Photo: CarPix
Aston Martin's VH platform has been stretched to fit every role from the little V8 Vantage to the imposing Rapide saloon and its Taraf Lagonda derivative. However, it might be time for the Brits to move on to something new, something much better.
Our spies stationed at the Nurburgring have just taken detailed shots of the all-new sportscar that will arrive in the next two years, replacing the DB9.
It will be a more versatile machine, offered with both naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged engines. The latter will be the same 4-liter mill Mercedes gives to the AMG GT and C63. Of course, Aston will tune it up and offer a throatier sound and probably more power too.
The DB11 will also be provided with the latest AM29 6-liter V12 used by the Vanquish. It should sit down low in the engine bay and spin the transaxle gearbox with about 570 horsepower.
When the DB9 was introduced in 2004, Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker's received praise from across the world. It has aged well, but the successor is going to be something else. Thanks to the next James Bond movie, Spectre, we already have an excellent idea of what to expect. Ten DB10 prototypes are being built for the job, and their design offers insight into the future.
It's interesting to see how Aston Martin design is evolving every year. This prototype shows us that the traditional vented hood has lost its motorsports inspiration, while its headlights are more tapered towards the windscreen.
Around the back, things are not quite finished since we're missing the crucial taillights, yet it's clear that Bond's next car served as an inspiration. The two exhaust pipes that were integrated into the rear bumper could almost be described as discrete. Who knows, maybe this "entry-level" car could replace the Vantage. Aston are planning to make a crossover, so they might not need such a variety of sportscars.
The Aston Martin DB9’s successor is expected to land next year as a 2017 model. Since their new CEO, Andy Palmer, knows how to power the rumor mill with small talk, so we expect to learn more in the following months.
UPDATE: our spy shooters have now confirmed the prototype uses a V12 engines. Add the intercooler mentions (more details in the link) in the cabin and you come to one conclusion - Mercedes will supply twin-turbo V12s to Aston Martin.
It will be a more versatile machine, offered with both naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged engines. The latter will be the same 4-liter mill Mercedes gives to the AMG GT and C63. Of course, Aston will tune it up and offer a throatier sound and probably more power too.
The DB11 will also be provided with the latest AM29 6-liter V12 used by the Vanquish. It should sit down low in the engine bay and spin the transaxle gearbox with about 570 horsepower.
When the DB9 was introduced in 2004, Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker's received praise from across the world. It has aged well, but the successor is going to be something else. Thanks to the next James Bond movie, Spectre, we already have an excellent idea of what to expect. Ten DB10 prototypes are being built for the job, and their design offers insight into the future.
It's interesting to see how Aston Martin design is evolving every year. This prototype shows us that the traditional vented hood has lost its motorsports inspiration, while its headlights are more tapered towards the windscreen.
Around the back, things are not quite finished since we're missing the crucial taillights, yet it's clear that Bond's next car served as an inspiration. The two exhaust pipes that were integrated into the rear bumper could almost be described as discrete. Who knows, maybe this "entry-level" car could replace the Vantage. Aston are planning to make a crossover, so they might not need such a variety of sportscars.
The Aston Martin DB9’s successor is expected to land next year as a 2017 model. Since their new CEO, Andy Palmer, knows how to power the rumor mill with small talk, so we expect to learn more in the following months.
UPDATE: our spy shooters have now confirmed the prototype uses a V12 engines. Add the intercooler mentions (more details in the link) in the cabin and you come to one conclusion - Mercedes will supply twin-turbo V12s to Aston Martin.
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