2007 - Aston Martin Db9 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Aston Martin DBX spy photos show what may be a V12 model

The Aston Martin DBX has only been out for a little over a year, but it seems Aston has a variant in development. One of our spy photographers caught this prototype testing at the Nurburgring, and it has a notably different nose. It makes us think that it may have a new engine, specifically a big V12. Most of the prototype looks just like any other DBX, but the front end has a number of changes. The main grille looks significantly larger and more open. It doesn't appear to be a finalized grille shape, since it's a bit crude, but it suggests that they needed more airflow for whatever engine is being used. We can also make out slightly more finished design changes at the front, such as the wide air inlet that wraps around the bottom of the main grille. With the more aggressive front end that clearly allows more air into the engine bay, we suspect there's a big, hot engine powering this prototype. The biggest, hottest engine Aston has is its twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12, which can make at between 630 and 715 horsepower depending on specification. We also know that the V12 does fit in the DBX thanks to Aston's previous CEO. So it seems pretty likely this is a V12 DBX, but when will we see it? It's a variation on an existing model, but it has some crude bodywork, so we're thinking it could be at least a year before we see the production model. Related Video:

Aston Martin V12 Vantage shows off sound, will return in 2022

According to Aristotle's fourth-century History of Animals, swans "are musical, and sing chiefly at the approach of death." Scientists still debate the accuracy of this statement, but we don't think anybody is going to argue with the melodic tones of the swan song that is Aston Martin's V12 Vantage. Listen for yourself in the video up above. We've been expecting this. We saw spy shots in August of a hardcore Vantage mule out testing on the Nurburgring that was fitted with all manner of enhancements that led us to believe a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 may be under its vented hood. Later, the rumormill was aflutter with reports that the British marque was planning to bestow its smallest car with big power courtesy of a V12 tuned to deliver a reported 670 horsepower. That's 20 ponies fewer than the Speedster's twelve-cylinder, which spins out 690 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. Aston Martin V12 Vantage prototype View 13 Photos We don't know much more than that, for now. Aston Martin's teaser says the V12 Vantage returns in 2022, we'd guess as a 2023 model, and that it will be labeled a Final Edition. We're certain the number produced will be limited, so if this is the beautiful swan song you've been waiting for, now would be a good time to get your finances in order. Related video:

Best luxury SUVs of 2022 and 2023

Once upon a time, the idea of a luxury SUV meant a Range Rover, and even that was pretty agricultural by modern standards. Then Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ford Explorers started offering fancy, range-topping versions followed soon by Lexus, BMW and Mercedes dipping their toes in the water. And then the floodgates opened. Today, there is a staggering number of luxury SUVs available in every shape, size and price point. There are electric luxury SUVs like the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, as well as gas-swilling, high-performance SUVs like the BMW X5 M and Cadillac Escalade V. Sports car makers Porsche, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have even dived in.  But of this great many, which are the best luxury SUVs? We sat down, scoured our reviews, took some votes, had some discussions and came up with the luxury SUVs we view as the best. They are listed alphabetically within the six segments listed below.  Best Subcompact Luxury SUV   |   Best Compact Luxury SUV   |   Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Two-Row) Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Three-Row)   |   Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Two-Row)   |   Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Three-Row)  Best subcompact luxury SUVs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Why it stands out: Outstanding space and versatility; legit luxury interior; amusing GLB 35 versionCould be better: Overwhelming and confusing tech interface Most subcompact luxury SUVs are a dubious value, with cramped interiors of marginal quality and unrefined driving dynamics. You'd be much better off paying less money for a loaded, non-luxury compact SUV. The Mercedes GLB is different, though. Its boxy design provides space few other subcompact SUV can match (luxury or otherwise), while its cabin design and feature content are in keeping with pricier Mercedes models. The quality's not exactly up to GLC standards, nor is driving refinement, but the difference is appropriate for how much you're saving and still perfectly acceptable. There's nothing dubious about buying a GLB.     Volvo XC40 Why it stands out: More features for the money; spacious and versatile interior; distinctive design; electric versionCould be better: Fuel-efficient base engine only available with FWD Most subcompact luxury models feel a bit like cheap knockoffs of their bigger, pricier brand mates. The XC40, by contrast, is a break from the Volvo norm in a good way.