The names DBS and Superleggera have a lot of traction in Aston Martin lore. The DBS badge first graced an elegant, high-performance grand tourer in the late 1960s, before returning in 2007 with the DB9-based DBS V12. And Aston Martin’s relationship with Italian coachbuilders Superleggera goes back even further to the iconic DB4 and DB5. Put the two names together and you have an Aston Martin to set enthusiasts’ pulses racing. It doesn’t disappoint.

Though based on the smooth, swift DB11 V12, it’s clear from its aggressive exterior design that the DBS Superleggera has been honed for even greater performance. Most dramatic design evolution is the larger front grille, flanked by a pair of inlets designed to improve airflow over the brakes and around the front wheels. New taillights and a new, fixed rear spoiler replace those of the DB11, while the quad exhausts exit via an F1-inspired double diffuser. The bonnet, deck lid, splitter and diffuser are in carbon fibre, which helps to explain the weight reduction. Meanwhile the deeper side strakes and open stirrup behind the front wheel draw more air out of the engine bay and front wheel arches, keeping the car stable at high speeds. The striking black Y-spoke alloy wheels are 21″ in diameter, ride height is 5mm lower than that of the DB11 and in tribute to the Superleggera (Italian for superlight) name it’s also 72kg lighter. Downforce is claimed to amount to 180kg at VMax.

Cockpit architecture is based around that of the DB11, with a console that smoothly sweeps back from dashboard through to the rear seats. The DBS Superleggera’s interior is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, and features Sports Plus performance seats, steering wheel and binnacle. As with the DB11 the instrument cluster is a full-colour 12″ TFT display with an additional, central 8″ screen for infotainment.