Latest news with #DBXS
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Aston Martin DBX S Smashes Bentley's Goodwood Hillclimb Record As Quickly As It Was Set
The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed is always one of the biggest highlights of the automotive calendar, and this year did not disappoint, with numerous reveals, dynamic debuts, and hillclimb runs. One of the most impressive ventures up Lord March's driveway during the timed shootout was that of the Bentley Bentayga Speed, which broke the old Bentayga W12's record to become the fastest internal combustion engine SUV ever to tackle the course. Unfortunately for Bentley's 641-horsepower SUV, the 717-hp Aston Martin DBX S was also in attendance, and it broke Bentley's record before the weekend was out. You can watch that record run from onboard at the bottom of this article. Related: Listen To How Akrapovic Turns Bentley's V8 Models Into Angry Brutes The Bentayga Speed's expedition up the Goodwood Hillclimb was timed at 55.8 seconds, while the DBX S took just 53.12 seconds. A difference of over a second and a half is quite something for such a short course, and the onboard video suggests that there was still time to be made. The launch looked good, but the shift to second gear seemed a little delayed. At the first bend, Madgwick, there's some tire squeal, and as the DBX S goes onto the Fordwater "straight," some corrective steering is required. After clearing the right-hander before St. Mary's corner, the DBX S experiences some proper oversteer as the sharp left-hander tightens up before heading to the slowest part of the track, Lavant, before the kinked Lavant straight ahead of the finish line. It's not the cleanest lap it could have been, but that the Aston snatched the record anyway speaks to the potential of the super SUV. We can't ignore the fact that the Bentayga Speed's run was set in damp conditions, so it's reasonable to assume that a quicker time could be achieved in the same weather experienced by the DBX S. However, a difference of more than 70 horsepower is tough to overcome. Bentley's Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, also with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generates 771 hp, but there has been no indication that this powertrain will be fitted to the SUV. If it is, perhaps the Bentayga will have a chance of reclaiming the record, but that extra power would also come with extra weight. Regardless, the next 12 months of gloating (at least) belong to Aston, and with more and more super SUVs going the hybrid route, the DBX S may own the ICE SUV record at Goodwood for all time. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Top Gear
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Watch Aston's DBX S beat Bentley up the hill at Goodwood
Watch Aston's DBX S beat Bentley up the hill at Goodwood Bentley claims hillclimb record… then Aston comes along and beats it Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. Bentley sent its twin-turbo V8 Bentayga SUV up the Goodwood Festival of Speed's hillclimb over the weekend. It managed a time of 55.8s, which it claimed as a new Goodwood record. Aston saw that, and presumably said 'hold my zero per cent beer', because it decided to send its also-twin-turbo-V8 DBX S up the hill, recording a time of 53.12s. Advertisement - Page continues below Which means the DBX S is now the fastest internal combustion SUV at Goodwood. 'We've always loved a challenge,' runs Aston Martin's Instagram comment. Ouchy. Saying that, Bentley's run was set in 'partially wet conditions' by test driver and 'Bentley specialist' Andy Marson. And it's still quick, taking a second off the time delivered by the old W12-engined Bentayga, itself set in dry conditions. Indeed, Bentley said Marson saw a peak speed of 130mph before he slammed on the anchors just before Molecomb. Advertisement - Page continues below Which puts the DBX S's accomplishments into some perspective. Not that you need any. The DBX S is the most powerful DBX ever built, with 717bhp and 663lb ft, able to blast from 0-62mph in 3.3s and on to a top speed of 193mph. Want to see what all that feels like on board? Have a watch of Aston's 'hold my beer' moment below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Martin (@astonmartin) Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Auto Car
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
671bhp, 590lb ft and 202mph: Aston Martin's new track star revealed
Aston Martin has revealed the Vantage S, the third-generation sports car's most track-focused incarnation to date. It is the first time the S suffix has adorned a Vantage since 2018, and the new model follows the recently revealed DBX S as Aston brings back the badge for its highest-performing models. While the 671bhp Vantage S is the most powerful series-production version of Aston's entry-level sports car yet (disregarding the extremely limited V12 Vantage of 2022), attention has been focused specifically on making it as quick as possible on track. To that end, engineers have worked to increase cornering speed and stability. Key to this is the fitment of a new ducktail spoiler, which has been tuned to push the overall downforce balance towards the front of the car. This is combined with new front and underbody aero to produce 111kg of downforce at top speed. Alongside this, Aston has reworked the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to deliver 671bhp while making the unchanged 590lb ft accessible higher up the rev range, where it is now produced between 3000rpm and 6000rpm. The car's power delivery software has also been modified, with the driveby-wire throttle tuned to be more responsive and allow for better feel. Combined, this delivers a launch control-enabled 0-60mph time of 3.3sec (0.1sec quicker than before) and a 0-124mph time of 10.1sec. Top speed is unchanged at 202mph. While the car is 15bhp more powerful than before, that 0-124mph time is more than a second slower than that of Ferrari's 631bhp Amalfi, the Italian car maker's new entrylevel, Vantage-rivalling replacement for the Roma. Vast aero additions aside, the Vantage S is marked out by S badging inside and out, special satin black 21in alloy wheels and new blade-shaped front air intakes.
