Starting
with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team set about realising the
full potential of the DBX’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Led by Aston
Martin’s Head of Powertrain Engineering, Ralph Illenberger, the DBX707’s engine
now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to
liberate more power and torque. Also new to Aston Martin’s flagship high
performance SUV is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission. Capable of
managing much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter
automatic, this high-performance transmission allows output of the 4.0-litre V8
to be lifted to an immense 707PS and 900Nm, increases of 157PS and 200Nm over
the DBX (V8).
The
adoption of the new wet clutch transmission brings further benefits. Most noticeably
much faster gear changes compared to the torque converter transmission. The
feel of the shift is more immediate and direct, which gives the driver an
increased sense of control and responsiveness, and a dramatic character change
from the DBX (V8). Launch capability is also improved, which contributes
towards the DBX707’s 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds.
Aston
Martin’s Head of Powertrain, Ralph Illenberger said: “With this exceptional new
model we have truly unlocked the performance potential within the DBX to create
a world beating high-performance SUV. The huge gains we have found in both
power and torque demonstrates not only the inherent prowess of the 4.0-litre
biturbo V8, but Aston Martin’s appetite and ability for finding uncompromising
engineering solutions. The combination of this magnificent engine with a new
9-speed ‘wet-clutch’ transmission sits at the heart of DBX707’s formidable
capabilities and unforgettable character.”
Integral
to the DBX707’s suite of performance enhancements is the standard fitment of
Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Measuring 420mm front and 390mm rear, these CCB discs
are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung
weight. Revisions to the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune
improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver
confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both
the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads
delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.
Wheels
and tyres are 22in as standard (in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs), with
an optional 23in alloy wheel offered in a choice of textured black or satin
black with diamond turned highlights. The adoption of a 23in wheel also brings
dynamic benefits, with the larger diameter tyre offering improved steering
response, better primary body control and improved lap times.
DBX707
also features a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential
(e-diff). Strengthened to handle the full 900Nm of torque, it features a
revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8.
This aids the DBX707’s sprinting ability through the lower gears and enhances
in-gear response, while retaining the efficiency and cruising refinement
offered by the 9-speed transmission.
Torque
distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up
to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the
e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic
character of a true sports car. One that integrates chassis and powertrain
technology to find the sweetest handling balance and seek to maintain the
optimum combination of traction and agility at all times.
Key
to the DBX707’s exceptional handling is its air suspension system. Retaining
the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 - already
regarded as the best-handling SUV in the market - DBX707 features a dedicated
chassis tune optimised to its uncompromising demands and objectives.
Starting
with the suspension, DBX707 features new damper valving and recalibration of
dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response.
The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering
feel, with greater effort build-up off centre to help the driver build a
clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip.
Combined
with tighter management of heave (vertical movement over bumps and crests or in
compressions), pitch (when the car dives under braking or squats under
acceleration) and body roll, DBX707 gives the driver easier ability to adjust
the yaw of the car with natural pedal or steering inputs. Further detail
changes have been made to the eARC (Electronic Active Roll Control) system,
with revised parameters that heighten the sense of agility and improve the
dynamic balance of the car.
To
underline the DBX707’s driver-focussed credentials there have also been some
changes and enhancements to the Dynamic Drive modes. “Race Start” is available
in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to maximise off-the-line acceleration and truly
showcase the enhanced performance. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive
system transfer case achieves greater harmony and precise control between the
driveline and the ESP system, for a more natural, sports car-like driving
experience.
Aston
Martin’s Head of Vehicle Engineering and Procurement, Drummond Jacoy, adds:
“Creating the ultimate SUV presented formidable challenges for our engineering
team. Too often this class of car is characterized by an obsession with brute
force. With DBX707 our objective was to match immense performance with
impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character
essential in every Aston Martin model. To this end we applied an uncompromising
approach to every area of the vehicle. Engine, transmission, suspension,
brakes, electronic systems and aerodynamics have all been subject to extensive
enhancement and meticulous tuning. The result is a car which sets new standards
and further distinguishes the DBX from its class rivals.”
In
the spirit of placing the driver in control DBX707 introduces a revised lower
console containing new drive mode selection switches. Now, rather than having
to enter a sub-menu within the infotainment system, the driver has immediate
fingertip control of key dynamic modes and setting. These include dedicated
buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode - which now holds
manual like a sports car, rather than defaulting back to auto - and active
exhaust switch, which opens the valves of new quad tailpipe sports exhaust
system without needing to be in Sport drive mode.
In
keeping with its extensive engineering upgrades the exterior and interior of
the DBX707 have received an equally thorough design makeover. The result is
spectacular - overtly sporting but with the style and attention to detail for
which Aston Martin is rightly celebrated.
New
front-end treatment sees the DBX receive a larger front grille and all-new
design of DRL complete with new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new
front splitter profile. The satin chrome grille - enlarged to significantly
increase cooling airflow to both the ultra-high performance V8 and new 9-speed
transmission - features double vanes, the six horizontal bars now split to
create more visual interest and make this range-topping model immediately
identifiable.
Dark
satin chrome window surrounds and new louvred bonnet blades co-ordinate
perfectly with the front grille and gloss black splitter, continuing along the
flanks with gloss black side sills, which now feature a deeper and more heavily
sculpted profile to give the DBX707 a ground-hugging stance. DBX707 also welcomes the addition of
soft-close doors, further enhancing the SUV’s luxury credentials.
Rear-end
treatment is just as dramatic. Enhancing both aesthetic form and aerodynamic
function a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and
increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser
rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system. Finished in satin
black to compliment the gloss black treatment of the diffuser this new exhaust
has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature. Completing the rear-end
changes a new rear bumper complete with integrated quarter panel vents
accentuate the DBX707’s muscular physique.
The
sporting theme continues inside with Sport seats fitted as standard (Comfort
seats are available as a no-cost option). All seat options come with 16-way
electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard. There are three
choices of interior environments - standard-fit Accelerate, which features a
mix of leather and Alcantara®, as well as the optional Inspire – Comfort and
Inspire Sport, which features full Semi-Aniline leather complete with
embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the
centre of the seat and perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion.
As
on the exterior, the DBX707’s interior features a dark chrome finish to
switchgear as standard. Bright chrome and carbon fibre can be specified as an
option. Piano Black veneer is standard with carbon fibre or bronze metal mesh
veneer finishes available as an option.
For
customers looking to further enhance the exclusive nature of DBX707 and create
something truly unique, Q by Aston Martin, the brands bespoke service delivers
the ultimate in personalisation.
Offering an extensive palette of options, from unique graphics through to
tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior, each ‘Q
by Aston Martin – Commission’ car can push the boundaries of desire and is
completely tailored to the customer.
As
the flagship model in the DBX range, the DBX707 is poised to continue the
multi-award-winning achievements of Aston Martin’s first SUV, which has
achieved more than 3000 sales in its first year of production and scooped a
host of accolades. These include ‘Best Luxury SUV’ at the GQ Car Awards, Top
Gear’s ‘Super SUV of the Year’ award and back-to-back wins in PR Arabia
National Auto Award ‘Best Super Luxury SUV’ category.