Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition 2012 Review

The flagship of the Aston Martin marque, DBS, has been upstaged by a limited edition model dubbed Carbon Edition -- the third such limited-build model to grace the DBS range since its launch in 2007.

The Carbon Edition (CE) arrives ahead of the final special edition ‘send-off’ model, DBS Ultimate reported on earlier that will itself debut ahead of the next-gen DBS, expected sometime next year.

Offered in coupe and convertible (Volante) body styles, CE takes the performance and refinement of the derivative model and adds seven layers of satin lacquer paint, 10-spoke diamond-turned wheels, black brake callipers (these can be delete optioned), a warm-black grille, carbon-fibre mirror caps and tail lamp in-fills, and smoked tail lamps.

Attracting a $15,300 premium over ‘regular’ DBS variants, CE also features a bespoke interior that Aston says takes in excess of 70 hours to stitch together. Combining familiar swathes of leather, CE is distinguished within by a quilted headlining, hand-laid carbon-fibre dash fascia and magnesium alloy shift paddles (when optioned with Aston Martin’s Touchtronic II automatic transmission). To cap-off proceedings, a laser-etched sill plaque identifies the model as a special edition.

CE also receives recent equipment additions to the DBS range, which include Garmin satellite navigation and ‘Beam Blade’ windscreen wipers aimed at reducing wind noise.

Without wishing to detract from the specialness of CE, it’s here that any differences end. Driveline options are unaltered from the donor car. Aston Martin’s German-built 6.0-litre V12 still develops a potent 380kW at 6500rpm and 570Nm at 5750rpm -- enough to propel the coupe from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 4.3 seconds on its way to a top tilt of 295km/h.

The mellifluous V12 is aurally distinct, more WWII fighter than GT car, and perhaps just as unique. Even above the din of traffic DBS CE is instantly recognisable, provided the revs are high enough.

Dawdling around, however, CE is suitably restrained, and equally comfortable. The cabin is quiet, beautifully presented and ideally isolated from the outside world. The low seating position and swept-back styling can hinder visibility when parking, but we’re sure this won’t prove an issue for the majority of owners.

Open the taps and the Aston takes on an entirely different persona, and while it’s still very much a GT car, it’s quick enough to shame most comers and, perhaps surprisingly for its size, remarkably agile.

The steering is perfectly weighted and communicates the front wheel’s intentions concisely to the driver via a chunky suede and leather-bound wheel. Pointing accurately through corners, the stiffer setting of the variable suspension can be used in unison with the right foot to step the car’s tail out perfectly time and time again -- quite the unexpected drift machine.

It’s so balanced that, unlike many at the end of the performance scale, you aren’t afraid to drive unassisted. In fact, as good as the stability control is, the DBS is just so easily finessed without it that we’d recommend disabling it in all but the most dire of weather conditions.

Stopping as quickly as it gets going, the big Aston’s ceramic stoppers are truly fade free, arresting the car with ferocious speed. The pedal consistently remains well modulated considering the power of the braking system attached.

If we had to pick fault with the DBS CE it would be that the fuel bill for our 24 hours with the car was enough to break the bank... And that the list price of this beautiful machine is astronomical...

There might be cars out there that are faster or most purpose orientated than the DBS but for that blend of style, speed, sophisticated and a soundtrack you just never grow tired of, this limited run beauty is in a world of its own...

Price: $520,563 (MRLP)