2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate: A Ferocious Farewell to the V12 Legacy
The 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate is a monumental automotive release that marks the final chapter of Aston Martin’s V12-powered DBS lineage. As the most powerful production car ever released by the British marque, this grand tourer is more than just a vehicle—it is a tribute to craftsmanship, engineering, and heritage. Limited to just 499 units globally, the DBS 770 Ultimate is not just a fast car, but a statement of exclusivity and mechanical brilliance.
Slides: 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate
A Lasting Impression in Design and Detail
From the first glance, the 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate commands attention. It takes the already muscular stance of the DBS Superleggera and exaggerates it into something fiercer, more aerodynamic, and even more exclusive. The aggressive front end is highlighted by a new horseshoe-shaped vent cut into the hood, enhancing airflow into the uprated V12 engine beneath. The front splitter, rear diffuser, and side sills have all been re-sculpted with carbon fiber elements for better downforce and weight reduction.
The car’s lighting is equally dramatic, with smoked taillights and darkened trim accentuating its purposeful demeanor. Its low, wide profile rides on 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, derived from the Valkyrie hypercar. With paint options and interior customizations offered through Aston Martin’s Q division, each DBS 770 Ultimate can be uniquely tailored to its owner, making no two units completely alike.
The Beating Heart: A 770-PS Twin-Turbo V12
Under the sculpted bonnet lies the soul of the car—a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces an eye-watering 770 PS (759 horsepower) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. A ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission installed at the rear axle distributes this power to the wheels, helping to achieve the car’s almost ideal weight distribution.
What sets the DBS 770 Ultimate apart is the recalibration of its turbochargers and ignition system. A seven-percent increase in boost pressure and upgraded internals allow this engine to not only reach peak performance faster but also sustain its torque band between 1,800 and 5,000 RPM. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) takes just 3.2 seconds for the coupe, while the Volante convertible completes it in 3.4 seconds. Both versions boast a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), making the DBS 770 one of the fastest GTs ever made.
Driving Dynamics: Precision-Engineered for Engagement
Beyond brute power, the DBS 770 Ultimate delivers an elevated driving experience thanks to carefully engineered upgrades. The steering system now features a solid-mounted column that eliminates rubber bushings, providing a more direct and communicative feel. Suspension modifications include new damper calibration and a revised front cross-member, improving torsional rigidity by 25%.
These chassis improvements translate to sharper cornering, greater stability at high speeds, and more responsiveness in driver input. The adaptive damping system offers multiple drive modes—GT, Sport, and Sport+—each offering progressively firmer and more aggressive handling characteristics. This adaptability means the car can cruise comfortably on highways or tackle challenging mountain roads with equal finesse.
Transmission and Braking Systems: Built for Confidence
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission has been remapped to provide faster shifts and better torque delivery, especially under full acceleration. Shifts are seamless and precise, with paddle-shifters offering manual override when desired. In combination with a mechanical limited-slip differential, power is distributed efficiently to the rear wheels, delivering controlled slides and confident acceleration.
Braking duties are handled by a high-performance carbon-ceramic brake system, featuring 410 mm discs up front and 360 mm discs at the rear. These are clamped by six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear, ensuring fade-free performance even under track-like conditions. Brake feel is firm and predictable, crucial for a vehicle capable of such high speeds.
Cabin and Comfort: Handcrafted Opulence
Inside the DBS 770 Ultimate, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is unmistakable. The cabin is draped in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, with unique quilting patterns and contrast stitching. Carbon-fiber trim lines the dashboard, center console, and door panels. The seats are sport-style buckets with 12-way adjustability, offering both support during spirited driving and long-distance comfort.
What sets the DBS apart from competitors is not just the materials used but how they are assembled—by hand, with meticulous attention to detail. Even the headliner and footwells carry a premium finish. That said, the car is not perfect in every area. The infotainment system, carried over from older Mercedes-Benz tech, features an 8-inch non-touchscreen display. It lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it feel outdated compared to rivals like Ferrari or Bentley.
Still, the focus of this car is less about screen time and more about seat time. When the V12 roars to life and you grip the tactile steering wheel, all digital shortcomings fade into insignificance.
Chart: Key Specs of the 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate
| Specification | DBS 770 Ultimate Coupe | DBS 770 Ultimate Volante |
| Engine | 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12 | 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12 |
| Power Output | 770 PS (759 hp) | 770 PS (759 hp) |
| Torque | 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) | 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 3.2 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 211 mph (340 km/h) | 211 mph (340 km/h) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Production Volume | 300 units | 199 units |
| Starting Price (est.) | $387,600 USD | $415,000 USD |
Limited Edition Status: Rarity Amplifies Prestige
Aston Martin has confirmed that all 499 units of the DBS 770 Ultimate were sold out before the car even officially launched to the public. This level of exclusivity ensures not only immediate desirability but also future collectability. Buyers had access to Aston’s bespoke Q program, allowing for virtually endless personalization in paint, leather, stitching, and trim—many of which are one-off commissions.
The DBS 770 is not just a car but a rolling piece of art. Each unit is numbered and badged individually, reminding owners that they possess one of the last pure-bred V12 GTs in the world.
A Collector’s Dream and Driver’s Reward
The 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate is the embodiment of automotive emotion. It is powerful yet poised, bold yet elegant. For those lucky enough to drive or own one, it represents the best of both worlds—a usable grand tourer with hypercar performance. And for collectors, it marks the end of an era: the swan song of Aston Martin’s unadulterated V12 powerplants.
As the world transitions toward electrification, vehicles like this become time capsules—examples of engineering bravado that may never return in the same form. It is this blend of performance, luxury, rarity, and heritage that ensures the DBS 770 Ultimate will not be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many units of the 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate were made?
Aston Martin built only 499 units globally—300 coupes and 199 Volantes—making it one of the most exclusive models in the brand’s history.
Q2: What is the top speed of the DBS 770 Ultimate?
The top speed of the coupe and volante models is 211 mph (340 km/h).
Q3: Is the DBS 770 Ultimate the last V12 car from Aston Martin?
Yes, it is officially the last V12-powered production model of the DBS lineage and possibly the final high-volume V12 from Aston Martin.
Q4: What is the starting price of the DBS 770 Ultimate?
The estimated starting price is around $387,600 USD for the coupe and approximately $415,000 USD for the Volante.
Q5: Is the 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate still available for purchase?
All 499 units were sold out at launch. Any available units would now only be found in the resale or collector’s market.
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