By Alex Kramer
For the folks at Aston Martin, it’s apparently not enough to make some of the finest sports cars on the planet. With the recently unveiled Carbon Black Special Editions of the DBS and V12 Vantage models, Aston Martin can now claim to make some of the most exclusive cars on the road as well.
Although primarily a stylistic makeover, the Carbon Black treatment results in an understated but still absolutely stunning automobile. From the rich bespoke metallic black paint, which reportedly takes over 50 hours to apply, to the 10 spoke alloy wheels with diamond turned and gloss black finish, the stealthy look exudes power and sophistication.
We recently had the opportunity to spend a little time with a DBS Carbon Black that is touring the country and after seeing the car in person, we can honestly say that photos don’t fully capture the exquisite design and sheer beauty of this automobile. Take a closer look at the rich, deep paint and the gorgeous wheels, and you start to understand why someone would drop some serious coin to own one of these.
The interior builds on the Carbon Black theme, featuring Obsidian Black leather upholstery highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch and an Obsidian Black Alcantara headliner. Although maybe not the perfect vehicle for a hot summer day, the craftmanship is exceptional and the seats are even made from carbon fiber and kevlar, saving close to 40 lbs over the standard setup. Aston Martin has also made sure to cater to discerning ears by including the 1000 Watt Bang and Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system with retracting tweeters. The sound, suffice it to say, is as stunning as the rest of the car.
Any remaining doubt we had about the desire to own this car was quickly dispelled during a brief test drive through scenic Marin County. Despite remaining essentially unchanged since 2007, the DBS still offers one of the most rewarding driving experiences available today. From the glorious exhaust tone of the 510 hp V12, to the effortlessly precise handling, to the advanced adaptive dampers and carbon ceramic brake system, this is one of the few supercars that can be driven comfortably on a daily basis while also offering world class performance.
Although every Aston Martin features breathtaking style, blistering performance, and the exclusivity that comes with a six-figure price tag, there will always be a few customers who clamor for something even more refined, more exclusive, and more unique. For such individuals, the Carbon Black Special Edition cars, which will be available in very limited quantities, should provide the perfect automotive indulgence.
Editor’s note: The British sports-car maker confirmed on Friday that the V12 Vantage – packing 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque – will be sold in North and South America.
This is a reversal from a year ago, when Aston tantalizingly showed off the car and promptly said it wasn’t coming here. Now the company says that it has no choice but to respond to the huge demand from enthusiasts to bring the car to the Americas.
There is something about an Aston that say’s British aristo..I just think Callum need’s to redesign because it’s getting a little long in the tooth.I know the long product cycle in the past was the norm but not today.Time to do what Ferrari’s is doing and keep the rotation evolving .Maybe they would not have to build that mini car if they did.I hope there not spending to much time rebuilding the Lagonda line that no one remembers letting the Aston lose it’s sparkle. Come on SUV’s are over with and they certainly sell all the Aston Sports cars they can build if the look is fresh.A Lagonda SUV is just going to be a non starter.
Dear Aston Martin,
This is exactly what America needs right now to right inself from its major economical downturn, its continued outragious stripping of the environment and oil usage and as of late a pending distaster in the Gulf of Mexico caused by our dire need for more gasoline. Yes, bring it on.. a 510 horsepower vehicle concieved and designed for the rich and which does nothing to help this country recover from the mess we are in. Why not think about, ecomonical and environmentally sound roadsters! What may be right for a James Bond fantasy is not right for the USA!