Aston Martin is readying updated versions of its entire sports car range and its most affordable model – relatively speaking, that is – has been spied testing.
The updated Aston Martin Vantage is set to be revealed this year, along with overhauled versions of the DBS and DB11 – the latter likely receiving the DB12 name.
The brand is set to reveal multiple models at its Capital Markets Day on June 27, and has confirmed it’s launching eight sports cars over the next 24 months.
Up front, there’s a larger grille, larger headlights and a new bumper, with the clamshell bonnet swapped for a more conventionally hinged unit.
The upswept headlights and rounder grille bring it more in line with the current DBS and DB11, as well as the previous-generation Vantage.
Changes aft of the A-pillar are much more limited, though there appear to be larger exhaust outlets and a different rear bumper design.
While our spy photographers couldn’t snap the prototype’s interior, we expect the changes to be as significant as those being applied to the DB11.
The upcoming DB12 is ditching the old Mercedes-Benz-sourced COMAND interface, complete with trackpad, for a touchscren.
Other notable changes include a stubby gear selector, revised buttons and switches, and what appears to be a flat-bottom steering wheel.
It’s unclear if there will be any changes to the Vantage’s powertrain.
It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, which produces 375kW of power and 685Nm of torque.
There have also been more powerful F1 Edition and V12 variants, the latter using Aston Martin’s twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12. The V12 won’t continue with the updated model.
Aston Martin has previously said customer deliveries of the sports cars will begin in the third quarter of this year, and the first of these is already in production.
Mr Stroll told Autocar last year the front-engined sports cars would be receiving updated suspension, engines and transmissions, along with heavily revised styling inside and out and fresher technology.
In short, Mr Stroll said the updates will make them “what those cars should have always felt like”.
In addition to replacements for the current Vantage, DB11 and DBS and their Volante convertible variants – bringing the tally to six – Aston Martin has hinted at a model that would be “above GT” and offer “a true high level of luxury with a high level of performance”.
