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Aston Martin has started Nürburgring testing of a new modular platform that will underpin its next generation of sports cars, starting with a DB9 successor, expected to be called DB11, due in showrooms in late 2016 or early the following year. A prototype for the new DB11 has been spotted again, revealing many of the details we can expect on the final version of the car.

Aston Martin confirmed it was working on the new platform a year ago, after it received some much-needed funding from its investors. However, apart from the fact the platform is being designed to accommodate a new V-8 engine and some electrical systems sourced from Mercedes-AMG, there is very little we know about it.

The platform will be Aston Martin’s first all-new design since the venerable VH (Vertical-Horizontal) setup introduced in the first-generation Vanquish back in 2001. The automaker says the new platform will enable its cars to be at the forefront of design, performance and technology, and in addition to Mercedes-AMG’s V-8 engine the platform will also likely fit the current 6.0-liter V-12, which will be supplied to Aston by the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] until at least 2018.

One thing we do know is that the Mercedes-AMG engine to be supplied to Aston Martin will be a variation of the new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that debuted in the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT. Output will likely be capped at around 500 horsepower, with the Ford-sourced V-12 to serve as the performance flagship. An eight-speed automatic from ZF will be offered, and hopefully a conventional manual too.

Expect Aston Martin’s engineers to stick with bonded aluminum construction for the new platform, but with weight and rigidity improved compared to the outgoing VH. The new platform is also expected to be more flexible in terms of wheelbase and track width, meaning any replacement for the Rapide is likely to grow in size. This flexibility is particularly important as the platform, in modified form, may be used for the high-riding model Aston Martin previewed with its recent DBX concept car.

As mentioned above, the new platform will debut in the DB9 replacement coming in 2016. A name for the car is yet to be announced but it’s almost certain it will feature a “DB” followed by a number. DB10 was used for Aston Martin’s car created exclusively for the upcoming James Bond movie Spectre. This means we should see the new car use the DB11 name, which Aston Martin recently trademarked.

As for styling, Aston Martin’s Vulcan track car is said to hint at what’s to come.

Stay tuned for updates as development continues.

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A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan.”

Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond. DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.

Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.

Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS1 (600BHP1) and 700Nm1 of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph1 and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec1. Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbo V12 engine, the DB11’s chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been re-imagined and key new technologies embraced. Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes - GT, Sport and Sport Plus - progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque Vectoring by braking while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for a greater sense of agility. The result is a driving experience that combines exemplary ride comfort and true sports car agility, for an extraordinary breadth of dynamic capability.

As a true 21st century Aston Martin the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

With wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space - especially head and legroom in the rear - fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer. Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your choices are virtually limitless. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.

Dr Andy Palmer said: ““This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence. The DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market”.

Recommended Retail Price from £154,900 in the UK2, €204,900 in Germany2 and $211,995 in USA3, first deliveries of the DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016.

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Convertible DB11 comes with a V8 engine, eight-layer roof and deployable spoiler

Just in time for, erm, autumn, it’s the Aston Martin DB11 Volante. Yep, a year or so after the coupe, the DB11 is now available in convertible form.

It retains lots of stuff from the coupe – its four seats, its three-stage engine and suspension settings, its limited-slip diff and torque vectoring – but adds, predictably, a folding roof.

Aston has stuck with a traditional fabric setup, which opens and closes in around 15 seconds. You can operate it up to 30mph, and in crosswinds of up to 30mph.

If you’re worried fabric won’t insulate as well as a (heavier) metal setup, then Aston says it’s eight-layered with the latest acoustic technology. The roof – and the car it’s attached to, actually – have been tested in the Arctic Circle and Death Valley to prove its ability to keep out the cold and heat.

The DB11 rides on Aston’s latest chassis, which is stronger than the DB9’s, so the Volante needs less reinforcement to counter the folding roof. As such, the DB11 Volante weighs 26kg less than the DB9 Volante. All told, it weighs 1,870kg, which is 110kg more than a V8-powered DB11 coupe.

