Aston Martin has revealed that its next flagship Super GT will be called DBS Superleggera, and will be revealed in full in the second quarter of 2018.
Replacing the Vanquish S, the DBS Superleggera resurrects the DBS nameplate. Most recently the name was used on Aston’s hardcore take on the DB9, though Aston is keen to point out that the Superleggera suffix is important in equal measure.
It’s a nod to Touring Superleggera. The lightweight Italian coachbuilder is responsible for designing the DB4, 5 and 6 Mark 1, and Aston hints that the new model won’t wear the Superleggera name in vain, hinting at the new car’s lightweight credentials. A teaser image reveals the badging running down the DBS’ bonnet.
Our spy photographers have spotted the new car testing, both in winter conditions and on track. In our latest images, the revealing close-ups show Aston’s new flagship supercar in the metal, boasting a matte black paint scheme against the snowy background. On closer inspection, you’ll find that this test mule is being run on Pirelli Sottozero winter sports tyres.
Previous spy shots of the DBS Superleggera testing at the Nurburgring reveal a DB11 like profile. However, notable differences in the matte black test mule are found at the front of the car, with larger headlights, more prominent bonnet vents and a wider front grille that resembles the ultra-rare One-77.
At the rear, the test mule retains its quad exhaust tailpipes from the outgoing Vanquish S, which differentiates it from the dual setup on the DB11. Much slimmer LED rear lamps can also be picked out beneath the body cladding of the test mule, while a new active spoiler, adopted from the DB11, can also be seen.
The bulk of visual changes over the DB11 will all be made to aid aerodynamic efficiency, as the British marque is looking to develop the Vanquish into a more performance orientated supercar rather than a fast GT cruiser – a market now occupied by the DB11.
Under the bonnet Aston will use its new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, but power is expected to swell significantly over the 600bhp developed by the DB11. Aston execs told Auto Express last year that the V12 engine has been ‘proven to 820bhp’, with some ‘very elegant solutions’. It’s a power figure Aston will be aiming for given rivals in this sector include the 789bhp Ferrari 812 Superfast.
Aston plans to launch one all-new car every year up to 2023. The new DBS Superleggera will follow the latest V8 Vantage into showrooms, arriving towards the end of the year.
Now read about Aston Martin’s plans to invest £620 million in China…