The carparazzi have recently spotted a UK-plated example of the Aston Martin DB12's punchier sibling. Believed to be called Vanquish rather than DBS Superleggera, the V12-engined bruiser is also rumored to develop in excess of 800 ps (789 hp).
To be retired in either 2026 or 2027, the British automaker's twin-turbo V12 launched in 2016. Its first application was the 2017 Aston Martin DB11, which produces a stout 608 ps (600 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) at 1,500 to 5,000 rpm.
Its most powerful road-going version to date is the DBS770 Ultimate, a special edition of the DBS Superleggera. Only 300 coupes and 199 convertibles will ever be produced. In this application, the AE31 engine makes 770 metric ponies and 900 Nm of rear tire-shredding torque or 759 mechanical horsepower and 664 pound-feet.
Based on the ginormous front grille and in-your-face hood vents of the pictured car, the newcomer sure makes plenty of horses. The big question is, will Aston Martin dare match the upcoming F167 or settle for the revised Conti GT?
Due to launch at the beginning of May 2024 in Miami, the 812 Superfast's heir apparent retains the naturally aspirated V12 of its predecessor. Hearsay suggests 850 ps or 838 hp, a guesstimate that appears to hold water. Ferrari is also believed to have upped the redline, although it's not clear whether the F167 revs to a Competizione-matching 9,500 revolutions per minute or even higher.
Photo: SH Proshots
Over at Bentley, the Volkswagen Group will discontinue its long-running W12 sometime in April 2024 in favor of a plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V8 setup. Because it's joined at the hip to the 2024 Porsche Panamera, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT should match the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid's 670 horsepower and 686 pound-feet (980 Nm) of twist.
In any case, Aston Martin's replacement for the DBS Superleggera will certainly be able to hold its own against the hybrid-assisted Conti GT and the F167. Equipped with DB12-like headlights, the yet-unnamed model should also mirror the revised interior of the Aston Martin DB12 and the 2025 model year Vantage. Both of them use an AMG-sourced V8 tuned to 656 hp in the Vantage and 671 hp in the DB12.
The most notable of interior changes will be a touchscreen-based infotainment system replacing the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system. The COMAND uses a rotary controller knob. From the standpoint of automotive infotainment standards, COMAND isn't something to be proud of in 2024, especially if we're talking about an Aston Martin.
One of the final Astons with purely internal combustion oomph, the DBS Superleggera successor will also handle better due to an increase in global torsional stiffness, intelligent adaptive dampers, and model-specific tires from Michelin. The DB12 uses Pilot Sport 5 S tires measuring 275/35 R21 and 315/30 R21, respectively. DB12 tires are marked AML for Aston Martin Lagonda.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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