Autoblog
Aston Martin doesn't have a huge product range. In fact, until the Rapide and One-77 come along, its line-up essentially boils down to two models: the Vantage and the DB9. And if reports coming straight from Switzerland are to be believed, the now-independent British sportscar company is descending on the Geneva Motor Show next month with new top-of-the-line variants of both.

First up is the convertible version of the DBS. The iconic Bond-mobile, whose name may have finally been determined, will make for a stunning drop-top. Not unlike arch-rival Ferrari, which took the 430 Scuderia and crossed it with the F430 Spider to create the 16M Scuderia Spider, Aston will take the fixed-roof DBS and put it in a room together with the DB9 Volante, dim the lights, put on some Boys2Men and let nature run its course.

Reportedly joining the DBS Volante/Roadster will be the production V12 Vantage RS. Forgot about that one? It's easy when Aston keeps serving up delectable new flagship supercars, so we'll scribble the recipe down for you again: take one V8 Vantage and the 600-hp V12 engine from the DBRS9 race car. Add louvers, spoilers, carbon fiber and alcantara. Shake (don't stir). Production should be very limited, and performance should be blistering.

 

When is the Geneva motorshow?

Of course the Vantage RS and DBS Volante will be great cars, but I'd really like to see a Vanquish successor.

 

thats the DBS?

 

I'm so stoked for the V12 Vantage RS. That is going to absolutely rock on so many levels. Pretty much the ultimate Aston. The downside to releasing the V12 Vantage RS is that they are essentially shooting their flagship car, the DBS, in the foot. The Vantage RS will have more power in a more nimble chassis and will undoubtedly be faster in every conceivable way. Hard to say where it will end up price-wise, but I would hope it would fall somewhere on the low side between the DB9 and DBS. It'd be the bargain of the century if it was cheaper than the DB9.

 

Does it look like a DBS? No, it's the V12 Vantage.

I know this is a bold statement, but I think Aston is on top right now. They are making both beautiful and exciting cars.

 

Completely agree, seem to be over saturating their own market. A bit cannibalistic. We'll see how it works out.

Maybe the VRS will be a bit less than the DBS? Or they are going to come out with a new Vanquish as their flagship? [*hoping and praying*] But why would they make a vert DBS if they are going to scrap it. I don't know I'm just rambling now....

 

As long as there is not a Vanquish Mk II, yes. But it's not really a Vanquish successor in spirit, there is room for a more expensive and more powerful über GT to go head to head with the 599 in Aston's line up. Unless the One-77 comes down significantly in price and they throw the 'limited to 77 units' crap out of the window, that gap is still left open.

How exactly the Vantage RS fits in here, I dunno. I wouldn't be to worried about it cannibalizing DBS sales because in essence these are two very different cars. One GT and the other a hardcore (track) version of their sportscar. Getting the price right will be a bitch for Aston though.

 

Geneva auto show will take place from 3rd till 15th March.

Only car that will be great from the specs I see now, will be V12 Vantage. It will be great that Aston will build 599 GTB rivaling performance car.

 

My dad just called and casually mentioned the factory called and told him the DBS Volante will be on display at the Gaydon Factory from April / May. Perhaps i'll drive the DB9 up there with him and snap some pics and have a tour as he's interested in the DBS Volante.

Also, want to give my dad props as he stated when the DBS first came out that his contact at the factory informed him a F1 style transmission would be available when they publicly stated that it wouldn't happen.

 

Please do! That sounds amazing!