Aston Martin is preparing to transform the V12-engined DBS grand tourer into a bonafide supercar that is obviously distinct from its V8-engined Vantage and DB12 siblings.
The reinvented DBS will crown a reinvented Aston Martin sports car line-up; the DB11 has already been replaced by the DB12, the Vantage will also soon be heavily reinvented and the DBX SUV will receive an overhauled interior – complete with a touchscreen for the first time – during 2024.
While the DB12 is available only with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 supplied by Aston Martin shareholder Mercedes-AMG, the DBS is tipped to serve as a celebratory swansong for the firm’s own venerable 5.2-litre V12, which was ramped up to 759bhp for the final-edition DBS 770 and could be in line to receive even more grunt to do battle with Ferrari’s upcoming 812 Superfast replacement.
The replacement for the DBS will be “completely different” to both the DB12 and the Vantage replacement, Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman told Autocar earlier this year.
As for the name, Alex Long, Director of Product and Market Strategy, noted that ‘DB’ models tend to sit at the “core of the line-up”, suggesting that flagships such as this merit names beginning with V (like Valhalla and Valkyrie), and Autocar understands a revival of the Vanquish badge is on the cards.
There has been no official announcement on the future of the DBS, which is bowing out in its current form with the 770 Ultimate edition, but Long said the brand “will always have a flagship”, and its desire to reinforce its sporting prowess means a top-rung supercar is clearly all but a necessity.
Long added: “The focus on performance as a pillar of the brand is critical. Historically, we’ve been a performance brand as well as a luxury brand, and we’re moving back to that.”
Crucial to Aston Martin’s desire to cement its status as a maker of top-drawer sports cars as well as more luxury cars will be ensuring that each of its front-engined models has its own distinct character and capabilities.
Join the debate
Add your comment
The best thing about this is that there is still hope of a real Aston Martin -- one with an Aston Martin engine (and chassis, of course). I love a V12 as much as anyone, and I'm lucky enough to have an Aston V12 (and a V8) in my garage. The best part of this news isn't that the engine is a twelve, but that it's an Aston Martin engine. For me, an Aston with a Benz engine, no matter how good that engine is, isn't an Aston Martin. I've always considered Astons in the same general league as Ferrari. Without its own engine, it's not in that league.
"No, this will be the last ever V12."
And repeat!
The first thing they need to do is sack Marek Reichman. The design hack has only delivered disappointment after disappointment. They need a competent designer, one who understands Aston Martin.
Going after more power and extremes isn't the right answer. Beautiful cars is. Reichman has failed after more attempts than I can count to produce anything close to beautiful for Aston. Time for him to go. Long past time for him to go!
Remember, the Q3 results stated that Aston are planning another rescue package for the company. Dump Reichman, get a competent designer, and they might just find the cars start to sell!
I always look forward to your ripping on Reichman. All true. He should have been replaced 10 years ago.
I only do because I want to see Aston not just survive but thrive. That won't happen until he's gone. He's a dead weight holding them back. And has been since his arrival at Aston.
Nothing against him personally, but he's not the talent he thinks he is.