Aston Martin DBS to be equipped with new gearbox

CAR Mag reports today that the Aston Martin DBS will get a new Touchtronic gearbox:

“[..] The Aston Martin DBS has finally got an automatic?

Finally? It’s barely been 12 months since the DBS was launched, but a self-shifter does seem to suit the personality of the big Brit. Dubbed ‘Touchtronic 2’, the ZF transaxle unit is based on the six-speed automatic found in the DB9, but beefed-up to cope with the extra power and performance of the DBS – in case you need a refresh, the DBS has a 510bhp 6.0-litre V12.

Leather-trimmed magnesium alloy paddles replace the gearstick and to make sure the DBS Touchtronic can match the manual (both hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds), the final drive ratio has been shortened while Aston is also claiming to have recalibrated the ‘box, leading to more aggressive gear shifts.

A ‘Sport’ button on the centre console ups the ferocity of changes even more, while shifts in automatic mode occur at higher rpm. The Sport mode also means a sharper throttle response.A ‘Sport’ button on the centre console ups the ferocity of changes even more, while shifts in automatic mode occur at higher rpm. The Sport mode also means a sharper throttle response. [..]”

(Source: CAR Magazine)