From the classic DB5 to the future classic DBS, Aston Martin has maintained a sense of English elegance when it comes to their auto designs.
Text: SOBE | Translation: dilettante | Photo: Kimio Ng
Ken Okuyama, director of Pininfarina studio (which designed Enzo for Ferrari), explained that the biggest difference between European and Japanese auto design is that European auto tends to inherit a symbolic aesthetic. Take Benz for example, the same silhouette runs through the whole genre, from the beginner A-Class to the top S-Class. Unlike, say, Nissan, whose March looks significantly different from GT-R. As for Aston Martin, it is without a doubt a prime example of such description.
From the 1950’s DB Mark III, Aston Martin has approximately launched twenty to thirty autos. The mask-shape bumper shapes like the Chinese word ‘凸’ (meaning ‘raised’), a feature that can be seen even from a distance. It would not be mistaken for a Ferrari, Porsche, nor Japanese make such as Mazda or Nissan.
One could assume that it has something to do with Aston Martin being an English label, which nation is known for sticking to the rules. It might be surprising to learn the fact that Aston Martin’s operation is more ambitious than Germany and Japanese car factories in recent years. The development of DBS is based on the DBR9 race car, its 5.935 Liter V12 naturally aspirated engine is transplanted from the model, for example. Its maximum horse power reaches 517ps/6,500rpm; maximum torsion 58.12kgm/5,750rm; when the engine exceeds 5,500rpm, a bypass intake port opens up to increase the volume of air flow. At this particular moment, the glorious sound it makes is music to the ears — even much more so than a world-class tenor, for a car lover.
With its design concept derived from a race car, its body is in comparatively light material. Its structure and body are in aluminum and magnesium respectively. The interior walls are in a mixture of aluminum and carbon fiber. The arrangement of DBS is decreased from the DB9 2+2 to just two seats, with the overall weight reduced to 1,695kg as a result. A very light model for an Aston Martin sports car.
Dr. Ulrich Bez, the current president of Aston Martin, is a big fan of sports cars. He has repeatedly participated in competitions in Aston Martin race cars. As for the owner David Richards, who is also the founder of acclaimed British car racing team Prodrive, had previous experience managing F1 team. Under the management of the duo, it is only natural that Aston Martin is placing race car engine into DBS.
Aston Martin DBS is limited to a production of 300 worldwide. Do not despair if you have not got your hands on one, as the company has already launched the next model DBS Volante in the 79th International Motor Show in Geneva earlier this year. A convertible model of DBS, the classic silhouette of the model is not unlike a traditionally elegant English sports car.
