Friday 1st June 2012

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?

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Aston Martin's new DBS appeared to take an unofficial bow on the weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este design extravaganza in Italy last weekend and, following Chris's blog on Zagato, we thought it worth revisiting.

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.

OK, so it's not exactly adventurous...

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...

 

[loudlashadjuster]

Difficult to know where to go when you've got metal as beautiful and elegant as the DB9/S and V8.

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.

[Krikkit]

Concept wheels like that won't last long, but for the most part I like it.

[davepoth]

At least it's something a little different rather than another DB9 bodykit.

[El Shafto]

I like the wheels. It might be because I'm young and tasteless, or it might be because they remind of Lambo alloys...either way, anything to make the Aston range look less civilised and more leary is a step in the right direction.

[PaulieMafia]

Dreadful styling, especially all that cheap looking black plastic/carbon..

[Arun_D]

Eurgh

[George H]

PaulieMafia said:

Dreadful styling, especially all that cheap looking black plastic/carbon..

Fully agree.

And those wheels

[BarbaricAvatar]

Modern car designers are blind. We've got Ferrari whacking everything in sight with the ugly stick, Lamborghini putting angles on everything they possibly can until they'll supply cars with triangular steering wheels. Now the holy grail of handsomeness; Aston Martin, have also lost the plot.
That's hideous!
Is this really the same company that gave us the gorgeous Vanquish and the V8 Vantage? Doesn't look like it.

[stuckmojo]

Hopefully the finished product will look good without the bling and the horrible wheels (in my humble opinion).

This one, I don't like at all.

[mwstewart]

George H said:

Fully agree.

As do I, it seems completely incongruous. The front section of the bonnet also appears bulbous thanks to the smaller grille. Mind you, Aston have a hell of a task on their hands given how good the existing shape is.

[Blown2CV]

if you look past the stupid DRLs, stupid splitter and stupid wheels then there's a nice design under there with some one-77 cues

[George H]

mwstewart said:

As do I, it seems completely incongruous. The front section of the bonnet also appears bulbous thanks to the smaller grille. Mind you, Aston have a hell of a task on their hands given how good the existing shape is.

Isn't that something to do with new safety regulations? I've heard about it affecting the V12V.

Also, the engine is going to be 570bhp - as previously discussed in this thread:
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

[DanDC5]

Don't like the wheels, everything else about it is fantastic.

[George H]

El Shafto said:

anything to make the Aston range look less civilised and more leary is a step in the right direction.

Why is that?

They don't make supercars, they make GT cars. Presumably they should be civilised?

[Twincam16]

It looks good, but it also looks exactly the same as everything they've made since 1994.

Keep this styling for one of the cars in the range, but for heaven's sake do something new with the others!

[The Pits]

BarbaricAvatar said:

Modern car designers are blind. We've got Ferrari whacking everything in sight with the ugly stick, Lamborghini putting angles on everything they possibly can until they'll supply cars with triangular steering wheels. Now the holy grail of handsomeness; Aston Martin, have also lost the plot.
That's hideous!
Is this really the same company that gave us the gorgeous Vanquish and the V8 Vantage? Doesn't look like it.

Agree entirely. As a huge admirer of Aston Martin and proud owner of a V12 Vantage I have to say that this is nothing like a subtle evolution. It's a huge step backwards from the existing DBS in styling terms. And Aston were one of the few remaining makers of beautiful sports cars. Poor effort.

[BuzzLightyear]

The current DBS is one of my all-time favourite shapes and this doesn't appear to improve on that at all. In fact its looks seem to be converging with the Jag XK, especially from the rear 3/4 whilst I would expect them to move further away...

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.

[mwstewart]

George H said:

Isn't that something to do with new safety regulations? I've heard about it affecting the V12V.

Also, the engine is going to be 570bhp - as previously discussed in this thread:
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

Ahh. Yes, you're right. I guess it would also explain the larger wing mirrors.

[BBS-LM]

I really don't see any new concept ideas in this car at all. Poor effort if you can even call it that.

[Greg 172]

Obviously it's only a concept, but not sure what the hell is going on with this. I'm sure the wide angle on the photo of the rear isn't helping, but does anyone else think the back end looks like a Pug 407 Coupe Hot Wheels toy with the tail/glass-house of a 911 plonked on top?