Stories about the dangers of unintended spending through smartphone applications are one thing, but Volvo is offering up a slightly different kind of in-app purchase excitement.
Following on from the unveiling of the new American-built S60 saloon, Volvo has announced that just 20 people will be able to get their hands on the first edition of the hottest model.
There are just a few caveats though. The first being that, for now, the T8 Polestar Engineered is only going to be offered in the USA, to those who choose to subscribe through the Care by Volvo smartphone app.
Care by Volvo is the Swedish brand’s service that packages all the costs of running a car into one lease deal. This means insurance, servicing, and other maintenance are included in the single monthly payment, with subscribers signing up for a 24-month contract.
Think of it as more akin to how most people fund their smartphones, rather than traditional car finance. A concierge service for subscribers is included, and there is even the ability to ‘upgrade’ your car after just 12 months.
For now it’ll be the only way to get your hands on a T8 Polestar Engineered saloon in North America. Those interested can start subscribing from 28th June 2018, and be prepared to fork out $1,100 (£835) plus taxes for the next two years.
It does give them the use of a rather special S60 though. Powered by the Polestar-upgraded T8 Twin Engine, this means an impressive 415hp and 494lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels. Like all Twin Engine Volvos, it’s also a plug-in hybrid, too.
Polestar have also turned their attention to the brakes, fitting gold-painted Brembo calipers which are visible behind the exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. Expensive Öhlins suspension dampers are also fitted, and there is a Polestar strut brace for good measure.
Whilst the initial 2019 model year of the T8 Polestar Engineered S60 is being offered in such limited numbers Stateside, we’ll hope Volvo will be more generous with future releases. Oh, and that they ensure this performance saloon makes it across the Atlantic.
Unless you’ve been marooned on Love Island for the past few years, you’ll know that crossovers and SUVs are hotter than hot cakes right now. With this in mind, we fired up the Auto Trader website to go in search of used SUVs for £300 a month. To narrow the search down from tens of thousands to a more manageable 20,000 cars, we capped the mileage at 100,000 and the age at three years. Here’s what we found.
Nissan Juke Nismo: £300
We’ve purposely excluded Nissan Qashqai from the gallery because, quite frankly, there are thousands of them for sale on Auto Trader, with prices to suit just about every budget. But why drive a ubiquitous crossover when you can own an impersonation of a hot hatch? This 2016 Juke Nismo has covered nearly 17,000 miles and has one former keeper. As the advert suggests, you will stand out.
Hyundai Tucson: £300
Now for something a little less in-your-face and, dare we suggest, a whole lot more appealing. The Hyundai Tucson is unlikely to set your pulse racing, but there’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular SUVs across the world. It offers excellent value for money, is well equipped, good looking and comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty. This 67-plate example has covered just 7,817 miles and has 54 months of its warranty remaining.
SsangYong Tivoli: £300
The SsangYong Tivoli is one of the sector’s best kept secrets. The small SUV offers exceptional value for money, with even the top-spec 4×4 models priced at around the £20,000 mark. This 2016 front-wheel-drive ELX diesel offers just about all the bells and whistles you could possibly need and has covered just 17,000 miles.
Kia Sportage: £300
If you don’t buy a Nissan Qashqai, you buy a Kia Sportage – that appears to be the way things work. This 2015 Sportage diesel has covered a curiously low 10,000 miles and looks, perhaps predictably, to be in showroom condition. The spec includes dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control and a premium sound system. Oh, and the remainder of that famous Kia seven-year warranty,
Skoda Yeti: £300
Gone but not forgotten. The Skoda Yeti may have been replaced by the rather plain looking Karoq, but there are hundreds to choose from on Auto Trader. This 2016 example is powered by the excellent 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine and offers a generous level of standard specification. Yours for £14,595 or £300 a month.
