Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Hire UK: 715HP Twin-Turbo V12 Grand Tourer Self-Drive

The DBS Superleggera is the most powerful car in the current Starr Aston Martin fleet. It uses a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 hand assembled at Gaydon producing 715HP and 900Nm of torque, reaching 62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 211mph. The name Superleggera means super light in Italian, a reference to the Italian coachbuilding tradition associated with Touring Superleggera, which Aston Martin has used historically for its lightest grand tourers. The DBS Superleggera weighs 1,693kg despite its size, which is 77kg lighter than the DB11 it sits above in the range. This weight saving is achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre in the body panels, the front splitter, the rear diffuser and the roof, combined with the bonded aluminium VH platform structure. The lower kerb weight relative to the power output gives the DBS Superleggera a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 423HP per tonne, comparable to dedicated sports cars significantly smaller and less practically usable than this grand tourer.

The V12 engine and active exhaust

The 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 produces 900Nm of torque from as low as 1,800rpm, which means full torque is available from low engine speeds throughout the usable driving range. This is different in character from the Vanquish’s naturally aspirated V12, which builds power more linearly towards its redline. The DBS Superleggera’s twin-turbo setup delivers its maximum torque early and maintains it across a wide engine speed range, making the car feel effortlessly fast in conditions where the Vanquish would need to be worked harder. The active exhaust system has four modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport Plus and Race. In Quiet mode it is subdued and appropriate for residential areas or early morning departures. In Sport mode at higher revs it opens fully and produces an exhaust note that is specific to the V12 firing order, deeper and more complex in character than a V8 or V10. The quad exhaust outlets at the rear are functional rather than decorative: each pair is connected to a separate bank of the V12.

Carbon fibre aerodynamics

The front of the DBS Superleggera uses a large carbon fibre splitter that generates front downforce. The rear uses a full width carbon fibre diffuser integrated into the lower bumper. At 200mph these two elements together produce 177kg of downforce, which is a significant figure for a car in this category. The front grille opening has been enlarged compared to the DB11 to manage the cooling requirements of the more powerful V12. Carbon fibre is used for the bonnet, roof panel, front wings, door mirrors and both front and rear bumper sections. The carbon fibre roof in particular reduces the unsprung mass at the highest point of the car, lowering the centre of gravity slightly compared to an aluminium roofed equivalent.

The DBS Superleggera on UK roads

The DBS Superleggera is the highest output grand tourer available in the Starr fleet and behaves on UK roads in a way that reflects that position. In GT mode the adaptive dampers compress the car’s character into something composed and effortless the 900Nm of torque requires very little throttle at motorway speeds, the V12 is quiet when not asked to work hard, and the 8-speed ZF gearbox shifts smoothly without prompting. The car is 4,712mm long and 1,968mm wide excluding mirrors, which makes it wider than the DB11 and the Vanquish. On open A-roads in Sport mode the rear-wheel drive chassis is responsive to inputs, the steering communicates clearly, and the electronic rear differential and carbon ceramic brake option (if fitted) provide the tools to use the performance deliberately. For a driver seeking the maximum available power in a grand touring format with genuine four seat capacity and a car capable of genuine long distance UK journeys, the DBS Superleggera is the specific answer.

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre purchased at the time of booking.