In April, a high-performance Aston Martin DB11—characterized by a throaty V12 engine and an assertive presence on the track—was spotted undergoing tests at the Nurburgring. Initial speculation suggested it might be a prototype for a DB11 S, the model expected to be the flagship of Aston Martin’s lineup. However, recent reports indicate that it might actually be an entirely new supercar, the Vanquish, disguised under the existing DB11 body.
As reported by Autocar, Aston Martin has been developing the next generation of the Vanquish while utilizing the current DB11 as a testing platform. This model aims to position Aston Martin more competitively against its Italian rivals.
Insider reports suggest that the new Vanquish will utilize the same 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine found in the DB11, albeit with a significantly increased output, surpassing the current 600 horsepower. This will mark Aston’s first foray into forced induction, allowing the Vanquish to compete directly with brands like Ferrari, specifically targeting their new 812 Superfast model. As a result, significant performance enhancements can be anticipated in the Vanquish.
Aston Martin aims to capitalize on the power disparity between the Vanquish and DB11 to clearly differentiate the two vehicles. While they will share a common platform, along with the forthcoming V8 Vantage, the Vanquish will be the most performance-oriented of the trio. Observations from the Nürburgring testing revealed the Vanquish’s superior handling capabilities, showcasing its stability in corners and a stronger performance exiting turns.
The new Vanquish is part of Aston Martin’s strategy to better rival other luxury automotive brands, alongside a forthcoming mid-engined supercar designed to compete with the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S in the next few years. This initiative coincides with the brand’s broader electrification goals, as all upcoming models will be available in hybrid or electric versions by the mid-2020s.
The Vanquish will be positioned below the Valkyrie hypercar in Aston Martin’s lineup. Although the company has not announced a specific release date for the model, it is currently in development, and expectations are high for an unveiling in the near future, as CEO Andy Palmer is driving efforts to enhance the brand’s profitability.
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