New DB9 testing pics...
Discussion
yeti said:
sparks_E39 said:
Isn't it about time the DB9 name was put to bed? The DB7 did 10 years service, it doesn't make a lot of sense having the DB9 name on a new car.
DB7 evolved from the 6 cylinder to the Vantage, but was totally and utterly replaced in every way for a new car, the DB9.This car is going to be a re-skinning (albeit heavy) of the DB9 VH platform again with the same mechanicals. It's not a new car, so I think sticking with the DB9 moniker is appropriate rather than moving to DB10 or 11. However, it'd be a stuggle to not give it some new name to differentiate and they can hardly call it 'DB9 Vantage' or the Goldie Looking Chain tracksuit-mob will be up in arms. Maybe they'll keep Virage, Virage 2 maybe? I head they were dripping the DB name anyway.
Although I do like 'DBX' with the 'X' representing ten
To me, Virage always is/was the DB9 replacement - production has all but ceased on the DB9 and new virages are being openly offered for DB9 list price. As others have said, it's essentially only some mouldings, lights, etc which separate the virage from the '9.
As for the headlights, if the rapide and virage have those headlights, whether you like them or not, I can't believe anyone is surprised that all other new 2+2 models will follow suit with something similar - the surprise would be if they didn't use them
I also struggle to believe that some people are taking so literally photos of a test mule. I appreciate some are being sarcy but other seem serious. You really can't draw to many conclusions from these photos other than what appears to be very aggressive rear haunches. For instance if it's the same car that people have sneaked a peak at in Gaydon, the rear lights on this test car are either heavily disguised or not even on it, as the new car is supposed to have one-77 like rear lights
The only question really is whether the car in the photos is the DB9/virage, or the DBS/vanquish. Both will be launched shortly and the real question then is will the differentiation between the two be as much as the DB7/vanquish was, as little as the current 9/S is, or a halfway house like the difference between the current DB9 and Virage, where they use some different body panels, but are still essentailly the same shape.
As for whether this new car will be a reskin with the same mechanicals, do any of us knwo tha tyet ? I'm not saying it isn't, but using the VH platform doesn't necessarily mean it's just a reskin - the vantage uses the VH platform too but is a different car to the DB9
jonby said:
I also struggle to believe that some people are taking so literally photos of a test mule
...perhaps because that seems to be more than a test mule? A test mule normally uses cut and shut old body components that are recognisable from the donor car. They dress a chassis that is being developed.The rear haunches and reasonable 'flow' of this car suggest this is not really a test mule but a fairly early prototype with much of the exterior design already at quite a late stage. Vents and bumpers might change, but glass area, panels and lights would probably not. IMHO.
LukeyLikey said:
jonby said:
I also struggle to believe that some people are taking so literally photos of a test mule
...perhaps because that seems to be more than a test mule? A test mule normally uses cut and shut old body components that are recognisable from the donor car. They dress a chassis that is being developed.The rear haunches and reasonable 'flow' of this car suggest this is not really a test mule but a fairly early prototype with much of the exterior design already at quite a late stage. Vents and bumpers might change, but glass area, panels and lights would probably not. IMHO.
yeti said:
Neil1300R said:
Minimum of 530bhp by having knock sensors (higher RON fuel) and variable valve timing
Something you've heard or just a guess?? Genuine question Well shut my finger in the door - doh!
Mainly just a rumour I was trying to start based on everyone else guessing on this thread!
Was also based a bit of stuff I've read on here and AMOC over the past couple of months - including when Dr Bez talked to Rob and Molly
Knock sensors would seem the obvious route
PS Looks like the DBS / Vanquish replacement to me
PPS DB name will be dropped.
jonby said:
... As others have said, it's essentially only some mouldings, lights, etc which separate the virage from the '9.
Jonby, don't they claim that every panel is different to the DB9 except the roof ??So long as they keep making great looking high performance cars I'm not overly concerned by the name
Jockman said:
jonby said:
... As others have said, it's essentially only some mouldings, lights, etc which separate the virage from the '9.
Jonby, don't they claim that every panel is different to the DB9 except the roof ??So long as they keep making great looking high performance cars I'm not overly concerned by the name
yeti said:
jonby said:
The only question really is whether the car in the photos is the DB9/virage, or the DBS/vanquish.
>sigh<It's the DB9/Virage replacement.
I believe that the original plan was DBS first and further believe that this has changed to the other way round, so I assume you are correct in your assumption it is DB9/virage in the photos - you may know this as fact, I'm more reading between the lines based on what in reality, is only gossip
LukeyLikey said:
jonby said:
I also struggle to believe that some people are taking so literally photos of a test mule
...perhaps because that seems to be more than a test mule? A test mule normally uses cut and shut old body components that are recognisable from the donor car. They dress a chassis that is being developed.The rear haunches and reasonable 'flow' of this car suggest this is not really a test mule but a fairly early prototype with much of the exterior design already at quite a late stage. Vents and bumpers might change, but glass area, panels and lights would probably not. IMHO.
the virage would look the similar to the test photos, other than the rear haunches. yes we can get an idea, but i think we are a long way from understanding properly what the finished car will look like. the finished detail in the front & rear of the car will have a big impact on that
Speaking of highly questionable AM design choices lately, have there ever been more distasteful wheels placed on an AM than these (well, except for the Zagato's wheels, which win the award for ludicrosity)?
But I do find the color interesting...Ceramic Gray
I think AM's designers are starting to lose the recipe...too much German tuner car influence. They need to get Callum and Maynard back posthaste.
But I do find the color interesting...Ceramic Gray
I think AM's designers are starting to lose the recipe...too much German tuner car influence. They need to get Callum and Maynard back posthaste.
Jockman said:
Jonby, don't they claim that every panel is different to the DB9 except the roof ??
So long as they keep making great looking high performance cars I'm not overly concerned by the name
Isn't that the same as the difference between the DBS and DB9 as well?So long as they keep making great looking high performance cars I'm not overly concerned by the name
DB name to be dropped hey? Here are my suggestions!
Vanquish - not a suggestion really, just my best guess as to its name if it replaces DBS rather than DB9/Virage.
Vanguard
Bulldog - Please! A homage to that legend is long overdue.
Ulster
Atom
Dependent on it's supposed to fit with the current line-up the power could be reduced intentionally but my best guess is that this is (as mentioned by someone before) a 310 model so is a relation of the DBS. The Virage shows us that Gaydon prefer not to produce direct replacements so I think this will sit slightly higher than a DBS for a while before DBS is possibly replaced/dropped. I'd expect (going by this theory alone) that it would have upwards of 550bhp although 530 wouldn't surprise me (as with DB9's 470, Virage's 490, DBS's 510...).
When would they launch it though? Geneva would have been a good shout, unless they're going to do similar with the Virage and launch it outside of a motor show and bearing in mind that didn't give the Virage the exposure it deserved I'd be wary of this approach.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff