Aston Martin has turned to history for the name of its upcoming Super GT flagship car, which will be called DBS Superleggera.
Superleggera is a lightweight construction technology developed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in 1936. In addition to reduced weight and improved rigidity, it also allowed greater flexibility in design and production.
It was first used by Aston Martin on the DB4 of 1958, and also on 1963’s DB5 and the following year on the Lagonda Rapide. The technique is no longer used in mass production due to today’s impact resistance requirements.
The name, and its stylized script, is still the property of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, and will adorn the hood of the new DBS, alongside the hood vents.
“When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It’s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT,” said Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. “It’s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it’s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries.”
The DBS was first used in 1967 for the Grand Tourer that was meant to replace the DB6, though the two ended up running concurrently for several years. DBS ceased production in 1972, though the name was resurrected in 2007 on the DBS V12 to replace the Vanquish as flagship. It ceased production in 2012, replaced by a new Vanquish.
The latest resurrection is meant to put forth the highest levels of design, craftsmanship and performance, and completes Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan goal of replacing all its existing coupe models.
No information was released about the upcoming car, which is due to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2018.