BMW X1: £300
A BMW X1 wouldn’t be our first choice of crossover or SUV, but if you must have a premium badge parked on your driveway, you’ll find lots to love about this 2015 example. It’s a one-owner car with a five-year BMW service pack, while the spec includes full black leather, DAB digital radio, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Dacia Duster: £300
From a premium badge to a budget brand, but don’t let that put you off, because this Dacia Duster is arguably the pick of the crop. It’s on an 18-plate and has covered just 100 miles, while the Laureate trim offers 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning and DAB radio. With a new Duster on the way, you might be able to secure a discount on the £13,995 price tag.
Jeep Cherokee: £300
The line between SUVs and crossovers has become a little blurred, to the extent that you can buy a two-wheel-drive Jeep Cherokee. When this was new in 2015, it would have cost around £30,000, so on that basis £15,000 is a bit of a bargain. The Limited spec includes sat-nav, leather, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, heated seats and 18-inch alloy wheels, but you’ll have to live with that challenging styling.
Suzuki Jimny: £300
If £300 a month sounds like a lot of cash for an ageing fun-size SUV, the Suzuki Jimny isn’t the car for you. But if you’re after a go-anywhere, fit for purpose and honest off-roader, and you’re not planning too many long trips, there’s a huge amount to love about the Jimny. There won’t be many more opportunities to buy a current Jimny before the new model arrives, so be quick and bag yourself a future classic. Yes, we’re prepared to mention the ‘future classic’ thing.
Mitsubishi ASX: £299
This Mitsubishi ASX creeps below the £300 mark, so just think about what you could do with that extra pound you’ll save every month. This 2017 example has covered 10,359 miles and could be yours for £14,498 or £299 a month. The spec includes leather trim, reversing camera, cruise control, DAB radio and, wait for it, a chrome exhaust finisher. Swanky.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: £299
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV arrived in 2014, and by November 2015 it had amassed 50,000 sales across Europe. By January 2018, that number had risen to 100,000. You can see what all the fuss is about with this one-owner, pre-facelift example, which has covered just under 40,000 miles and offers a generous level of standard specification.
Audi Q3: £299
The Audi Q3 is another hugely popular car, but if you want a premium badge for £300 you’ll have to make a couple of sacrifices. For a start, this Q3 is a little older, while the mileage is higher than most of the examples featured in this gallery. On the plus side, the S Line trim is highly desirable and a Q3 is likely to hold its value better than most crossovers and SUVs.
Citroen C3 Aircross: £299
If you’re after something a little newer, this Citroen C3 Aircross might suffice. It’s a 2017 car with just 5,000 miles on the clock and powered by a frugal 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engine. Take a trip to Chingford and drive away in a new car for £299 a month.
Mercedes-Benz GLA: £299
Another premium badge, this time in the shape of the cosmetically challenged Mercedes-Benz GLA. This AMG Line example has covered just 5,365 miles in three years and is priced at just under £20,000 or £299 a month after a £1,000 deposit. At least you won’t have to look at the rear end as you drive to work.
Jeep Renegade: £299
What could be more American than a Jeep? Quite a few things, actually, because the Renegade is built in Italy alongside the Fiat 500X. The Longitude trim is one step up from the entry-level Sport, and offers air conditioning, sat-nav, DAB, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels. This one owner car has covered just 4,500 miles.
Subaru XV: £299
In truth, the new Subaru XV is better than its predecessor, but if you’re after a car that’s better off road than it is on it, there’s much to like about this 2015 example. It comes with full manufacturer service history and is available via a Subaru main dealer. Anything with a Subaru badge tends to have a reputation for reliability, so buy now and don’t pay later. Or something.
Toyota C-HR: £299
Buy this Toyota C-HR and you can tell your friends you drive a car from a Le Mans-winning manufacturer. While the leap from the TS050 to the C-HR might be a bit of a stretch (especially in non-hybrid guise), Toyota’s compact SUV remains one of the most eye-catching cars you can buy. This 2017 example has covered 13,000 miles, but you’ll have to be content with the entry-level Icon trim.
Nissan X-Trail: £299
We’ve avoided the Nissan Qashqai, but how about its big brother? This is a five-seat X-Trail – a seven-seat version is also available – with 24,589 miles on the clock. “This chunky station wagon has cruise control and parking sensors for a smooth journey, Bluetooth to keep you chatting over every mile, and a complete service history to provide that much welcome peace of mind,” says the dealer. We’re convinced.
