► Aston Martin’s future product plans
► Investment of £700 million recieved
► New V8 Vantage on the way in 2017
Backed by a confirmed and allegedly fully hedged £700 million investment programme, CAR magazine can reveal that Aston Martin is working on the following future product portfolio:
- 2017 DB11 Volante, new V8 Vantage
- 2018 V8 Vantage roadster, Vanquish replacement to be badged DBS, Rapide E with LeEco, 1000bhp-plus hypercar designed by Adrian Newey and sponsored by Red Bull,
- 2019 new DBX crossover
- 2020 DBS Volante, Rapide replacement
All models bar the hypercar are based on the still-nameless new aluminium components set which replaces the VH architecture conceived under Ford ownership.
Aston Martin also recently revealed the DB11, which goes on sale at the end of the year and completes the ten-strong line-up of new models.
The new 2017 Aston Martin Vantage
The next V8 Vantage will be lighter, sportier and better handling than the current car (below), according to our sources. The Cologne-built, naturally aspirated V8 is to give way to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 supplied by technology partner Mercedes.
Unlike Ferrari and Lamborghini, Aston will continue to offer a manual six-speed gearbox. A soft-top roadster is planned in 2018, one year after the coupe, following the company’s usual pattern.
The 2018 Aston Martin DBS
Since DB9 and Vanquish have effectively been replaced by DB11, the road is now clear for DBS to evolve into a hardcore sports car. Despite 700bhp-plus and over 627lb ft (850Nm) of torque, all-wheel drive remains off limits for the two-door models.
The 2018 Aston Martin Red Bull hypercar
The same applies to the joint effort with Red Bull. Here, R&D is expected to mate the mid-engined, high-performance V12 turbo to an equally radical battery-powered e-module.
The 2019 Aston Martin DBX crossover
E-power is also high up on the list for the DBX SUV, as the world continues to lap up soft-roaders but demands smarter eco credentials alongside mud-bashing overtures.
This four-door, four-seater crossover will therefore be offered with a flexible V8 and as an AWD zero-emission vehicle boasting four electric motors. If the market response is favourable, CEO Andy Palmer may add an optional V12 for those who just don’t care about CO2 and suchlike.
The 2020 Aston Martin Rapide/Lagonda Taraf replacement
Whether the Rapide/Taraf replacement will be sold as an Aston Martin or Lagonda has not yet been decided. What we know for sure is that the next four-door luxury saloon will be packaged to seat four grown-ups in comfort and style.
A hybrid application provided by AMG is also said to be on the wish list of boss Andy Palmer.