Auto Express
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Aston Martin's Vantage gets more power for a modest price increase
Earlier this year, Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark told Auto Express the firm needed to 'focus its attention on customer retention and giving buyers reason to upgrade their cars'. First came the uprated DBX S – the company's most powerful SUV – and now it has launched its hardest, most focused sports car to date: the Aston Martin Vantage S. Advertisement - Article continues below Following in the footsteps of the previous-generation V8 and V12 Vantage S models launched in 2011 and 2013 respectively, the new Vantage S is based on the recently updated second-generation car. It gains a modest uplift in power from 656bhp to 671bhp, but torque is unchanged at 800Nm. The model gets a new throttle map, which Aston claims 'further enhances driver engagement and performance feel', plus there are additional changes to the powertrain calibration, with an optimised launch control system said to cut the 0-62mph sprint to 3.4 seconds – one-tenth faster than before. New suspension hardware also features, alongside revised engine mounts and control software to bring what Aston claims to be 'greater agility along with improvements in feel, driver engagement and composure'. The rear subframe is now mounted directly to the body, instead of via rubber bushes, for claimed gains in 'directness and steering connection'. The suspension's camber, toe and caster settings are also said to sharpen responses and improve front-end grip. Aston says the Vantage S 'has a thrilling appetite for corners backed up by steadfast stability'. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below But while the firm's engineers wanted the S to display greater agility, they weren't prepared to sacrifice compliance or refinement. As such, you'll find reduced rear-spring stiffness for improved low-speed ride, plus a 10 per cent reduction in the stiffness of the transmission mounts. Advertisement - Article continues below There's a handful of visual changes for Vantage S buyers to enjoy, too. At the front, there are new centrally-mounted bonnet vents available in gloss black or carbon fibre, designed to extract hot air from the engine. There are specific, hand-made S badges on the front wings, too, made from red glass enamel and either dark or bright chrome. Extra red detailing is also seen on the bespoke 21-inch Y-spoke wheels, hiding a set of contrasting bronze brake calipers. To the rear, there's a full-width spoiler, which not only changes the car's look, but adds 44kg of downforce at top speed. Further updates underneath the car, including a new front airdam and venturi vanes, add an additional 67kg of downforce. Inside, there's unique Alcantara and leather upholstery, with embroidered S logos comprising 2,500 individual stitches and over 16m of thread. The car also features carbon fibre trim inlays – a feature Aston claims offers 'a modest weight saving' while perfectly capturing 'the essence of S'. On top of this, owners can specify a new, unique interior option package, bringing a choice of red or silver finishes to the knurled metal drive-mode controller, matching the dial to the car's seatbelts and stitching. A Sport interior package is also available, with different materials in both monotone and duotone colourways. Despite apparently being available to order now, Aston has so far only offered an indicative on-the-road price of around £170,000 – around £5,000 more than the standard car. The Vantage S will make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, with first deliveries expected before the end of the year. Buy a car with Auto Express. Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from... View Vantage View Vantage View Vantage Find a car with the experts Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It's our Deal of the Day for 3 July
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Aston Martin unveils DBX S
ASTON MARTIN has officially introduced its latest flagship SUV, the DBX S, a high-performance evolution of the DBX range that sets new benchmarks for dynamic capability, design presence and technological innovation. Drawing from its storied tradition of 'S' models, the DBX S enters the lineup as a lighter, more powerful and strikingly assertive sibling to the DBX707. At the core of the DBX S is an upgraded version of Aston Martin's acclaimed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Enhanced with turbocharger technology derived directly from the forthcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheels and other internal refinements, the powertrain now delivers 727PS—an increase of 20PS over the DBX707. This results in a 0–100km/h sprint time of just 3.3 seconds, while the 0–200km/h time has been reduced by 0.3 seconds. The top speed remains