Mazda CX-3: £299
The Mazda CX-3 is one of the most dynamically sorted cars in the segment, and this one comes in the highly desirable GT Sport trim. The spec includes heated leather seats, a sports styling kit, Bose sound system and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. This ex-dealer demonstrator has covered 9,229 miles and is available for £16,000 or £299 a month.
Suzuki Vitara: £298
And finally, a Suzuki Vitara in sporty S guise. The 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine is a peach, while Allgrip offers excellent all-weather performance. It’s available for £15,498 or £298 a month. Note: inclusion in this gallery doesn’t represent an endorsement on our part, so take a test drive and do your homework before parting with any cash. Finance examples are for illustrative purposes only.
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Posh new Volkswagen Touareg SUV priced from £499 a month
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has enjoyed a huge cash boost thanks to a McLaren 570S Spider donated by the British sports car firm.
An anonymous bidder secured the sports car for £725,000 at Sir Elton’s Argento Ball. That’s a healthy premium of over £560,000 over the sticker price – and all the money goes to help create an AIDS-free future.
It’s a one-off 570S, which McLaren finished in Blade Silver metallic, with contrasting Stealth alloys and McLaren Orange carbon brake calipers. The interior is ‘By McLaren Sport’-spec, with Jet Black Nappa leather and Carbon Black stitching.
A 10-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system is standard, as is a sports exhaust. Aural entertainment with stereo both on and off, then.
For an extra special treat, the anonymous bidder will get a personal tour of the McLaren Technology Centre – by none other than Amanda McLaren, founder Bruce McLaren’s only child. Amanda will also sign the car.
What is the Elton John AIDS Foundation? An organisation that’s been running for 25 years (hence the silver 570S, to mark its silver anniversary), to help people across 26 countries with HIV information, support and care.
It has also helped prevent a million babies from being born with the HIV virus. No wonder McLaren felt it fitting to make it the first organisation ever to benefit from a car donated by the company.
There’s an old Japanese proverb which, when roughly translated by Google Translate, says: “He who rises to the top will enjoy the privileges of the Century.” OK, so that’s not strictly true, but the fact remains, if you’re a top dog in Japan, the chances are you’ll be chauffeured in a Toyota Century.
All of which means the latest turn of the Century – only the third new model in a 50-year lifespan – is kind of a big deal in Japan. Within the boardrooms of Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, CEOs will be pondering their next Century, while chauffeurs will be leafing through the weighty owner’s manual, keen to gen-up on Toyota’s flagship.
The new, Japan-only Toyota Century is the king of understatement.
Yes, the 2018 Toyota Century is new, but the badge remains refreshingly old-money, decidedly old-school and maybe even a little old-fashioned. Where others shout, the Century whispers. Influencers and over-indulged celebrities be damned: the Century pre-dates hashtags, ‘likes’ and endorsements.
The Toyota Century has to move with the times, of course, which is why the new car features the latest Safety Sense technology, a seven-inch touchpad in the centre armrest and a rear entertainment system with an 11.3-inch monitor. Yes, Toyota calls it a monitor, not a screen.
Even the engine has moved with the times. It’s a 5.0-litre V8, but mated to an electric motor to deliver up to 38.4mpg on a combined cycle. We have the performance data to hand, but it would be too vulgar to discuss figures in the context of Toyota’s emperor.
Century began in 1967
A lot is resting on its understated and elegant shoulders. The first Century replaced the Crown Eight in 1967, its name chosen in honour of the 100th birthday of company founder Sakichi Toyoda.
It was the first Japanese car to ride on air suspension and the first to be designed with chauffeuring in mind. The V8 engine was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, although a four-speed manual was available until the 1970s, by which time Japanese CEOs had grown tired of their drivers disturbing the sense of serenity with another botched gear change.
The Century developed over time, with Toyota adding automatic climate control, self-levelling suspension, massaging seats and the world’s first optical fibre multiplex comms system. But while the opulence increased, the Century remained understated and elegant.
An extended wheelbase version arrived in 1989 before the second Century was unveiled in 1997. This was the first comprehensive overhaul in 30 years, with Toyota marking the occasion with a complete redesign. The result was a longer and taller car, with an increased wheelbase adding more space for rear-seat passengers.
Highlights included Skyhook air suspension and, in a first for the Japanese car industry, a 5.0-litre V12 engine. Needless to say, the accommodation was about as lavish and relaxing as the Tokyo Suite at the Park Hyatt. The one advantage of the Century: if you didn’t like the view out of the window, the chauffeur would find a more desirable vista.
The new Century
Now, there’s a new Century. You know about the cutting-edge safety tech and the hybrid system, but it’s the traditional aspects of the build that are most likely to appeal to Japan’s most discerning customers.
Take the Phoenix emblem, which is handcrafted from billet alloy and takes six weeks to complete. Or the rear seats, which are finished in wool fabric to allow passengers to sink silently in first-class comfort. You have to wonder why the West is so obsessed with leather when rear seats look this comfortable.
It’s a similar story with the windows. Not for Japanese VIPs the vulgarity of paparazzi-repelling tinted windows. Instead, privacy is assured courtesy of lace net curtains. How very quaint. How very desirable.
Toyota has reduced the height between the scuff plate and floor to ensure the mats lie perfectly, while easing the process of getting in and out. That’s the level of attention to detail you’d expect from a car costing the equivalent of £135,000.
Oh, did we fail to mention the price? For that, you could build a horrendously OTT S-Class or Range Rover, or take your pick from any number of supercars or track toys. But if they hold more appeal, you’re probably missing the point of the Toyota Century.
There will be no shortage of takers in Japan, with Toyota predicting sales of up to 50 a month for its halo product. The way the industry is moving, and given the flagship’s history of lengthy production runs, this could the last Century of its kind. Enjoy it while you still can.
Oil giant BP has announced it’s to buy Chargemaster, Britain’s largest electric vehicle charging network.
The deal is described as “an important step to scaling up and deploying fast and ultra-fast charging on BP’s UK forecourts”.
Luton-based Chargemaster will be renamed BP Chargemaster as part of the deal.
Chargemaster currently operates more than 6,500 charging points across Britain, used by 40,000 customers. BP operates 1,200 service stations: BP Chargemaster will see many more filling stations quickly gain fast and ultra-fast chargers – within the next 12 months, says the firm.
The plans include installing 150 kW chargers, which can add 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.
“At BP we believe that fast and convenient charging is critical to support the successful adoption of electric vehicles,” said BP’s Tufan Erginbilgic.
“Combining BP’s and Chargemaster’s complementary expertise, experience and assets is an important step towards offering fast and ultra-fast charging at BP sites across the UK and to BP becoming the leading provider of energy to low carbon vehicles, on the road or at home.”
Chargemaster chief executive David Martell said: “The acquisition of Chargemaster by BP marks a true milestone in the move towards low carbon motoring in the UK.
“I am truly excited to lead the Chargemaster team into a new era backed by the strength and scale of BP, which will help us maintain our market-leading position and grow the national POLAR charging network to support the large range of exciting new electric vehicles that are coming to market in the next couple of years.”
What3words is a British start-up navigation company that works by dividing the world into tiny squares, each uniquely identified by, yes, three words. Instead of typing postcodes or addresses into sat nav units, users simply type or speak three words: its simplicity a particular boon for motorists.
In a surprise move, the start-up seems to have caught the attention of 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who has just been announced as an investor in the company as part of its latest funding round.
“What3words is a truly revolutionary way to talk about location, and a technology that makes a huge positive impact on the world,” said racer-turned-entrepreneur Rosberg.
“I can now get into my car, and navigate somewhere by just saying three words. Car manufacturers that can offer a more accurate, easy to use navigation system have a real opportunity to enhance the driver’s experience and make big progress towards sustainability.”
