Aston Martin DBS

The 2008 version of the Aston Martin DBS two-passenger sport coupe made its world debut in the James Bond film "Casino Royale," which seems only fitting, since Bond and Aston Martin have a long history together. In fact, the world's favorite spy had something to do with making Aston Martin a household name when he climbed behind the wheel of his DB5 to take on his arch-nemesis, Goldfinger, in the early 1960s.

No doubt the modern-day Bond felt right at home with the new DBS. Based on the same platform as the DB9 but sporting a fresh, fluid exterior design and all the latest innovations, the DBS offers just about anything a superspy, or any other discerning driver, could want.

Its hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine, for instance, delivers an impressive 512 horsepower, which can drive the DBS from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. The engine links to a six-speed manual transmission, which the driver controls using a polished alloy gearshift knob.

The DBS features a lightweight carbon-fiber body, which makes the car feel nimble on its feet. Exterior design cues include a five-bar polished alloy grille, flared wheel arches, and a prominent spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. Air intakes in the front bumper help channel air into the engine, while carbon ceramic disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power.

Inside, the DBS pampers its passengers with soft semi-aniline leather seats with Alcantara leather trim. The power-adjustable seats display unique DBS stitch patterns and the DBS logo. The main instrument cluster features white numerals on a dark graphite background, which contrasts nicely with the polished alloy controls and trim.

While Aston Martin does not consider the DBS to be a replacement for the discontinued Vanquish, the new sport coupe does take over the Vanquish's place as the automaker's flagship model. The DBS also will be a relatively rare supercar, since only 300 will be produced annually.