2012 Aston Martin DBS Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS doesn't have enough ratings to earn a valid Total Car Score. 
 
Sitting at the top of the Aston Martin food chain, it is easiest to consider the gorgeous DBS as a DB9 that has been cranked up full blast. Less weight and more power mean the DBS is fast and lively on the road, and — thanks to its active suspension — its handling and ride are first rate. When it comes to stopping, four oversized carbon-ceramic brakes bleed speed like dropping an anchor.  
 
Yet the DBS does have its drawbacks. The rear seats are mostly useless (Aston Martin will replace them with a parcel deck, if requested), and its outdated and cumbersome navigation system will have owners in fits. Plus, there is the issue of cost: The DBS commands a significant premium over its only slightly-less-awesome DB9 sibling. 
 
The current DBS arrived five years ago, a couple of years after the DB9 on which it is based. Lower, wider and more aggressively styled, the DBS also has been tuned for higher performance. After a few changes last year (its tire pressure monitoring and Bluetooth phone connectivity were both improved), the lineup is mostly carried forward for 2012. Of note, Aston Martin has announced the production of its limited production DBS Carbon Editions, each with unique cosmetic enhancements to differentiate them from the standard models. 

2012 Aston Martin DBS Model Line-Up

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS is offered in two-door coupe or Volante (convertible) body styles. There are two trim levels: standard and Carbon Editions. The coupe features a fixed aluminum roof, while the Volante models are equipped with a power-operated automatic multi-layer soft top with a heated glass rear window. 
 
Aston Martin's range-topping DBS boasts a naturally-aspirated 5.9-liter V12 tuned to develop 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through an alloy torque tube (with a carbon-fiber driveshaft) to rear mid-mounted six-speed manual, or a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission. At full tilt, the DBS with a manual transmission will hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and won't run out of steam before reaching a blazing 190 mph. The automatic is only a tick slower. 
 
The DBS coupe and convertible share nearly all of their appointments. Cabins are lavishly upholstered in full-grain (or semi-aniline) dyed leather with a variety of upscale trims, automatic climate control, glass switchgear, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, alarm system and a standard 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system with iPod connectivity. 
 
The options list includes the aforementioned Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission, a selection of 20-inch wheels, summer-compound tires, lightweight sport seats, an alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and even a luggage set. Aston Martin will also custom-tailor its vehicles as part of the company's bespoke program. 
 
Carbon Edition models, in both coupe and Volante, feature Flame Orange, Ceramic Grey or Carbon Black exterior paint and other distinguishing cosmetic enhancements inside and out. 
 
The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2012 Aston Martin DBS with the automatic transmission at 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 14 combined. With a manual transmission, fuel economy drops slightly to 11/17/13. 

Total Car Score is not affiliated with, associated, authorized, or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to any of the Expert Resources, nor does Total Car Score endorse any of the Expert Resources, or its affiliates.
Click here to see more.