Rosberg has joined SAIC Capital and Alpine Electronics in putting money into What3words, which is based in London. (You can navigate to its entrance with the words ///filled.count.soap.)
What’s driven Chinese giant SAIC’s investment arm to put money into the London firm, which divides the planet into 3m x 3m squares? Michael Cohen, investment director at SAIC Capital, said: “What3words is entering a new phase in which the company has a growing presence in the automotive world.
“We are excited to back them now, ahead of the technology becoming commonplace in all vehicles, and look forward to the global adoption of their unique system.’
Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder, said: “The latest funding round is helping fuel our global expansion into new markets, with offices coming in Silicon Valley and Berlin later this year.”
Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler already holds a 10 percent stake in the company and has built the navigation aid into the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class, ahead of rolling it out to other models in its range.
“An efficient addressing system needs to be set in place not just for the future, but for now,” says the firm, “to enable technologies such as autonomous cars or drone deliveries to serve their purpose.”
There has been speculation the big losers of the upcoming WLTP ‘true’ fuel economy regulations will be plug-in hybrid cars. Some have estimated average fuel economy and CO2 emissions could be significantly worse under the new testing regime.
But Britain’s best-selling plug-in hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, is one model that’s dodged the worst effects of the new system, which replaces the widely discredited NEDC fuel economy test.
Indeed, if you don’t look at the small print, the 2019 Outlander PHEV is no different to the outgoing car: it retains its 13 percent BIK classification and also, crucially, remains eligible for the £2,500 Government Plug-in Car Grant.
That’s because although CO2 emissions have risen a hefty 15 percent, they still remain below the crucial 50g/km mark required for Category 2 Plug-in Car Grant eligibility, so the Mitsubishi is still officially classified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle.
WLTP average fuel economy is a still impressive-sounding 141mpg which, in theory, is now a more realistic target (the old one claimed 156mpg), provided owners remember to charge the batteries. The electric range is 28 miles (down from 32.5 miles), again according to the more stringent real-world tests.
Whether other plug-ins on the fringes will retain their ultra-low emission status remains to be seen, but it’s relief at Mitsubishi’s British importer as the Outlander has dodged a penalty.
New engine for Outlander PHEV
The new model, which goes on sale in September 2018, visually doesn’t look all that much different to the current car. It’s had a big change beneath the skin, though: the current 2.0-litre engine has been replaced by a larger and more high-tech 2.4-litre engine (so, upsizing rather than downsizing….
The new engine has MIVEC variable valve timing, and can switch between regular Otto and fuel-saving Atkinson combustion cycles. In an Atkinson cycle, used during gentle running, the inlet valve remains open for longer: this reduces the compression stroke, effectively making the engine ‘smaller’ – using less fuel in the process.
Mitsubishi’s also improved the electric drive system, with a 10 percent more powerful generator and a bigger rear electric motor. The drive battery is also 10 percent bigger (now 13.8kWh), which raises the Outlander PHEV’s all-electric top speed from 78mph to 84mph. Acceleration is faster too.
Volvo recently became the first car manufacturer to offer test drives via Amazon Prime Now – and the service proved so popular, the firm is running the offer again this weekend, to give those who missed out the first time a second chance.
Running in London, Volvo said it was “heavily subscribed” and 100 test drives were carried out during the weekend of 9-10th June. It was “incredibly well received,” said Volvo Car UK MD Jon Wakefield, “with customers welcoming the fact the V40 was delivered to them to fit in with their busy schedules.”
Volvo reports glowing feedback, with 95 percent of drivers happy to rate the service as ‘excellent’.
“This hassle-free test drive approach certainly caught their imagination,” added Wakefield, “and we are pleased to be able to extend it in London for a second weekend.”
Londoners, find out if it’s running in your area by checking Volvo Amazon Prime Now.
Volvo Amazon Prime Now test drives: how do they work?
Motorists book the test drives through a special Volvo section on Amazon Prime Now. They can choose a convenient time and request the car be delivered either to their home or workplace. Users enter their postcode, select their location, then choose a time slot. That’s it.
