Jul 20, 2018, 11:55 AM
DBS
Though it was based on the rigid steel platform chassis of the DB6, the DBS was lower and wider than the car it replaced. However, it was actually shorter, despite a slightly longer wheelbase, due to the use of De Dion rear suspension. Styling was by the talented William Towns, whose work influenced Aston Martin for many years. A notable departure from the frontal appearance of previous models was an eye-catching fullwidth stainless steel grille incorporating quadruple quartz iodine headlamps. With individually sculptured rear seats, the DBS was marketed as a full four-seater.
The DBS was powered by the same 4-litre straight-six as the DB6, though its wide engine bay was obviously destined for a very different engine. It had been intended to be equipped from the start with a new V8 power unit, but this had suffered development problems. The delay meant that the carry-over DB6 unit had to be used on initial production cars. Inevitably, the greater frontal area and increased weight of the DBS compromised its straight-line performance, though the new rear suspension set-up gave it the upper hand on winding roads.
The DBS was powered by the same 4-litre straight-six as the DB6, though its wide engine bay was obviously destined for a very different engine. It had been intended to be equipped from the start with a new V8 power unit, but this had suffered development problems. The delay meant that the carry-over DB6 unit had to be used on initial production cars. Inevitably, the greater frontal area and increased weight of the DBS compromised its straight-line performance, though the new rear suspension set-up gave it the upper hand on winding roads.