VANQUISH REPLACEMENT TO BE CALLED THE ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA

As the Aston Martin Vanquish S heads for the door after it's many years as the marque's flagship, it's replacement has been named the DBS Superleggera, with a full reveal later in 2018.

Resurrecting the DBS nameplate, last used on Aston’s hardcore DB9 in 2012, the company highlights the importance of the Superleggera suffix too as an acknowledgement to Touring Superleggera – the lightweight Italian coachbuilder responsible for designing the DB4, 5 and 6 Mark 1.

It's more than just a nod to the coachbuilder as Aston has hinted at the new car’s lightweight credentials.

The car has been spotted testing in both track and winter conditions while close inspection of spy photos shows the vehicle riding on Pirelli Sottozero winter sports tyres.

These new spy shots of the DBS Superleggera reveal notable differences at the front of the car, such as larger headlights, more prominent bonnet vents and a wider front grille reminiscent of that on the One-77.

Quad exhaust tailpipes from the outgoing Vanquish S remain while thinner LED rear lamps are also visible below the active spoiler, likely adopted from the DB11.

Aston has alluded to the Vanquish developing into a more performance orientated supercar, most of the bodywork changes will be focussed on aiding aerodynamic efficiency. This will create a distinction between this and the DB11 which will remain a fast GT cruiser.

Aston's new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 is expected to be reworked to push out significantly more than the 600bhp on offer in the DB11. According to Auto Express, last year Aston told them that the V12 engine has been ‘proven to 820bhp’, with some ‘very elegant solutions’. Which will make for a very interesting market when considering the Ferrari 812 Superfast pushes out 789bhp.

According to Aston, their plan is to launch one all-new vehicle every year up to 2023, with this new DBS Superleggera following on from the latest V8 Vantage later this year.

Exciting times ahead from Aston Martin, James Bond must be ecstatic.