There’s always certain degree of uncertainty regarding automotive test mules, but we think that this black Aston Martin is an engineering prototype for the next DB9.

While not immediately visible, if you take a closer look at the front fender section, you’ll discover that it doesn’t match up to the A-pillar and that further down, the side skirts aren’t long enough to touch the wheel arch.

What all this means is that this test mule is riding on a longer wheelbase than the donor car, which happens to be the current DB9. We also checked out the license plates and discovered that this car is powered by a V12 engine.

Sources state that the British sports model will be built on a newer, bonded-aluminum architecture. It’s not clear yet if the next DBD9 will get Aston’s version of the Mercedes-AMG-sourced V8 twin-turbo, its own V12 or perhaps even both.

The DB9’s replacement, which may end up getting a different number after the “DB” initials, will be the first of several new Aston Martin models planned for the near future and which also include the V8 and V12 Vantage successors, Lagond-badged vehicles, and a crossover.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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