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Aston Martin DB11 spied in production sheetmetal

Aston Martin has taken yet another step toward debuting its long-awaited replacement for the DB9, the DB11, ditching the heavy, obstructive plastic cladding for production sheetmetal and stick-on camouflage. The move gives us our best look yet at the automaker's next volume grand tourer. Opinions on whether or not this new car gets its inspiration from the DB10 featured in the James Bond film Spectre are divided. From what we can tell, the profiles are virtually identical between the cinematic machine and this DB11 mule, and it looks like the DB10's thin taillights sit in larger cutouts below a similarly shaped trunk lid. The DB11 does look to get some kind of spoiler, though, and it may even be a pop-up item, neither of which were featured on the Bond car. The biggest differences between the movie coupe and the road car are found on the front end. The headlights are certainly larger and have had their shape tweaked. They now run further up into the fenders, giving just a hint of Ferrari F12. Even so, they're still unmistakably Aston Martin units. That's also true of the grille, which ditches the concept-spec single element on the DB10 for a more conventional upper and lower unit. We have no explanation for one element, though. Look closely at the C-pillar, and you'll notice what looks almost like some kind of vent. Our spies argue that it's an aerodynamic item, like you'd see on the C-pillar of a BMW i8, but we aren't sure. Were it a pure aero aid, we'd expect to be able to see through the other side, like you can with the i8 or something like an Air Curtain. Instead, it could be some kind of air intake for cooling. That's just conjecture, but it's not unreasonable. But what's under the hood? Our spies did some digging and doubt that it's Aston's traditional 6.0-liter V12. Instead, registration data for the prototype shown above lists its engine displacement at 5.2 liters, with our spies claiming forced induction will be used. It's not clear if this engine is a product of of Aston's relationship with Mercedes-AMG – the only V12 you'll get from the Germans is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo, while it also sells a 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V8 – but it seems like a possibility. Check out the spy shots up at the top of the page for the full battery of spy images. Related Video:

Robert Plant’s 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is for sale

It was made famous by James Bond in the 1964 film "Goldfinger," and this particular version was given its lived-in quality by the frontman of one of rock-and-roll's biggest bands. Now you, too, can own the Aston Martin DB5 likely driven to Bron-Yr-Aur and across the land of the ice and snow by none other than Robert Plant. The website Classic Driver is offering the 1965 DB5 coupe owned by Plant, who is most famous as the former lead singer of hard rock titans Led Zeppelin, from the early 1970s until 1986, when he sold it to father and son collectors based in England. Painted in Dubonnet Rose, the four-seater GT has 62,400 miles on it, a tan leather interior and what must be many, many untold stories of rock-and-roll excess. The DB5, which updated the DB4, had an all-aluminum 4.0-liter, DOHC straight-six engine that made 285 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque mated to a full synchromesh ZF five-speed gearbox. It also featured three SU carburetors, twin hydraulic brake servos, Girling disc brakes and the early use of electric windows. It became famous as James Bond's third but most recognizable card, with a prototype version full of gadgets used by Sean Connery in "Goldfinger," and the car re-appearing in several subsequent Bond movies and with different actors. This particular DB5 was restored by Aston Martin agents Chapman Spooner shortly after Plant sold it in 1986, and the car was entered into a number of Aston Martin Owners Club events during the '80s. The current owner bought it in 2008 from Nicholas Mee & Co., used it very sparingly and kept the car in a controlled environment. Given the lore that surrounded Led Zeppelin in its heady '70s rock-juggernaut days, it's remarkable that the car survived intact as well as it apparently has. The DB5 was apparently a popular one among British rock royalty of the era, as Bonhams Bond Street just sold a '64 version previously owned by Paul McCartney for $1.8 million.Related Video: Featured Gallery Robert Plant's 1965 Aston Martin DB5 View 15 Photos Image Credit: Nicholas Mee & Co Ltd Aston Martin Automotive History Coupe Luxury Classics famous cars aston martin db5

Aston Martin confirms DB11 name for sports car coming in 2016

A new Aston Martin is on the way in 2016, but for right now we only officially know its name. The British sports car maker is finally confirming that it's next model goes by the moniker DB11. That seriously suggests the upcoming vehicle to be a replacement for the DB9. While Aston Martin isn't divulging any technical details, the DB11 is meant to be the first big step in the brand's "Second Century Plan" that aims to overhaul its product lineup. "Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the 'DB' moniker – the very bloodline of our brand – but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action," company CEO Andy Palmer said in a statement. A vehicle believed to the DB11 has been spotted testing several times this year, but it has largely remained a mystery thanks to heavy camouflage. Spy shots showed the interior with pieces from Mercedes-Benz, and some rumors have also suggested that it might be offered both with a V12 and Mercedes' 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The styling might take some of the swoopy look from James Bond's DB10 from the upcoming film Spectre, but we'll just have to wait and see. Related Video: ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES DB11 NAMEPLATE 15 September 2015, Gaydon, England: Aston Martin is today confirming DB11 as the name of its forthcoming sports car. The new model – to be unveiled during 2016 – will sit at the heart of the luxury British brand's range and represents the first major product of the company's bold Second Century Plan. While all technical and design details will be announced in due course, the confirmation of the name – which follows in the footsteps of other iconic Aston Martin sports cars such as the DB5 and DB9 – signals the start of an exciting period of dynamic product development by the company. Announcing the DB11, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: "Today I am proud and pleased to confirm that the DB11 nameplate will sit on our next new car. "Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the 'DB' moniker – the very bloodline of our brand – but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action. "The coming years will see Aston Martin transform not only its entire range of models but also its scale and global presence, and the new DB11 will be central to that success." - ENDS -