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UPDATED: Secret Instructions on Aston Martin DB11 Prototype: Codename, Testing Procedures

Yesterday, we showed you a series of spy shows of the Aston Martin DB9 replacement, which is tentatively called DB11. We are now back on the topic, to talk about a rather delightful story from inside the test vehicle.
Secret Instructions on Aston Martin DB9 Replacement Prototype Dashboard 42 photos
Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
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Sure, the prototype may still be wearing the old dashboard, but this time we’re interested in what’s on the dashboard. The world of test vehicles has managed to maintain its aura of mystery despite all the compromises made in terms of spy photos and video. Despite this, the set of instructions that sit where the non-existent passenger airbag should’ve been, offer us a nice breach.

First of all, we have now learned that the project uses the internal code VH500-X1. This means that, despite the freshness of the architecture, Aston intends to stick to the VH nomenclature. The British carmaker introduced the Vertical-Horizontal platforms back in 2001 with the Vanquish and the upcoming one will be the first all-new architecture.

The VH5 architecture will spread from Grand Tourers to the upcoming Aston Martin SUV that the brand recently previewed via the DBX concept car.

More often than not, platforms that also serve SUVs bring plenty of compromise to sportscars. However, we have to understand that, nowadays, a “platform” can be regarded as a few fixed values, such as the distance from the engine to the firewall, with all the rest of the structure being modular.

The new architecture will be able to accommodate the AM29 atmospheric V12 that will be borrowed from the Vanquish, where it delivers 568 HP. It will also welcome Afflaterbach power, in the form of the 4-liter twin-turbo V8 used on the Mercedes-AMG GT, which should stay around the 500 HP mark.

Notice those switches at the base of the center stack, the ones that mention intercoolers. It’s not like a confirmation for the forced feeding was necessary, but this definitely brings it.

As for those internal instructions, they'll make for one entertaining read. For one thing, we find out how test drivers are encouraged to get the car dirty and keep it that way. By the way, if you thought their life was easy, you might just change your mind after reading this piece.

UPDATE: Our spy photographers have confirmed this prototype has a V12 heart. Factor in the twin-turbo details above and we have Mercedes supplying TT V12s to Aston Martin.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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