egmCarTech

Before Aston Martin engineers and designers get really busy with the upcoming Rapide, One-77, DBS convertible and the Vantage V12 RS, they will be giving the current DBS, the company’s flagship, a number of enhancements. The most important of those upgrades will be a new gearbox called Touchtronic 2.

The new automatic transmission is an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual that comes with the DBS. The Touchtronic 2 transmission has basically been re-engineered from the ZF seen in the DB9 to handle DBS’ power and performance. Final drive ratio have been shortened from 3.15:1 to 3.46:1, gear shifts are more aggressive and the DBS keeps its 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. When in ‘Drive’ the driver can use leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles on steering to activate Touchtronic mode.

Other than that the Aston Martin DBS gets Bang & Olufsen BeSound system, 2+2 seating, and new lightweight 20-inch aluminum wheels with diamond turned surface.

Prices start at $269,000 for the 6-speed manual DBS and $273,000 for the Touchtronic version.

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3. Aston Martin One-77, $1.9 million Aston coming later this year
4. Aston Martin Launches V8 Vantage Roadster
5. Aston Martin Adds Paddle Shift to V8 Vantage