Aston Martin DBS Hire UK: 510HP Naturally Aspirated V12 Self-Drive

The Aston Martin DBS is the original high performance variant of the DB9 platform, produced between 2007 and 2012. It uses a 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing 510HP and 570Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic gearbox in a transaxle layout at the rear of the car. The transaxle position gives the DBS a near 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, which is the same architectural principle that underpins the current Vantage and DB12. The DBS weighs 1,695kg, lighter than the DB11 it predates by 75kg, and reaches 62mph in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 191mph. The naturally aspirated V12 in the DBS has a character that is different from the twin-turbo V12 in the DBS Superleggera. Power builds progressively through the rev range to the 7,000rpm redline. At 6,000rpm and above the 6.0-litre V12 produces a sound that no turbocharged engine in the Aston Martin range can replicate. The DBS was James Bond’s car in Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008), two of the highest profile appearances of any specific car in the modern Bond era. It was also the first Aston Martin to use carbon ceramic brakes as a factory option.

DBS vs DBS Superleggera – which one?

The Aston Martin fleet at Starr includes both the original DBS and the DBS Superleggera. The Superleggera is the more modern and more powerful car, 715HP from a twin-turbo V12 versus the original DBS at 510HP from a naturally aspirated V12. The Superleggera is heavier at 1,693kg, its twin-turbo engine produces its torque earlier in the rev range, and it costs more to hire. The original DBS is the lighter, higher revving car with a more linear power delivery and a naturally aspirated exhaust character that the Superleggera cannot replicate. For a driver who wants the most power and the most modern technology, the Superleggera is the answer. For a driver who wants the lighter, higher revving, more analogue Aston Martin V12 experience, or who specifically wants the car that Bond drove, the original DBS is the answer.

The DBS on UK roads

The DBS is a more tactile car than the current generation of Aston Martins. The steering is more direct and less assisted than in the DB11 or DB12, the ride is firmer in its standard setting, and the naturally aspirated V12 requires more rev range to access its full character than a turbocharged equivalent. On open UK A roads where the rev range can be used, the DBS provides a driving experience that is specifically of its era, an era when Aston Martins were built with fewer electronic interventions between the driver and the car. The transaxle gearbox layout and the 1,695kg kerb weight make the car feel more neutral and balanced through fast corners than front heavy grand tourers in the same performance class.

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Aston Martin DBS self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Aston Martin DBS 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.