Aston Martin plans to show there's still life in the V12 supercar - report

Aston Martin could transform its DBS grand tourer into a harder-edged supercar, complete with a pumped-up V12 and a different name.

Autocar reports Aston Martin is seeking to cover both the grand tourer and performance ends of the spectrum, and with the recently released DB12 covering the former, that leaves the next DBS to be a more hardcore offering

Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman told Autocar the DBS replacement will be “completely different” to the DB12 and the as-yet unrevealed Vantage replacement.

The supercar flagship will reportedly make even more power than the DBS 770, which pumps out 566kW, in order to compete with Ferrari’s upcoming 812 Superfast replacement.

Ferrari will reportedly stick with V12 power, while the recently revealed Lamborghini Revuelto also features 12 cylinders.

DBS 770 Ultimate Credit: CarExpert

To cope with the extra grunt, Aston Martin will reportedly build on the DBS 770, and feature an overhauled chassis, track-tuned suspension, and a boost in rigidity.

In terms of the interior, the new supercar will reportedly inherit the brand’s new infotainment system from the DB12, ditching the dated Mercedes-Benz system.

To further differentiate Aston Martin’s new flagship from the core line-up which wears DB badging, Autocar reports the brand could christen the new flagship with a name starting with V, mirroring the Valkyrie and Valhalla.

It’s reported the Vanquish nameplate, last used in 2018, could even be revived for the new supercar.

DB12 Credit: CarExpert

Alex Long, Aston Martin’s director of product and market strategy, told Autocar the company wants to maintain its sporting prowess at the top of the supercar food chain.

“The focus on performance as a pillar of the brand is critical. Historically, we’ve been a performance brand as well as a luxury brand, and we’re moving back to that,” he said.

He added Aston Martin “will always have a flagship”, and that it was important for the brand to have cars distinct from each other.

“Rather than having products with two levels of power output and performance – and that includes dynamics and braking and all the other aspects of what makes a proper performance car – we now have to bring these power levels that give our cars the edge,” said Mr Long.

He added V12s are “synonymous” with Aston Martin and that “people still love the twelves”.

DB12 Volante Credit: CarExpert

“As much as the electrification revolution continues, [a V12 engine has] a different use case, and it’s still very much a huge emotional connection for our customers,” Mr Long said.

Company chairman and part owner Lawrence Stroll has also said “there’s still room for a V12 in our sports car generation”.

While the current DBS uses a V12, the new DB12 grand tourer is exclusively powered by an AMG-derived twin-turbo V8.

The Vantage is the smaller cousin to the DB12, and is designed to be more of a rival to the Porsche 911, rather than a grand touring coupe like the DB12.

The Vantage is also powered by an AMG-derived twin-turbo V8. However, Aston Martin released an exclusive version of the Vantage with the same 5.2-litre turbo V12 as the DBS, albeit with a lower state of tune.

MORE: Everything Aston Martin DBS