Aston Martin may have dropped a hint or two about its plans for the future, but new reports from the British press talk about the “biggest product offensive” in the sports car manufacturer’s history.
Helped by a new platform and a fresh design language, Aston Martin’s new model lineup will look considerably different from today’s range, with the new models to be significantly differentiated from each other as the company wants to become a supercar manufacturer that can rival Ferrari.
The next-generation VH architecture will be more flexible, allowing Aston to accommodate more body styles, each with distinct styling – the new platform is said to offer two track widths and two wheelbases. The core engine will be a version of AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, but Aston’s future lineup will also offer a V12 engine based on AMG’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter unit, possibly without forced induction.
According to a report from Autocar, the new DB9 is already under development and should debut in the second half of 2016, with sales to begin in early 2017. The DB9 will be the first model of the renewed Aston Martin lineup, followed by replacement models for the V8 and V12 Vantage in 2018 and the Vanquish in 2019.
It is uncertain whether the Rapide will get a direct successor, but the current model will be discontinued when Aston Martin switches to its new vehicle platform in 2016. As for the SUV, it is not a priority right now but it could be built if the company’s becomes profitable again, thanks to the expected sales boom brought by the new DB9 and V8/V12 Vantage.
Note: Current generation Aston Martin DB9 pictured
By Dan Mihalascu
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