, with the BeoSound DBS in-car entertainment system's 13-speaker symphony part of the standard equipment package as well.

Most of the rest of the running gear is shared with the coupe, making the DBS Volante not just attractive but eminently capable on the road, the track or cruising the strip.

The new DBS Volante joins the DB9 Volante as Aston's only current convertible models.

AUTO REVIEW: Aston Martin DBS

To start the new DBS, Aston Martin's stunning flagship, just insert the ECU. That's the stainless steel and sapphire Emotion Control Unit. Oh, make no mistake. This car, indeed, is in control of your emotions. Once inserted, the ECU glows red. Your eyes will widen, your adrenalin will pump. Yeah, you may even have to take a couple of deep breaths to compose yourself. How in the world did James Bond ever take his mind off this thing long enough to nail the bad guys?

Before we talk about the race-bred technology and the hand-built V-12's raw power, just look at its lines. Built with aluminum and carbon fiber, the DBS has been sculpted, every curve and crease, with the impression of speed and performance in mind. That's Aston Martin talking, with me in full frontal nod.

This is the first road-ready Aston to implement so much carbon fiber to establish a lightweight and nimble creature.

Flared wheel arches are filled with 20-inch wheels that offer a glimpse of the race-induced carbon ceramic brakes (lighter, more durable and magnificent stopping ability). The carbon fiber hood bulges to accommodate the power source underneath. Five hand-finished alloy slats add class and distinction to the grille.

The DBS, the priciest of the Aston Martin clan, is a direct descendant of the DB9, a racing machine that owns back-to-back GT1 Class honors at LeMans 24-Hour in 2007 and 2008. But the DBS is lighter by some 200 pounds and a third of a second quicker.

Heck with the new and sweet Bang & Olufsen sound system; the sound of the 6.0-liter V-12, maker of 520 horses of raw power, is even sweeter. This is a front to mid-engine car powered by the rear wheels. Hold onto your carbon fiber armrests as DBS flies to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, and is capable of hitting 191 mph. Eleven-and-a-half inch wide tires grab the road like a roller coaster grabs the rails on the loop-de-loops. And new this year, as an alternative to the six-speed manual tranny, is a paddleshifted six-speed automatic. It offers quicker shifts and response, and the proof is in the fact that it, too, will get you to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds. Push into Sport mode and DBS winds it out further and shifts up at higher speeds.

Cornering in the DBS is virtually lean-free and is aided by a damping system with five settings. The system has sensors that take continuous readings and adjust to the driving conditions. Holding you in place during this spirited ride are nicely bolstered seats that clutch you just right at the thighs and ribcage. DBS is a two-seater but a backseat is optional in place of the storage area behind the front seats. Still, it's not built for rear-seaters, unless you're bringing the youngsters for a thrill.

Leather is soft and smells great, complemented by Alcantara suede trim. Stitched on the seats is the DBS logo, a reminder to yourself and guests that this is as good as it gets in an Aston Martin. And the seats have 10-way electrical adjustments.

The instrument panel is elegant, featuring white numerals over a dark graphite background for easy reading. The polished alloy gear knob blends with the similarly adorned center console. The Bang & Olufsen sound system, developed exclusively for the DBS, puts out a total of 1,000 watts and includes a 6-CD changer.

Could you drive the DBS daily? With pleasure. Should you? Well, let's just say this car is built for pure performance, not practicality.

So who in the world, in these days more than ever, can swing the base price of $269,000 for the DBS? Not many of us. And, consider that the C6 Corvette offers a heavy dose of power and fun for a fraction of the money.

Still, a Corvette is not an Aston Martin. Doesn't pretend to be. So for the few, the proud and extremely comfortable who can afford the luxury and performance at this level, the DBS is ready to seize your emotions.

Base Price: $269,000 ($273,000 with Touchtronic shifter)