Test drives take 45 minutes, and a fully trained expert wakes them through the car in detail before heading out onto the road. And if they want to buy? The expert will put them in touch with their nearest Volvo car dealer: they don’t (yet) sell cars.
Make sure you know your Amazon Primes from your Prime Nows, though. Prime Now is an add-on to Amazon Prime, that lets users select same-day delivery: it currently operates across 30 percent of the UK population, in areas such as London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Surrey, West Yorkshire and Glasgow.
And the Volvo V40? It’s getting on a bit these days, and will be replaced sooner rather than later, but it’s still one of Volvo’s best sellers in the UK. Prices start from £21,410.
Vauxhall sales have been under the cosh in recent years, but the Corsa still helps it maintain a place in the UK top 10 best-sellers chart. As a replacement for the ageing supermini is still some way off, Vauxhall has taken an axe to both its model range and its prices.
Motorists can now pick up a 75hp 1.4-litre Corsa Active three-door for just £11,250, which looks a bit of a steal alongside a 70hp 1.1-litre Ford Fiesta Style three-door; that retails for £13,715.
Want a Corsa with air con? Move up to Design – and even this undercuts the base-spec Fiesta: it is priced at £12,975 as a three-door, £13,575 as a five-door. It also includes a big touchscreen that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which has quickly become a must-have amongst younger new car drivers.
For further proof of how sharp the Corsa’s new prices are, look at the facelifted Hyundai i20 range we reported on earlier this week – a base 75hp 1.2-litre S costs… £13,995, and the next-cheapest after that is £15,495.
Other Corsa variants include Energy, Sport, SRI Nav, SE Nav and SRI VX Nav Black (the latter trim proving that old habits of ultra-confusing model names die hard at Vauxhall).
It’s bundled a load of flash extras into a new Lux pack, which costs £1,550 on SE Nav models. It includes things such as climate control, dark rear glass, rear-view camera, 17-inch diamond cut alloys “and more”.
All 2018 Corsas are now compliant with new WLTP fuel economy regulations; the 1.4-litre engine does up to 50.4mpg and most of the range emits 130g/km CO2.
Notably, there’s not a single diesel Corsa on sale: it’s a choice of 75hp or 90hp 1.4-litre non-turbo petrol or a 100hp 1.4-litre turbo, and that’s it. It seems Chris Grayling didn’t speak up soon enough to save the Corsa diesel…
Aston Martin insiders have nicknamed the new range-topping DBS Superleggera their ‘brute in a suit’. And brutish it most certainly is – with 725-horsepower delivering a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 211mph top speed.
They also call it the ‘rogue’, and it most certainly is that.
Video: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Considered by Aston Martin to be a range-topping super GT, the firm is using the launch of the DBS Superleggera to draw in Ferrari 812 Superfast buyers – it’s a car the design team considers a genuinely compelling alternative to a car from Maranello (with, as we’ll see, the price tag to match).
Finally replacing the ageing Aston Martin Vanquish S, and sitting above the Vantage and DB11, the DBS Superleggera uses the firm’s latest aluminium architecture, derived from the DB11. Director of design Miles Nürnberger insists, however, it is not just a beefed up DB11, but is a bespoke creation. “Every modern Aston Martin must have its own unique character.”
This has been achieved, he says, by giving the new DBS Superleggera an aggressive full-height grille (“you’ll definitely see it coming in your rear-view mirror”), pumped-up features to give a greater physical presence, and rear haunches a full 15mm wider than the DB11 to “exaggerate the feeling of muscle”.
And the name? DBS is the revival of a nameplate first used in 1967, while Superleggera is a nod to classic Italian coachbuilder Touring, whose Superleggera script (it means superlight, in honour of its famed lightweight construction methods) appears on the bonnet. “DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the super GT sector,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Dr Andy Palmer.
“Handsome beyond measure, immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship.” And is duly priced accordingly: from £225,000 in the UK, €274,995 in Europe, and $304,995 in North America. Deliveries? They begin in autumn 2018.
