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A high-performance Aston Martin DB11 is on the way

It was only a matter of time before Aston Martin prepped a hotter version of its DB11. The British Automaker did the same for the DB9 with the DBS, as well as the Vanquish, Rapide, and Vantage so a performance model Aston is as predictable as an AMG anything from Mercedes-Benz. And from the looks of it, this extra-potent DB11, which we'll call DB11 S, will follow the same formula of more power, and aggressive exterior upgrades. Most noticeable is the mega-sized maw at the front. There's a bit of white-painted mesh to break up the front grille, but it's still clear that the opening has expanded all the way down to the front spoiler. That spoiler has been changed as well, featuring points on each side instead of one big arch. Moving around to the side, the slender vent that extends from the wheel arch on the standard DB11 has been exchanged for something larger. It's shaped very differently as well, looking a bit like a shark's tooth or a Star Fleet badge from Star Trek. At the back is another significant change. The rear bumper now features a clearly functional diffuser for improved aerodynamics. Vents appear around the exhaust tips, too. However, the ducktail spoiler appears unchanged, as does the rest of the rear. There are a couple of interesting details inside as well. This prototype is fitted with Recaro race seats, which are pretty neat, but will likely be replaced with cushier, leather-wrapped seats developed by Aston. Just behind the seats is something even more fascinating. This DB11S has a roll cage. It's hard to say if this is just a one-off for the prototype, or if it will make it to production. Certainly other companies, such as Porsche, have offered roll cages in production cars. But in the case of Porsche, they've only been included on the most hardcore sports cars. However, we're not sure this Aston is the same type of track-focused car that Porsche's caged examples are. View 11 Photos As a bonus, we also have more photos of the upcoming DB11 Volante, due spring of next year. It's still sporting the '80s-grade shoulder pads to hide its haunches, but the rest of the car is pretty well exposed. Naturally, the little air scoop behind the rear quarter windows was lost with the switch to a soft top, but we expect everything under the fake steel panels will be very similar to the coupe, just like the rest of the car. Related Video:

Aston Martin announces $306M in funding to build DBX, 'other new luxury vehicles'

Aston Martin has just gotten one step closer to building a crossover, as the British outfit has secured a 200-million-pound (about $306 million at today's rates) infusion of capital from its leading shareholders. The money will allow Aston Martin to develop "a new vehicle based on the DBX concept," although just how closely the production model will adhere to the concept's styling is unclear. Andy Palmer, the company's CEO, also hinted at other models being added, thanks to the funds. "This additional long-term funding, will enable us to add extra model lines and broaden our presence in the luxury market segment by the end of the decade. The DBX concept has generated interest far beyond our expectations," Palmer said in the attached statement. "The additional investment announced today will allow us to realize the DBX and other new luxury vehicles that will form the strongest and most diverse portfolio in our history." It's unclear what these "other new luxury vehicles" will include. Previous reports have indicated a Lagonda-badged replacement for the aging Rapide will be added to the range, although considering the age of the rest of Aston Martin's lineup, it's a safe bet that at least some of this money will also be put towards vehicles beyond the new CUV and sedan. Scroll down for the full press release from Aston Martin. Related Video: ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA ISSUES GBP200 MILLION FUNDING FOR PRODUCT EXPANSION • Investindustrial and Tejara Capital led a further GBP200 million in investment capital in the form of preference shares • Enables production of DBX luxury crossover, building on range of iconic luxury sports cars • FY 2014 revenues of GBP468 million and adjusted EBITDA of GBP66 million announced 30 April 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin Lagonda today announced that with the leadership of its major shareholders, it has arranged additional committed funding of GBP200 million, enabling the 102-year old luxury sports car manufacturer to develop significant new luxury models that will drive the future of the company under its strategic business plan. The additional capital investment comes in the form of GBP200 million of preference shares; GBP100 million of which were issued on 29 April 2015 with the remaining GBP100 million – already subscribed for - to be issued in the next twelve months, and will further expand the previously announced investment plan. This major investment in new luxury models is at the core of Aston Martin's strategic vision.

F1 redemption beckons for Vettel after miserable end at Ferrari

PARIS — Sebastian Vettel is feeling optimistic about his new Formula One career with Aston Martin after turning the page on a miserable last season with Ferrari. Things went from bad to awful for the four-time F1 champion in 2020. He had just one podium finish and ended 10 of 17 races outside the top 10 last season amid a tense atmosphere worsened by the fact Ferrari did not offer him a new contract. “The whole year was a challenge. IÂ’m obviously not happy with how last year went in terms of performance, in terms of my performance," he said. “There are things that didnÂ’t go well and things I would have liked to go differently. ItÂ’s not a secret that at stages I wasnÂ’t at my happiest." Last year was a huge fall from grace for Vettel, whose confidence was already shaken after he lost the 2017 and 2018 titles to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, despite leading both championships at the halfway stage. A driver who still shares the F1 record with Michael Schumacher for most wins in a season — 13 with Red Bull in 2013 — and has 53 wins among his 121 podiums found himself outclassed by his junior teammate Charles Leclerc in 2019 and 2020. When Leclerc was given a lucrative new contract through 2024 — and Vettel wasn't even offered one —it became clear who was considered number one in the team. The frown lines grew deeper on Vettel's face as he finished the last three races of 2020 in 13th, 12th and 14th. “It hadnÂ’t been to my standards. IÂ’ve never really cared what people think or say, or write," Vettel said. “ThatÂ’s why itÂ’s important IÂ’m at peace with myself. (I have) very, very high expectations of myself.” He even considered retiring but a move to Aston Martin has rekindled the 33-year-old German driver's enthusiasm. “IÂ’m not too old, there are older drivers returning to the grid," he said, referring to 39-year-old Fernando Alonso. “I donÂ’t think itÂ’s an age thing, I think itÂ’s more a question of (whether) you have the team and the car around you.” The Aston Martin team runs on Mercedes engines and is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, whose son Lance Stroll is the team's other driver. The plan is to make Aston Martin a title contender within three to five years. Vettel suggested the atmosphere at Aston Martin is less stuffy than it was at powerhouse Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer with its bright red car remains the most iconic name in F1 history.