And a V8 is the only engine you’ll get in the Volante. While the coupe launched as a V12 and gained an AMG-sourced V8 a year later, the additional weight of convertiblisation (it’s a word…) means Aston won’t put the heavier V12 in the Volante’s snout. The Volante’s weight penalty over a coupe is the same as the V12’s over the V8, so Aston is keeping mass in check by not allowing both to happen at once.

That means a 503bhp twin-turbo V8 like you’ll find in AMG sports saloons, only tuned to sound (and deliver power) like an Aston should. It’s superb in the coupe, and turns it into a proper little tearaway to drive, so mourning the V12’s loss is time wasted.

Performance is strong, too; 0-62mph takes 4.1secs, 0-100mph is done in 8.8secs and the top speed is 187mph. It’s as quick as the coupe, basically. The Volante’s roof tech also swings the DB11’s weight balance even more towards the rear; it’s split 47/53 front/rear (compared to 49/51), which could make it a bit lively if you’ve prodded as the ESP button.

Which is possibly why this DB11 gets a deployable rear spoiler to aid downforce. The coupe cleverly avoids the need for a spoiler with tactically placed vents and body sculpting, but the Volante hasn’t managed the same. The fact the spoiler’s not photographed in its up position suggests it may not be the most flattering to look at, but we’ll wait to see it in person to judge properly.

Aston claims lots of improvements in practicality over the old DB9 Volante, too. There’s a heated steering wheel for chillier roof-down days, while it’s the first Volante with ISOFIX rear seat fittings and the boot is 20 per cent bigger than its predecessor.

If you care more about style than sensible stuff, then the roof comes in three colours – red, black and grey – and the front seats can have carbon or wood inlays in the back. Which brings us neatly to the looks. Losing the roof seems to exaggerate the DB11’s high shoulder line, and our eyes see a car that’s not as dainty as its hard-top relation.

But your eyes might see differently, so be sure to tell us what you think below. If you’re smitten, then set aside £159,900 before options if you want one. That’s a nice round £15,000 more than a DB11 V8 coupe, and £2,000 more than a V12 coupe. Deliveries start in the new year.

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A simpler lineup and some extra oomph for the DB11 are part of the company strategy for 2022.

Aston Martin is making a few modest changes to its lineup for 2022, which includes the arrival of a brand new online configurator where you can see those updates in action. Revisions to the range include more power for the DB11 V8, new wheel options for the DBS and DBX, and in an effort to streamline its range, Aston Martin is dropping the 'Superleggera' and 'AMR' nameplates.

The DB11 coupe and convertible models equipped with the base V8 welcome the biggest changes. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter engine now produces 528 horsepower (394 kilowatts), which yields a new-and-improved top speed of 192 miles per hour (308 kilometers per hour). That's an increase of 25 ponies over last year's model. And now buyers can option the DB11 V8 with Sports Plus Seats to help cope with all that extra speed.

The DB11 V12 Coupe sticks around with the same 630 hp (470 kW), but it loses its AMR nameplate. The DBS suffers the same fate, dropping the Superleggera badge from its hood but maintaining its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12, still good for 715 hp (533 kW) and a top speed of 211 mph (340 kmh). Ditching the AMR and Superleggera badges, Aston Martin says, helps simplify the lineup.

Visual updates include new 21-inch wheel designs for the DBS, and a fresh set of 23-inch wheel options for the DBX SUV. With the new configurator, buyers can also select from three preset interior "environments," each one with colors, materials, and patterns carefully curated by the Aston Martin Design team.

The ‘Inspire' environment emphasizes high-end luxury with perforated semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and up to 38 interior color combinations. ‘Accelerate,' as its name implies, offers a sportier theme with a unique leather and Alcantara combo, plus up to 10 leather colors with four accent colors. The ‘Create' theme offers a unique perspective, with 10 interior color options in both monotone and duotone combinations.

If you want to check out the new color combinations and wheel options for yourself, the Aston Martin configurator is live on the company's website. Pricing hasn't officially been announced for any of the 2022 model year vehicles yet, but don't expect major changes from last year.

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