unchanged at 310km/h. Performance has been further bolstered with a revised exhaust system, amplifying the already sonorous character of the V8. Meanwhile, Aston Martin's innovative nine-speed wet clutch transmission ensures optimal torque distribution between axles, offering up to 100 per cent rear-wheel torque for a rear-biased driving feel. The DBX S's gearbox has undergone further calibration, allowing more aggressive downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes and adjusted upshift points to suit the extended rev range. Aston Martin has prioritised intelligent weight reduction in the DBX S to enhance handling and driving response. A newly available carbon fibre roof, spanning nearly three square metres, not only saves 18kg but also contributes to a lower centre of gravity by eliminating traditional roof rails. This is the largest carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin vehicle. In an industry-first for an SUV, magnesium wheels have also been introduced as an optional feature. At 23 inches in diameter, these wheels cut 19kg of unsprung mass, translating into improved ride quality, sharper steering and enhanced road feedback. Standard forged aluminium wheels are also offered at the same size. Further weight savings are achieved with the optional lightweight polycarbonate honeycomb grille, crafted with more than 25,000 individual facets. Chassis updates include a steering ratio that is now four per cent quicker than that of the DBX707. This subtle change results in notably improved agility without sacrificing stability or comfort, while a reduced turning circle of just 12 metres benefits everyday drivability. The DBX S adopts Aston Martin's latest suspension system, with recalibrated air springs and dampers that reduce weight transfer during dynamic driving. The adaptive suspension adjusts spring rates based on drive mode, enhancing grip and cornering response. Electronic roll control limits body roll to just 1.5 degrees–rivaling many purpose-built sports cars. Braking is handled by large carbon ceramic discs measuring 420mm at the front and 390mm at the rear. Visually, the DBX S distinguishes itself from the rest of the DBX range with a black vaned front grille, revised splitter and diffuser, and wraparound daytime running lights. The optional polycarbonate grille draws inspiration from the DBS 770 Ultimate. At the rear, a dramatic transformation includes vertically stacked quad exhausts and a reprofiled diffuser. These elements, along with carbon side sills and a redesigned rear wing, reduce mass by a further 7kg. A new lower livery treatment is available in three contrasting finishes–Rosso Corsa Red, Trophy Silver and Podium Green–highlighting the SUV's performance-focused personality. The side profile features upturned air splitters integrated into the new side sills, enhancing aerodynamic performance. Carbon fibre components are available for the wing mirrors, side strakes and lower door areas. Signature 'S' badging on the front wings–crafted in solid metal and filled with red enamel—provides a nod to previous Aston Martin 'S' models, such as the V12 Vantage S and Rapide S. Inside, the DBX S adopts a distinct design language. A herringbone pattern is applied to the seats as standard and continues onto the headlining when the carbon roof is specified. This design motif subtly evokes a sense of motion. The standard interior is upholstered in Alcantara, paired with semi-aniline leather on high-wear areas such as seat bolsters. For those seeking greater luxury, a full leather interior can be selected. Red seatbelts are available to add a visual reminder of the vehicle's performance credentials. Interior details are rich in bespoke features, including embroidered 'S' motifs on the seats and custom treadplates. Aston Martin has employed a unique embossing and debossing process, applying 1.5 tonnes of pressure to etch the iconic wings into the leather headrests with sub-millimetre precision. Technological updates include the latest version of Aston Martin's in-house infotainment system, integrated into a redesigned cabin layout that blends cutting-edge tech with handcrafted detailing. The DBX S also comes equipped with an 800-watt, 14-speaker Aston Martin Premium Audio system as standard. Audiophiles can opt for the 1,600-watt, 23-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, featuring Continuum midrange drivers, aluminium dome tweeters, dedicated bass and 3D headliner speakers–tailored specifically to the cabin's acoustics. The DBX S reaffirms Aston Martin's commitment to blending uncompromised performance with ultra-luxury refinement. It continues the marque's tradition of lightweight, high-performance models wearing the 'S' badge, a lineage that traces back to the Vanquish S of 2004. Orders for the DBX S are now open, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
