You are always boss over boss. But there is one boss who will not tolerate a boss above him and that boss is called Aston Martin DBX 707. The numerical addition stands for the number of horsepower and that makes this über-DBX the most powerful European SUV ever, according to Aston Martin.
The addition of European is important because, CEO Tobias Moers puts it into perspective during the preview last week in conversation with AutoWeek, a certain North American brand makes something with comparable power. With this, Moers from Mercedes-Benz and AMG undoubtedly refers to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which is nominally a few horsepower above the DBX 707. But that should not spoil the fun; anyone who has ever driven the Trackhawk will agree that sporty finesse is not the strongest side of that model, we expect more from Aston Martin.
The DBX was just what the until recently ailing Aston Martin needed. From the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, we now know what a boost an SUV can mean for a top brand. The 707 has the same 4-liter twin-turbo V8 block as the regular DBX, but that has been upgraded to 707 hp (+157 hp) and 900 Nm (+200 Nm). Of course it didn’t stop there, says Moers: “We have adjusted everything, it has not remained untouched. The complete drivetrain, driving dynamics, brakes, everything is at a different level than with the regular DBX. With 707 hp you have to go to the respiration looking at the engine, intake and exhaust, just to name a few.” ‘A saber between the sledgehammers’, Aston Martin calls it. To cope with the torque, the transmission was replaced by a nine-speed automatic with wet clutch.
Aston Martin DBX 707
As well as handling more power, this transmission is also faster than the DBX’s conventional torque converter, enhancing its sporty character and improving its acceleration to a staggering 3.3 seconds (even for non-SUVs) from 0 to 100 km/h. Such forces also require stronger reins, which the 707 has in the form of carbon-ceramic brake discs, 420mm at the front and 390mm at the rear. With six pistons per caliper, these brakes also save 40.5 kg unsprung weight.
The front-rear power distribution is automatically controlled and can be completely transferred to the rear wheels if necessary. In combination with an electronic limited-slip differential, you can steal the show in an empty parking lot (and score a YouTube hit if things go wrong). The standard air suspension, steering and damping have also been optimized for better handling. The 707 has 22-inch wheels as standard, but 23 inches will be made of it at an additional cost.
Aston Martin DBX 707
The front of the car has been modified with a larger grille, air intakes and brake cooling slots. On the side we find, among other things, satin chromed window frames and deeper side skirts. The ‘soft close’ doors are not visible, but you can feel them. At the rear we find a modified roof spoiler that should provide more downforce, plus a larger diffuser and different bumper.
The interior has also been lifted to a sportier level. For example, to choose the drive modes you do not have to dive into the infotainment menu, but such buttons are at the front. Other materials have also been used. Sport seats are standard, but those who prefer ‘comfort seats’ can exchange them with closed stock exchange.
Production of the Aston Martin DBX 707 will start soon, with the first deliveries expected in April.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl