2005 Aston Martin Db9 on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante caught out in the rain

We've had the pleasure of driving the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, with its 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 making an astonishing 715 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The only drawback was not getting full exposure to the alpine air as we sped down the Autobahn. We've seen spy shots, though, of a DBS Superleggera Volante that could provide that experience, but it was still wearing camouflage. Now, our spy shooters have caught the convertible in testing, giving us a good look at the car. It was rainy as the car prowled around near the Nurburgring, so the convertible top was kept closed. It still looks sleek as all heck, with sheets of water dripping from its tires and aerodynamic bits, fallen leaves trapped in the grille. The convertible top maintains the tight and low roofline of the coupe, but it significantly shrinks the rear window. But that visibility issue would be eliminated with the top dropped. Under the hood and the rest of the sheetmetal, we expect this to maintain all the mechanical goodness and sporty prowess of its fixed-top stablemate. We're not sure when the official debut of the grand touring convertible will take place. We're hoping we'll have the chance to test it out before the fall leaves and drenching rains arrive in 2019. Related Video:

Aston Martin DB11 is such a tease

Aston Martin would like to take a moment to remind you that it makes beautiful cars. Naturally, the model you're likely most interested in learning about is the upcoming DB11, which we're pretty sure will make its global public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. To make sure you don't forget, the automaker has created this handy teaser microsite. Although the video released by Aston Martin to go along with its teaser site doesn't actually mention one of its prettiest recent models, the DB7, it does hit some memorable highlights. Starting all the way back in 1950 with the introduction of the DB2, the British sportscar manufacturer has had a history of stunning coupes. Perhaps the most well-known of all is the DB5 of the Swingin' Sixties, made famous as the car James Bond drove as he eluded baddies in movies like Goldfinger. Granted, we already have an idea of what the new DB11 will look like, at least from the front, which makes dark and shady teasers like the one here a tad less interesting. No matter, we like what we've seen so far, and can't wait to take it all in once the coupe is released in all its official glory. Until then, let the teasing continue. Related Video:

Aston Martin's next DB gets its bodywork on

Aston Martin is said to be working on a full revamp of its entire lineup, which is all well and fine, but what we want is proof. And here it is. Spotted testing on and around the Nurburgring is a prototype for Aston's next DB grand touring coupe. The successor to the DB9 is expected to make use of a completely new platform and eventually get a new engine stemming from the British automaker's partnership with Mercedes-AMG, but is likely to employ Aston's own 6.0-liter V12 as well. We've seen spy shots of test mules running before in various states of completion, but this is the first time we're seeing it in what appears to be its production bodywork, albeit still heavily camouflaged to keep it hidden from prying eyes. Expect the final version to draw its stylistic inspiration from the DB10 that James Bond will be driving in the upcoming film Spectre (and maybe just a few from flagship supercars like the One-77 and Vulcan, too). Whether Aston ultimately decides to call this one the DB10 as well, move on to the DB11, or stick with the DB9 remains to be seen, but so far it's looking pretty good.