Aston Martin gives DBS the Ultimate send-off

Aston Martin’s DBS flagship (the ultra-low-volume, megabuck One-77 doesn’t really count as a legit flagship) is now getting long in the tooth, so the premium Brit brand has rolled out an ‘Ultimate’ version to give it a fitting send-off and keep sales ticking over.

The company is yet to issue an official press release on the newbie, and the accompanying images have thus far only appeared on the brand’s website (although since replicated on a handful of other news sites).

As per the Vanquish Ultimate that preceded it, the low-volume DBS gains a raft of tasty accoutrements to distinguish it from the donor car. Befitting a bespoke model, each DBS Ultimate will be individually numbered and customers will be able to choose from one of three exterior colours – Carbon Black II, Quantum Silver, and Silver Fox.

Keen trainspotters will also pick up on the darkened front grille, carbonfibre wing mirrors, smoked taillights, Zircotec coated tailpipes and yellow, red or black brake calipers. The limited-edition model also scores a uniquely coloured DBS badge, special number-plate surround and painted rear decklid spoiler.

Interior upgrades include diamond-quilted stitching on the leather seats, Alcantara headliner in either red or silver thread and gearshift paddles trimmed in ‘spicy red’ leather.

The DBS Ultimate will be available in coupe and Volante (convertible) body styles and with a six-speed manual gearbox or Aston’s Touchtronic self-shifter (a conventional torque-converter automatic rather than the Sportshift sequential used in the smaller Vantage).

No word as yet on pricing, but the DBS Ultimate is likely to cost around the $500k mark.

As for a DBS replacement, some sources are speculating it will arrive next year to coincide with the venerable brand’s centenary. Expect it to adhere to Aston Martin’s formula of subtle evolution rather than wholesale change.

The existing DBS launched in 2007, backed by a starring (but short-lived) role in the James Bond blockbuster Casino Royale.

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