Aston Martin DBS news - Prepare to be Aston-ished - 2007

We'll admit there was a tiny tear in the corner of our eyes when we saw the photos of the Aston Martin DBS. Not because it's so stunningly, well, Aston-ish - though that's a good enough reason in itself - but because it reminded us of those seven horrible, crushing, barrel rolls from Casino Royale.

Yes, this is the Bond car. And it's everything you'd expect from the favoured mode of transport of the world's coolest secret agent... with a bit more thrown in for good measure.

Borrowing technology from the mad-looking DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS is Aston's fastest production car ever.

With a mildly detuned version of the DBRS9's V12, putting out 510bhp at 6,500rpm, the DBS is good for a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 191mph... all put to the road through a proper six-speed manual. 'Course, you won't want to go that quick because it wouldn't give everyone a chance to see just how damn good the DBS looks.

To shave 120kg off the Vanquish's weight, Aston has carbon-fibred the DBS's bodywork, with a lightweight front splitter and rear diffuser improving aerodynamics. The two new vents on the power bulge are functional too, as is the raised boot spoiler.

The DBS has had the Atkins treatment inside the cabin too, with lightweight carpets and optional Kevlar seats (they're for racing rather than drive-by shootings, we presume).

Less functional but still cool is the dash-mounted sapphire starter button, which glows red when the engine's ready to fire up.

In fact, the only aspect of the DBS we're a bit suspicious of is the semi-aniline leather trim, which Aston reckons has a 'distinctive aroma'. Exactly what aroma, we're not sure.

The DBS will be on the roads at the start of 2008, with a price tag in the region of £160,000. Expensive enough to make you think twice about replicating that barrel roll stunt, then.