The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitecars AstonMartin F or the first time in its illustrious 107-year luxu- ry history, Aston Martin launched its first SUV and the fourth car in its Second Century Plan, the DBX, in 2020. Made from the same bonded aluminium as its sports cars, the DBX has a light and incredibly stiff structure with an overall kerb weight of 2,245 kg. The adaptive triple volume air suspension combined with the latest 48-volt electronic anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive damp- ers provide the SUV with a huge breadth of ability. The concept was first conceived in 2015 when Andy Palmer, then Aston Martin CEO, initiated the idea. Amazedly, within a six-month window, the British marque presented the EV crossover at the Geneva Motor Show that year. Despite other car giants like Lamborghini, Bentley and Maserati producing SUV crossovers, Palmer was criticised for suggesting that Aston Martin did the same. However, it worked and the SUV format has replicated with the look, noise, power of a pure-bred Aston Martin. Two years later, the DBX has proven successful in sales and accounts for half of Aston Martin cars sold. This year, they released the new DBX707 which the marque describes as an SUV like no other. It has el- evated Aston Martin to the pinnacle of the segment with a unique combination of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style and absolute luxury. “Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability, DBX707 is the ultimate SUV in every respect.” The new DBX707 proves that Aston Martin can pro- duce the fastest, most powerful and best-handling SUV on its terms and inimitable way. To achieve this, the marque ensured there was nuance behind the numbers in terms of world-beating power and pace. This is matched by exceptional precision, dynamic flair and genuine engagement for an addictive and unique- ly impressive driving experience; “A sabre in a seg- ment of sledgehammers,” as they put it. It uses the V8 DBX’s widely acclaimed design, dy- namics and driver-pleasing character as the starting point and builds brilliantly on those authentic sporting attributes with every area of the car enhanced to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure and amplify its on-road presence. What Drives This Power Model?  As found in the DB11, Vantage and now DBX, the DBX707 is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 AMG engine with a much higher output than the initial DBX’s 550PS and 700Nm of torque. Thanks to ball-bearing turbochargers and bespoke engine cali- bration, the DBX707 produces an output of 707PS and 900Nm. It has a 9-speed wet clutch automatic trans- mission that manages increased torque loadings com- pared to a regular torque converter automatic, and 420 mm carbon brakes gripped by 6-piston callipers. The wet clutch benefits include faster gear changes compared to the torque converter transmission and an immediate and direct shift to give the driver an increased sense of control and responsiveness. The launch capability is also improved, contributing to the DBX707’s 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph compared to the DBX’s 4.5 seconds and 181 mph. The DBX707 features a new version of the electronically limited-slip rear differ- ential (e-diff) to aid sprinting ability through the lower gears. Another key component is its exceptional handling, thanks to the air suspension system. It retains the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX but features a dedicated chassis tune opti- mised to its uncompromising demands and objectives. The new damper valving and recalibration of dynam-

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