2006 Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin has unveiled the new DBS which will be driven by James Bond, the legendary British secret agent, in the next 007 film, 'CASINO ROYALE', to be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions. In true Bond style, specific details of the new DBS remain top secret, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: 'This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car. It signals an evolutionary development of Aston Martin's world renowned style and elegance. 'While hinting at our future design direction, the DBS also has very clear links with our heritage – it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin.' Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez added: 'The DBS continues our proud and lengthy association with James Bond. 'The DBS is not of the understated elegance of a DB9, nor the youthful agility of the V8 Vantage. It is explosive power in a black tie and has its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond.' Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, 'CASINO ROYALE' is scheduled for release in November, 2006. The DBS was intended as the successor to the Aston Martin DB6, although the two ran concurrently for three years. Powered by a straight-6 engine, it was produced from 1967 until 1972, eventually being phased out in favour of the DBS V8 and the Aston Martin Vantage. It was a larger coupé than the DB6, with four full sized seats, but was powered by the same 4.0 L engine as the previous car. The engine normally produced 282 bhp (210 kW; 286 PS), but a no-cost vantage spec engine option substituted Italian made Weber carburettors for the DBS' original SU units, thereby upping output to an advertised 325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS). The DBS was intended to have a more "modern" look than the previous series of Aston models (the DB4 through DB6), and it incorporated a fastback style rear end and squared off front grille, atypical of Astons, but very much then in vogue in automotive design circles of the late sixties. Trademark Aston design features, such as a bonnet scoop, knock off wire wheels, and side air vents with stainless steel brightwork were however retained.