2008 Aston Martin DBS Review
22 Jun, 2008
16 Comments 
Pulling up is equally as impressive, and important, as any other performance figures listed. The DBS does this with ease, thanks to large carbon ceramic brakes, which are a no cost option. Rotors are 398mm up front, only 2mm smaller than Bugatti’s Veyron, with six piston calipers and 360mm rears running four pot stoppers, and separate, servo actuated park brake caliper. The pedal feel is progressive, positive and extremely quick to react.
Adaptive suspension technology is beginning to be seen more and more throughout higher end performance cars and presents itself in many guises, and with varying degrees of success. The Aston Martin system is one of the best I’ve experienced to date and not only provides superb handling characteristics and high speed stability, but is also instantly switchable between modes. I don’t mean that it gradually firms or softens either, I do stress - instantly.
It’s a highlight feature of the car and coupled with a three tier (on/track/off) traction control system means a DBS buyer can be assured of the car’s set up in any application, be it a high speed cross country cruise, day at the track, or an evening jaunt to the opera.
That beautiful body isn’t just there for beauty’s sake either with each panel and vent designed to purpose. Air flow is maximised in areas where cooling and downforce is required, and minimised in others to reduce air turbulence and drag. A combination of several different materials including composites, alloys and traditional steel all play their part in the DBS’s tremendously rigid and purposeful structure.
Weight saving and rigidity gains were at the forefront in the car’s design ideals and as shape restriction was not an issue, the body was able to be sculpted artistically over the 20″ super light-weight alloy wheels. The overall outcome then is a body possessing not only unparalleled beauty, but enhanced strength, purposeful application and advanced technology.
Finishing the body work, with such a range of materials underneath, was certain to be a challenge for the painters, especially over the composite areas where traditionally air bubbles can create tiny pin holes in the primer coat allowing distortion and disparity in the finishes’ continuity. The engineers at Aston Martin would not allow this and instead developed a patented ‘Surface Veil’ process which uses the appliqué of a fine self leveling epoxy to the surface before painting to ensure Aston’s trademark mirror finish.
Location: Home / Supercar Odyssey, Aston Martin, Behind the Wheel / ...
Rate Post: 
(9 votes, average: 4.22 out of 5)
Loading ...
-
Print it:
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Very well written and thank you for going the extra extra mile in producing this story
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
What an awesome read, felt truly involved, and what an awesome machine. Thanks guys.
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
excellent story guys!!! pleaseure to read. As much as i love this car i cant help but think of what else i could get for that kinda money……….
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I’m sure you could get plenty of things, but I doubt they would be as much fun.
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Did anyone notice the stitching on the console wasn’t straight. Tee Hee.
Great read folks. Most can only drean at driving such machines. The hard work is obviously paying off.
Awsome car, arguably the nicest car on thr planet. British of course, Ooooh I’m so proud. Pity no diesels though, Tee Hee again.
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Fellas,
Fantastic in every way, the Aston, the writing and the photography justified why you were the first to drive it in Australia.
I also appreciated the high res picture of the Mack Titan, its now my wallpaper, also a magnificent machine, it doesn’t have quite the sheet metal work but it has more power and and is more reliable than any Aston! I hope you appreciate that a road train cannot safely or feasibly leave single road bitumen to accommodate others, its not a choice the drivers have.
Thanks for the great review, now I’m waiting for the new RS4 review when they get around to releasing the car!
(Report)
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Nice Nice Nice,
Although that gearknob reminds me of future Biff’s (Back to the future) silver fist walking stick for some reason… :S
(Report)
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 am
I still prefer a 599gtb any day….good story guys!
Funny how the anti-spam word was Ferrari!
(Report)
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am
What an epic journey and an epic car. An amazing article guys, I thoroughly enjoyed the read, even while I was suffering from a gargantuan case of jealousy. Good work.
Five stars across the board, wouldn’t expect anything less.
(Report)
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
FANTASTIC in all every way, For me the best looking car made right now. Just amazing
(Report)
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
GREAT CAR. GREAT STORY.
(Report)
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Great Review…
I’d hate to be hitting Potholes in one of those. How would the Aston Reps react to a scratch on the paint? 7 layers of Hand Crafted repair.
Also, someone must have been constantly polishing the car with all that red dirt around.
(Report)
June 24th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Doesn’t the Veyron’s steering wheel take something like 1½ weeks for one guy to stitch together? You get what you pay for I guess…
Awesome car and great pics!
(Report)
June 26th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Good review. Dream car! (Next to the R35 GTR!)
(Report)
July 31st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Been for a ride in this car. One word.
Faultless!
(Report)
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:50 am
This is the car which I always dream of. Great pics, Its professional image
(Report)