Aston Martin launches high-performance S lineup in Korea, topping out at 727 hp

Even as the automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, Aston Martin is doubling down on its eight-cylinder combustion engine — and pushing it harder than ever. The British automaker brought its high-performance S lineup to Korea for the first time Monday, unveiling three models tuned for up to 727 hp alongside improvements to weight, chassis and aerodynamics.

Britannia Auto, Aston Martin's official importer in Korea, held a launch event at the Aston Martin Seoul showroom, presenting the DBX S, Vantage S and DB12 S to the domestic market for the first time.

In Aston Martin's nomenclature, the "S" designation marks a step up in performance while preserving each model's core character. The upgrade goes beyond engine output, encompassing throttle response, transmission tuning, chassis dynamics, aerodynamics and weight reduction.

"S is not simply about higher output — it's about making each model's unique character more distinct," said Karl Bailes, Aston Martin's president for Asia-Pacific and Greater China. "The three models belong to different segments, but they share a common thread: enhanced responsiveness and more precise body control that puts the driver at the center of the performance experience."

The most powerful of the three is the DBX S, a high-performance SUV. Its 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum 727 hp and 900 Nm of torque. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 kph.

The model draws on turbo technology from the Valhalla supercar and uses larger compressor wheels to boost output at high engine speeds. With an optional carbon fiber roof and 23-inch magnesium wheels, the DBX S sheds up to 47 kilograms compared with the existing DBX707. The magnesium wheels alone reduce unsprung mass by about 19 kg.

The 47 kg weight reduction is spread across the vehicle: 19 kg from the magnesium wheels, 18 kg from the carbon fiber roof, 7 kg from the rear diffuser and 3 kg from the front grille.

The Vantage S, representing Aston Martin's purebred sports car lineage, delivers 680 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 kph in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 325 kph.

For the Vantage S, the emphasis was on chassis refinement rather than outright power gains. The rear subframe is mounted directly to the body, and both the adaptive dampers and accelerator pedal response have been recalibrated. The rear spoiler generates an additional 44 kg of downforce at top speed, bringing total downforce across the vehicle to a maximum of 111 kg.

The DB12 S carries forward Aston Martin's grand tourer heritage with 700 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Its ZF eight-speed automatic transmission cuts shift time by 43 percent to 0.12 seconds, while the electronic differential and adaptive dampers have also been retuned.

Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, improving stopping power while reducing unsprung mass by 27 kg. An optional titanium exhaust system weighs 11.7 kg less than the standard stainless steel unit and raises sound output by 1.5 decibels, accentuating the distinctive exhaust note of the V8 engine.

All three models feature Apple's next-generation CarPlay Ultra in-car system. The platform extends beyond the central display to integrate with the driver's instrument cluster, unifying vehicle information and Apple services within a single interface. Aston Martin is currently the only automaker to offer CarPlay Ultra.

Despite the broader industry shift toward electrification, Aston Martin chose a V8 combustion engine for the S lineup.

Neil Hughes, Aston Martin's head of product management, said adding a battery, motor and charging system to an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid typically adds more than 200 kg. "That can mean compromising the vehicle's driving characteristics and performance," he said.

Hughes added that the S lineup already delivers around 700 hp, making additional output through electrification unnecessary, and that sports car customers are not actively demanding hybrid powertrains.

Hughes said the 12-cylinder engine "will continue to play an important role in Aston Martin's future," but noted that the V12-powered Vanquish is currently unavailable in Korea due to local regulations.

Aston Martin expressed confidence in Korea's growth potential. Bailes described the country as "one of the highest-growth markets" in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Korea is a market with a deep understanding of and strong interest in luxury performance cars," he said. "We are delighted to introduce all three S models together to Korean customers and media, and we will continue to expand opportunities for customers in Korea to experience Aston Martin's products and brand firsthand."

Kwon Hyeok-min, vice chairman and CEO of Britannia Auto, said the event marked the first time the S lineup had been introduced to the domestic market. "Through three models with distinct characters — a luxury SUV, a sports car and a super tourer — we were able to present a more concrete picture of the performance direction Aston Martin is pursuing," he said.