Aston Martin DBS Roadster Caught testing

[Tommi]

Source: Auto Express

We've got the pictures of the drop-top DBS undergoing winter testing

As the temperature drops, so does the roof of the latest Aston Martin. Our spies caught the forthcoming DBS Roadster as it took a break from cold weather testing duties.

Using the same 510bhp powerplant as the coupe, it should make the Roadster one of the fastest drop-tops available.
As you can see, the convertible version gets the same aggressive visual treatment as the fixed head model. At the front is a deeper front bumper with large holes for cooling, while the bonnet gets extra vents for the same purpose. Down the sides are bulging wheel arches and side skirts that cover a wider track. Finally, the rear features an underbody diffuser for better high-speed aerodynamics.

However, above the waistline it's all change. The newcomer borrows its hood mechanism from the DB9 Roadster, which means it gets a canvas covering and electric operation.

Inside, the cabin is luxuriously trimmed with suede and leather, and features neat graphite backed dials. Strictly a two-seater, the standard sports chairs can be upgraded with optional Kevlar bucket seats. And with the roof stowed occupants will be able to enjoy the V12 motor's growling soundtrack.


Mechanically identical to the 510bhp 6.0-litre tin-top DBS, the Roadster is expected to accelerate from standstill to 60mph in around 4.5 seconds. Top speed should be in excess of 190mph.
In an effort to make the cabrio handle as well as the coupe, engineers have significantly stiffened the chassis. Combined with standard two-stage adaptive dampers it should give the Roadster sharp responses in the corners.

No production plans have yet been revealed, but expect the first cars to hit showrooms this summer with a price tag of about £170,000.

 

[Omnis]

That's so interesting. It only looks like every other aston martin ever made.

 

[Jim Prower]

that thing looks far, far out of it's element...

 

[Robin]

As clarkson would say (also referring to the M6's drop top)... "It looks like a tramps hat!"

 

[Philly]

I like it. Hopefully we will see it sometime out of the snow where it should be.

 

[Tornado]

I wonder if it will be just as pointless as the normal DBS is.

 

[Joey D]

Even covered in snow I think it's looks awesome. I don't know what it is about the design of an Aston but they are just amazing looking vehicles. I know if I had the money I would have one in my garage.

 

[McLaren]

Wow. Why bother even making the DB9 anymore?

 

[SagarisGTB]

I wonder if it will be just as pointless as the normal DBS is.

Much more so. The coupe DBS is more performance oriented than its little brother, so it made some sense. This, however, makes absolutely no sense at all.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

...wake me up when there's a proper Vanquish replacement. A Roadster (though, really, it should be called Volante, since it's just a kitted DB9) makes even less sense as the most-sporty flagship.

 

[Speedster502]

Well, I like the looks of it. Although I do agree that it is somewhat pointless as the DBS was a "hardcore" version of the DB9, so whats this one supposed to be? The old DB9 Volante was rubbish towards the top speed area, and it was wobbly. Now unless the DBS can have this fixed (like seen in the V8 Vantage Roadster, which was brilliant) then its just going to be even worse at top speed.

Aston, as one of your biggest fans, please focus on making a new car, rather than working on another one of the cars which seem to look exactly like the DB9. Go have some freedom.

 

[Dave A]

People still moaning that the DBS looks like the car it's based on, it's unbelievable. Is it strange that the Impreza STi and WRX look similar, no, so why is it odd that the DBS and DB9 look similar when the DBS is essentially the STi to the DB9's WRX.

 

[Danny]

Wow, this is going to harm the exclusivity and kudos of the normal DBS.

And to be frank, my money would sooner be on the DB9.

 

[JohnBM01]

It's bold, it's sexy, it's sweet... kind of like the girl you have the hots for even though she has a boyfriend (and she is probably engaged as well). As far as it looking like every other recent Aston Martin, don't fix it if it isn't broke. I personally prefer my Aston Martins in the classic British Racing Green colors. Or at least some other dark green color. I don't know how smart it is to have a drop-top of any kind in snowy conditions. I've never hated Aston Martin cars since the DB7 (because that's the majority of Aston Martins I know). So I really love this car. It's racy without being overaggressive. That's what I like in aggressively-designed cars. Have aggressive elements, just don't overdo it to the point where it looks outlandish and ugly. Aston Martin put the Yin and Yang together in perfect harmony to make an excellently-designed car. I approve this car by 90%. Just don't put it out on really snowy weather again, especially a soft-top. You dig me, Aston Martin players?

 

[Matt R]

I love the way this car looks. Looks much different than I expected.

 

[Venari]

...wake me up when there's a proper Vanquish replacement. A Roadster (though, really, it should be called Volante, since it's just a kitted DB9) makes even less sense as the most-sporty flagship.

Okay willdo, (good point), and fair point, but: 'DBS' is the flagship, this is just the choice to take the lid off.

Aston, as one of your biggest fans, please focus on making a new car, rather than working on another one of the cars which seem to look exactly like the DB9. Go have some freedom.

You'll have to wait a few years. Mind you, there may (or may not) be other VH-platform variants coming. But they might (or might not) look a little bit like a DB9. Sorry (or, not sorry at all.)

People still moaning that the DBS looks like the car it's based on, it's unbelievable. Is it strange that the Impreza STi and WRX look similar, no, so why is it odd that the DBS and DB9 look similar when the DBS is essentially the STi to the DB9's WRX.

Good point.

Wow, this is going to harm the exclusivity and kudos of the normal DBS.

