The most powerful production Aston Martin ever built pulls no punches.
Meet the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate: the final iteration of the DBS before it departs this world, and a limited edition model officially declared the most powerful production Aston Martin ever built (Aston declared the Valkyrie as a limited production model).
Limited to 499 units globally, split between 300 coupes and 199 'Volante' convertible variants, the DBS 770 Ultimate's party piece is the twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 under the hood, which has been recalibrated for this final iteration to produce 759 horsepower (770 metric horsepower is where it gets its name) at 6,500 rpm and 663 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF torque converter automatic gearbox limit its 0-60 mph sprint to 3.2 seconds in coupe form and 3.4 in Volante guise, but it'll top out at 211 mph. Those are numbers fitting for a 110th-anniversary celebration.
The Gaydon-based automaker has overhauled the chassis and aerodynamics of the DBS in creating the 770 Ultimate, improving how the car feels and behaves, resulting in the brand's ultimate Super GT.
Visually as stunning as ever, a few subtle enhancements differentiate the DBS 770 Ultimate from the regular car. Aston claims all the changes have functional benefits, too, like the horseshoe hood vent – similar to the hood of the V12 Vantage – that evacuates heat from the engine bay.
Further visual refinements include the new front splitter with twin outboard vents and exposed carbon fiber twill on the cantrail (the outboard roof rail element), windscreen surround, mirror housings, and fender louvers, while the side sills feature the same effect.
Offsetting the hardcore nature of the carbon elements, 21-inch wheels in a new multi-spoke design inspired by the Valkyrie and one-off Victor can be specced in one of three finishes to add a bit of glitz and glam to the occasion. These wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero rubber, measuring 265/35 at the front and 305/30 at the rear. The final touch is a newly designed rear diffuser that aids in keeping the car balanced.
But it's the mechanical elements that will set the DBS 770 Ultimate apart. In the engine bay, Aston revised the air intake and ignition pathways and increased boost pressure by 7% to attain the increased outputs – 44 hp more than the standard DBS, although torque remains unchanged. Careful attention was given to the power and torque curves to ensure usability and performance in any gear.
The gearbox is rear-mid-mounted and feeds power to a mechanical limited-slip diff, with both elements being retuned for this application for quicker shifts and better power management. Beyond the obligatory 0-60 sprint, the DBS 770 Ultimate will hit 100 mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds (6.7 in the Volante).
When that all becomes too much, standard carbon ceramic brakes – 16.1 inches front and 14.2 inches rear with six- and four-piston calipers, respectively – inherited from the standard DBS halt proceedings.
But instead of focusing on its straight-line performance, Aston wanted to enhance its dynamic prowess. A new solid-mounted steering column was introduced for its enhanced sense of connection with the road, coupled with a 25% stiffer front end as a culmination of a new front cross member, which acts in tandem with a thicker rear undertray to boost total torsional rigidity of the car by 3%.
Unique calibration for the active dampers provides more control and composure without hampering ride quality, making the most of the newfound stiffness.
“Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, thanks to a comprehensive suite of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension, and underbody structure; it is also the best to drive,” says Roberto Fedeli, chief technology officer at Aston Martin.
No special edition Aston would be complete without a slew of interior enhancements, which is why the DBS 770 Ultimate features standard Sports Plus Seats. Finished in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, they feature a 'fluted' quilt and perforation for enhanced luxury. Should these not be aggressive enough for you, enhanced performance seats can be specced.
New trim options add an extra layer of depth to the cabin, with contrast colors, welt, and stitching options. The neatest of the trim details is a leather strap and buckle with a laser-etched DBS 770 Ultimate logo that features on the central armrest. Not forgetting its sporting intent, carbon fiber shift paddles are standard.
Special sill plaques signify its uniqueness and indicate the limited run as one of 300 coupes or 199 Volantes.
Now for the bad news. Pricing has not been made available because all 499 DBS 770 Ultimates are already spoken for. Production begins in the first quarter of 2023, with deliveries starting in Q3.
Given the circa $330,000 price of the standard DBS, these final edition derivatives will have likely exceeded $400,000. Not that it matters to the well-heeled who can afford such a special car, and each of them will probably customize their 770 Ultimate with an extra six figures worth of bespokery thanks to Q by Aston Martin.
Among the available customization, buyers have access to multiple Q liveries, graphic options, painted wheels, tinted carbon, and a carbon fiber steering wheel. You can even order a bespoke four-piece luggage set and a carbon fiber and leather drinks case that holds bottles of champagne and four flutes.
Oh, to be rich.
Keyword: Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Says Goodbye To The DBS With 759-HP V12