The DBS V12 was first seen in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, the first film in which Bond was played by Daniel Craig, as a result of a product placement deal with Aston Martin’s parent company at the time, Ford.
The car would go on to appear in Quantum of Solace (2008), as well as the video-games Blood Stone (2010), 007 Legends (2012) and the DLC Best of Bond Car (2018).
Casino Royale
The Aston Martin DBS V12 was first seen in Casino Royale. In the film, the car only features a spare gun and a defibrillator. The car was later destroyed during Bond’s pursuit of Le Chiffre.
The car crash from Casino Royale used an Aston Martin DB9 especially modified to look like the DBS V12, and reinforced to withstand the impact. Due to the low centre of gravity of the vehicle, an 18-inch (450 mm) ramp had to be implemented on the road tarmac at Millbrook Proving Grounds and Adam Kirley, the stunt driver who performed the stunt, had to use an air cannon located behind the driver’s seat to propel the car into a roll at the precise moment of impact. At a speed exceeding 70 mph (113 km/h), the car rotated seven times while being filmed, and was confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records on 5 November 2006 as a new world record.
Quantum of Solace
Quantum of Solace was the last in Ford Motor’s three-film deal that began with 2002’s Die Another Day. Although Ford sold over 90% of the Aston Martin company in 2007, the Aston Martin DBS V12 returned for the film’s pre-title car chase around Lake Garda; Dan Bradley was hired as second unit director because of his work on the second and third Bourne films, so the film would continue the gritty action style begun in Casino Royale. He had intended to use Ford GTs for the opening chase, but it was replaced by the Alfa Romeo 159. After location filming in Italy, further close-ups of Craig, the cars and the truck were shot at Pinewood against a bluescreen. Originally three Alfa Romeos were in the sequence: but Forster felt the scene was running too long and re-edited the scene so it only looked like two Romeos were chasing Bond. Six Aston Martins were destroyed during filming, and one of them was purchased by a fan.
Interior
The interior of a DBS is a blend of carbon fibre, alcantara leather, wood, stainless steel and aluminium surfaces. The seats are made from semi-aniline and Alcantara leather and both bear the DBS signature with an optional 2+2 seating configuration. The door panels are carbon fibre and the fascia is, as standard, matrix alloy and iridium silver centre console or, as an optional extra, piano black fascia and centre console. To achieve even greater weight savings, the carpet has a special lightweight weave. The car is started by means of the “Emotion Control Unit”, which was initially developed especially for the DBS but as of 2008 is available for the DB9 and V8 Vantage as well. The key is made from stainless steel and glass and is inserted into a special hole in the dashboard.
Bang & Olufsen has developed a 1000 watt sound system for the DBS which consists of 13 speakers located in 10 different locations throughout the cabin with an integrated Apple iPod connector.
Overview
Performance
The DBS is equipped with 5935 cc V12 engine with four valves per cylinder. The same engine is also used in the DBR9 and DBRS9 racing cars albeit with extensive modifications. The engine of the DBS produces 510 horsepower (380 kW) at 6500 rpm and 570 N·m (420 lb·ft) of torque @ 5750 rpm with a compression ratio of 10.9:1. The engine also includes an active bypass valve which above 5500 rpm opens and lets more air into the engine resulting in increased performance and propels the car from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and 183 mph (295 km/h) with TOUCHTRONIC 2’ transmission. In 2007, the British motoring show Top Gear sent the DBS around their famous test track and recorded a lap time of 1:23.9; 3.2 seconds faster than its predecessor the Vanquish S, and a second faster than the comparable Bentley Continental Supersports.
Handling
Aston Martin uses the same VH (vertical horizontal) structure as with the DB9, which provides strength and rigidity to the whole car. Thanks to the structure, 85% of the weight of the car is kept between the wheelbase, which results in increased handling, responsiveness and feel during tight cornering.
The brake discs are carbon ceramic, which shaves a significant 12.5 kg (28 lb) from the unsprung weight. At the front, there are 398 mm (15.7 in) ventilated and drilled brakes with 6-piston alloy monobloc callipers. At the back, there are 360 mm (14.2 in) ventilated and drilled brakes with 4-piston alloy monobloc callipers.
Quantum of Solace (video game)
In its first video game appearance the DBS was used by Bond to capture Mr. White at his estate. Used in the car chase of the opening credits and in a flashback to Casino Royale was used by Bond to save himself from being poisoned. It is damaged (off screen) during Bond’s pursuit of Le Chiffre. Finally the last flashback was when Bond used it to track down Mr. White.
Blood Stone
The DBS appeared in the video game, Blood Stone along with the DB5. Bond uses it to stop a suicide bomber from exploding at the Acropolis. It was used when Bond and Nicole purse Pomerov‘s train. Finally it was used when Bond chases Nicole.
poisoned. It is damaged (off screen) during Bond’s pursuit of Le Chiffre. Finally the last flashback was when Bond used it to track down Mr. White.
007 Legends
The DBS made it’s third video game appearance in 007 Legends. It is first seen in the Goldfinger mission when Bond tries to use it to escape Goldfinger‘s headquarters only for him to be held at gunpoint in the car by Mr. Ling. He manages to get rid of Mr. Ling by ejecting his seat and sending him flying out of the car. It appeared at the end of the On Her Majesty’s Secret Service mission with Bond and Tracy driving it before she is killed. It appeared again in the Die Another Day mission driven by Bond and Jinx in the chase with Zao and pursing Gustav Graves’ plane.
poisoned. It is damaged (off screen) during Bond’s pursuit of Le Chiffre. Finally the last flashback was when Bond used it to track down Mr. White.
Best of Bond Car
The DBS also appears in the James Bond’s DLC of Forza Horizon 4 : Best of Bond Car.
poisoned. It is damaged (off screen) during Bond’s pursuit of Le Chiffre. Finally the last flashback was when Bond used it to track down Mr. White.
Vehicle information
Model
Manufacturer
Production
Engine
Torque
Transmission
(optional 6-Speed Automatic)
Power
Top Speed
0-60 mph
Dimensions
W 1,905 mm (75.0 in),
H 1,280 mm (50.4 in)
