According to Britain’s Auto Express, the unexpected name change not only revives the DBS name last used for the original Vanquish’s replacement between 2007 and 2012, but also Superleggra that referred to lightweight versions of the DB4, DB5 and DB6 made by coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
“When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It’s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. It’s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different,"Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, was quoted by the publication as saying
"We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure its worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries".
Captured winter weather testing, the prototype DBS Superleggera sports design elements from both the DB11 and Vanquish S, with the matte black example pictured also featuring a One-77 inspired grille, wider door sills and headlights.
The biggest change will come underneath the bonnet where the DBS Superleggra will forego the Vanquish’s 6.0-litre badged 5.9-litre V12, for the DB11’s AMG derived 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. Power is however expected to eclipse the latter’s 447 kW with the publication alleging that a “proven 820 brake horsepower” or 611 kW had been obtained.
With the new Vantage also out in the United Kingdom, the DBS Superleggra is slated to make its world debut towards the end of this year.
IMAGES from autoexpress.co.uk
