Is your Aston Martin DBS a bit tame? Aston clearly thinks there could be a select few buyers who may want a little bit extra – and it’s developing a new accessories pack at the Nurburgring, hidden under this first outing for Aston’s new Germanic swirly-whirly black disguise.
This DBS prototype is running a new aero pack, including a redesigned front splitter and resculpted side sills. Both could be offered as an aero upgrade kit for the DBS if the engineering programme is approved.
When can we expect to see the new, edgier DBS?
Hold your horses! These accessories haven’t even been approved yet, so it’s a bit early to talk about prices or on-sale dates. If approved, the new aero mods will be available as official factory accessories. They might even be available as a retro-fit, if your pockets are deep enough.
The DBS is selling ahead of schedule, reports a source. Aston had assumed sales would echo those of the Vanquish at around 350 per year, but that now stands at closer to 500 annually.
When will we see an all-new DBS?
That’s some way off. Aston Martin is developing the next generation of V8s and V12s to replace the DB9 and V8 Vantage families from around 2013-14. Word is that they’ll stick with the current VH aluminium architecture, but heavily developed to bring the latest technology to bear.
The VH architecture has served Aston well as the backbone to its new range. The next iteration of the production system will have weight stripped out, as current Astons don’t get the full benefit of the aluminium construction.
Is Aston off the life support system now?
It seems so, yes. Sales collapsed to around 4000 in 2009, but a spokesman predicted that 2010 would see that figure grow thanks to the arrival of the Rapide saloon and a growing sales network worldwide. Aston will sell 1800 Rapides this year, and next year should see the new Toyota iQ-derived Cygnet supermini arrive. Full details of the launch programme will be confirmed in the next month, CAR understands.