Aston teases DBS replacement
Harris didn't like Zagato's take on the Z4 or recent Astons - are the brand's own efforts any better?
We say 'appeared to' because Aston itself would tell us - or anyone - very little about the AM310 concept, despite it bearing an uncanny resemblance to recent spy shots of what's almost certainly the next DBS in action.
Aston did tell us a bit about the, er, uncontroversial design. "We've got a clear and much admired design language and this is the latest evolution of it," a spokesman said. Well, it works for Porsche.
It's undeniably beautiful, with elements like the C-shaped rear lights borrowed from the One-77. The look is more elongated, with a flatter rear screen and deck and more pronounced haunches. No, no - look carefully, it's a bit different.
Power is almost certainly provided by an evolution of the current V12, which means more thrust than the present 510hp and a concerted effort to improve the 18.2mpg economy. Whether the price will rise from its current start point of £186,582 is difficult to say.
Inside the dash has a cleaner look with fewer and (possibly) freshly designed buttons. It looked very finished and very production ready.
It's an open secret that Aston is preparing a new car for its centenary celebrations next year. Details are expected to arrive within a few weeks and Aston says this is the first and last we'll see of the AM310 concept.
The Villa d'Este event has been a favourite of Aston's in recent years to reveal future product. First was the One-77 in 2009, with the V12 Zagato unveiled last year. Fair enough, it's a classy event in an even classier setting on Lake Como. Surprisingly, it is open to the public on certain days and if you were to guess at the ticket prices, you'd be dead wrong. The most you'll pay is 14 Euros on Sunday. Friday is free! Worth a punt if you're in the area next spring...
The Porsche analogy is apt as, after solid progress through the 90s, they kinda lost their way a bit in the 00s before regaining their mojo with the 997.
Looks like AM, if they can survive, might have to find their way forward in the same way. I don't think this is quite the right direction, the wheels in particular are awful, but at least they're trying.
That's hideous!
Is this really the same company that gave us the gorgeous Vanquish and the V8 Vantage? Doesn't look like it.
Also, the engine is going to be 570bhp - as previously discussed in this thread:
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...
That's hideous!
Is this really the same company that gave us the gorgeous Vanquish and the V8 Vantage? Doesn't look like it.
Those wheels - well, apart from anything else, they don't fill the arches properly IMO.
However, best to reserve final judgment until the production version arrives. Aston don't usually do mingers, after all.
Also, the engine is going to be 570bhp - as previously discussed in this thread:
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...
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