Aston Martin DB11 spy pics [Updated]

Long awaited DB9 successor testing - fresh batch of spy shots added with less disguise

Remember the excitement when the Aston Martin DB9 was first announced? Ultimately the first cars struggled to match the hype but careful evolution has eventually realised the DB9's potential. Now nearly 12 years after the DB9 was first seen at the Frankfurt show we have a preview of the car's successor.

The DB11 (remember the DB10 is 007's new Aston) is expected in 2017 so there's still a little while to wait for official details and pictures. However, these test images do reveal something about the car's appearance. And what's an Aston story without some discussion of how it looks?

Compared to a DB9, there's a much lower roofline and more pronounced rear haunches - hopefully not a trick of the disguise as it makes the '11 look far more purposeful than the '9. Note as well a much shorter front overhang which contributes to a much more compact look than a DB9. From the front, there are familiar Aston cues in the grille and bonnet vents but it remains heavily disguised. All thoughts of course welcomed!

There's also a sneaky peek at the DB11's interior. It looks a carbon copy of the Vanquish's at the moment, albeit with a cut-off watch and paper velcroed to the dash...

This a little more familiar

There's no video to accompany these images (good job we have some already, eh?) but the DB11 is expected to be the first Aston to benefit from the AMG powertrain tie-up. Wonder if the S65 AMG turbocharged V12 will fit?

Unfortunately we can provide nothing more than conjecture on the DB9's replacement at present. This model line is hugely significant for Aston though (think how important the DB7 was back in the 90s) so it's progress will be tracked very closely indeed. More soon!

[Images: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]