And to be frank, my money would sooner be on the DB9.

Um, not necessarily. There is little crossover between drop-top owners and coupe drivers (note the distinction there.) The purpose of a drop-top is to be seen in the sun. Ergo, you ain't going quickly to start with.

Also, interestingly: A manual DB9 coupe makes a nice car and is quite often seen around plant - especially in Sport Pack trim. A manual Volante is a very rare beast on the line indeed.

As it happens: I too would take a DB9 SP Manual over a DBS.

Just don't put it out on really snowy weather again, especially a soft-top. You dig me, Aston Martin players?

All current Astons are fun to drive in... low friction conditions.

Although if you are really driving, a V8 is more fun than a DBS. And the V8 Roadster is one of the few cars that I would break my 'coupes only' rule for. If it's anything above 10degC outside, and it's not raining more than a pitter-patter: down goes the roof. Oh, the noise.

When the V8 gets a bit more power (not necesarily the V12 of the Vantage RS) and the option of the carbon brakes... then it's time to mortgage your pets and sell a kidney.

 

[Danny]

Um, not necessarily. There is little crossover between drop-top owners and coupe drivers (note the distinction there.) The purpose of a drop-top is to be seen in the sun. Ergo, you ain't going quickly to start with.

If speed is not the key, what exactly is the advantage of the DBS, that justifies it's £50,000+ premium?

 

[Jim Prower]

That, my friend, is exactly what people have been trying to figure out...

 

[Speedster502]

You'll have to wait a few years. Mind you, there may (or may not) be other VH-platform variants coming. But they might (or might not) look a little bit like a DB9. Sorry (or, not sorry at all.)

Well, I mean I love the looks of the DB9 and the whole reason for me liking Aston so much is mostly the styling and design of the cars. So I'm not saying that the DB9 is boring. I'm just saying it would be nice if Aston could have a little go at making something a little bit more different to there current cars styling. So, yes I'm looking forward to this car, but lets just say I'll be more intrested when the Rapide comes around...That is if it will come around...

 

[Dave A]

If speed is not the key, what exactly is the advantage of the DBS, that justifies it's £50,000+ premium?

It's a better car all around, it is faster a lot faster than the Vanquish and DB9 on a track. It lapped the TopGear track just as fast as the Koenigsegg CC8S and only t/10th slower than the Pagani Zonda C12S so it's certainly not a slouch when it comes to track performance. It's just an improvment in every aspect over the DB9 (barring the lack of rear seats and the looks), even drivin git around town is supposed to feel better than it does in the DB9 which is an accomplishment in itself. Though whether that justifies a £50k premium is certainly open to debate.

 

[Danny]

It's a better car all around, it is faster a lot faster than the Vanquish and DB9 on a track. It lapped the TopGear track just as fast as the Koenigsegg CC8S and only t/10th slower than the Pagani Zonda C12S so it's certainly not a slouch when it comes to track performance. It's just an improvment in every aspect over the DB9 (barring the lack of rear seats and the looks), even drivin git around town is supposed to feel better than it does in the DB9 which is an accomplishment in itself. Though whether that justifies a £50k premium is certainly open to debate.

The problem again is that, as Venari stated, those buying the roadster over the coupe are less likely to want a focused driving machine. The chassis strengthening needed in the absence of a roof often poses limitations on the capability of the car as well as adding weight. Now the interior is admittedly lovely, but a £50k premium is a bit much in my estimation when the DB9 Volante will do the same job.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it will be a great car, but I honestly think the DB9 makes it irrelevant.

 

[Dave A]

I agree completely and I would take a DB9 coupe over the DBS coupe or volante, whereas the DBS (though still a very steep premium) does have a purpose this is just for posing in and you can do that better in a DB9. I agree with you on that point. As far as I can tell this car is only in the lineup because it can be, not because it's filling a gap like the DBS coupe is.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

People still moaning that the DBS looks like the car it's based on, it's unbelievable. Is it strange that the Impreza STi and WRX look similar, no, so why is it odd that the DBS and DB9 look similar when the DBS is essentially the STi to the DB9's WRX.

I understand where you're going, but it's a bad example. The STI and WRX have always been marketed as the same car (hell, the STI still carries a WRX badge). Aston doesn't like people referring to the DBS as a hotted-up, body-kitted DB9. Which it is, just like the STI to the WRX.

The Vanquish was a bespoke, top of the totem pole model for Aston, not just a trim level for an existing car. That's what the DB9 is, so that's why I say bring on a proper Vanq replacement.

 

[Dave A]

Maybe a bad example but the point is the same. Jsut because Aston don't refer to the DBS as a top level DB9 doesn't change the fact that that is all it is. The Vanquish was it's own model, and I agree that it'd be nice for a new model to come into play but my only point is that arguments that this looks too much like the DB9 are silly.

 

[Tornado]

The Vanquish was it's own model, and I agree that it'd be nice for a new model to come into play but my only point is that arguments that this looks too much like the DB9 are silly.

If Aston is going to argue that it isn't a hotted up DB9 and that it is a completely separate model, they should certainly make it seem somewhat like it is.

 

[Venari]

I think if you squared up to an Aston engineer and asked him/her that question, they would say something along the lines of "Yes, there are a lot of new parts and modifications in a DBS... but yes, it is basically a DB9."

Of course, some of those modifications are retrofittable, and AML engineers are learning all the time. So do you all think the basic DB9 is going to get better, or worse as a result of these developments?

Hmm...