Aston Martin has revealed its DBX707 SUV, fitted with a nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission, which has enabled faster gear changes than the wet clutch system of the DBX V8 and for the output of the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 to be raised to 707PS and 900Nm – a hike of some 157PS and 200Nm, making it good for 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds.
Other performance enhancements include carbon ceramic brakes (420mm front and 390mm rear) with six-piston calipers, which create a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight compared with the DBX. The team also revised the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune to improve pedal feel and braking response. Brake cooling has also been improved, achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor.
22in wheels are standard, with a 23in option that the Aston Martin team says improves steering response, primary body control and enables “improved lap times” (though SUVs are still a rare sight on track).
The team has also strengthened the e-diff to handle the DBX707’s 900Nm of torque, recalibrated it for a more sporty feel, and shortened the final drive ratio to 3.27 (the DBX V8’s is 3.07). 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.
The basic architecture and triple-volume air chambers of the DBX V8 air suspension have been retained for the DBX707, but with new damper valving and a recalibration of the dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response.
DBX707 drivers will also enjoy 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, making it easier 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 to heighten the sense of agility and improve the dynamic balance of the car.
