These are the first shots of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 super tourer. Caught in competitive testing with Ferrari’s 599 and Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG, it’s clear Aston is taking the competition head-on.
While much of the car is obscured by camouflage, new lights like those found on the Rapide and Virage can be seen. The side profile gains a new line what appers to be more deeply recessed depressions in the door panel, slightly sharper creases over the rear fenders, and new side skirts to match the lower, more aggressive front spoiler and rear trunk lid lip. The rear end looks to be a bit wider and taller than the current DB9.
Up front, a mesh grille replaces the multi-bar unit found on the current DB9, though that may come down to the fact that this is a prototype and not yet fulled specced. Other minor details include relocated, mesh-grilled hood vents and side mirrors that stand farther away from the doors, mounted on thinner, more aerodynamic stalks.
Powertrain upgrades are still unknown, though there’s a good chance Aston will simply continue with its current 6.0-litre V12 engine, rated at 380 kW as it is in several other new models, including the limited-production V12 Zagato. If so, that would amount to a 30 kW gain over the current 350 kW output. Transmissions will likely include a choice of six-speed manual or shift-by-wire six-speed automatic. The DB9 could also lose up to 10 percent of its current curb weight, potentially getting under the 1 500 kg mark.
With the new 2012 Virage and the V12 Vantage straddling the DB9 in the Aston lineup, the company is definitely slicing its model differentiation a bit thin – the question, though, is how thin is too thin? We’ll see when the 2013 DB9 hits the road sometime next year.