Now let’s dive into some more of the delicious details within Aston Martin’s new halo car.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: in detail
The body is made entirely from extruded aluminium clad in carbon fibre, which has helped Aston’s designers achieve some of the extreme styling features, and also help the DBS Superleggera boast the highest carbon content of any road car Aston currently makes. At under 1,700kg, it’s also 72kg lighter than the DB11.
Its engine is suitably brutish. 725hp is delivered at 6500rpm, but it also puts out a massive 900Nm (663lb ft) of torque across a massive 1,800-5,000rpm rev range. The 5.2-litre V12 has two turbos, four camshafts, is entirely made from aluminium, and is ferociously fast in real-world use: 50-75mph in fourth gear takes just 2.2 seconds – from the inside lane to the overtaking lane of a motorway in a couple of heartbeats.
The engine has purposefully been tuned “to deliver maximum performance within the rev window in which most road driving typically occurs… shunning highly-strung, high rev delivery for effortless urgency and crushing overtaking ability”.
It’s so potent, Aston’s had to buy a new, stronger type of eight-speed automatic gearbox from German supplier ZF just to cope with its output.
Needless to say, it sounds the part. Not in normal driving – the car remains subdued in low-load and small accelerator pedal openings, says Aston. It does have some manners. But stick it in Sport and Sport Plus, and a new quad exhaust system increases the exhaust’s level and purity, complete with pops and bangs on overrun. Even the noise at a standstill has been enriched, thanks to a new design of wastegate.
“The term super GT is a relatively new one,” said the firm’s chief technical officer Max Szwaj, but it’s one that’s long been part of Aston DNA. The key to it is that ultra-high torque engine, but the rest of it has been honed to create a “formidable and fabulous machine”.
A double diffuser at the back – like the ones banned in F1 racing – combines with ‘Aeroblade II’ that’s twice the size of the clever aeroblade aperture on the DB11 (and fixed, not retractible) to help it generate a heavyweight 180kg of downforce at its top speed – impressively, without creating any extra drag. “It’s the highest level of downforce for any road-going Aston Martin ever,” chief engineer Matt Becker told us.
“The aero generates 120kg at the rear and 60kg of downforce at the front – this gives it a pinned and planted feel at high speed. You can drive it one-handed, if you wish.” Becker added Aston actually tuned the rear end downforce, to give it the best ‘feel’ at high speed, rather than simply chasing ever-bigger numbers. “It has a different feel [to the DB11] to match the different look.”
The ride is 5mm lower than the DB11, suspension geometry is all-new, the steering delivers more feedback and even the engine mounts have been tuned to improve steering response. There’s also a bigger-than-ever separation between the setup of the three driving modes: from GT, to Sport, and Sport Plus.
Even the wheels are bigger than the DB11. “21-inches don’t fit the DB11: we took the opportunity of creating a new body to go extra-wide and ensure they fitted,” said Nürnberger. Buyers can pick from standard Y-spoke forged rims, or optional lightweight twin-spoke forged wheels with a strong let light structurally-optimised design.
Bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tyres are fitted, 305/30-section on the rear, and they have noise-absorbing foam technology in their sidewalls to boost refinement.
“Every time I drive it, I’m blown away by its raw performance,” added Becker. “It’s explosively quick if you floor the throttle, bit 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 driver… we’ve honed the dynamics so that it’s agile and connected, but also linear and progressive as you work towards its limits.”
And if you do panic, 410mm carbon ceramic brakes, gripped by six-piston front calipers, haul it down quickly – Aston’s even revised the master cylinder and booster so the brake pedal travel is shorter, and the feel firmer.
Oh, and because the brakes have a higher thermal capacity, the DBS Superleggera can operate its brake-nibbling Dynamic Torque Vectoring system more often, cornering more precisely and with more agility.
What’s life like inside the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Very plush, with what’s described as “aromatic’ leather and Alcantara upholstery, standard Sports Plus performance seats and complementary steering wheel, and a brace of special Designer Specifications that match bespoke outside finishes with matching ones inside.
Now click the images below to see more of the new 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera…
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