I thought that the DB9, the DBS and the Virage are basically the same car with some modifications. The Rapide is also an extended DB9. So I think that this new car will replace the four models in a few years.

 

You could say that about all the cars ! DBS is a DB9 on steroids, Virage takes bits from both cars but has different shaped panels

This new car is (only by Aston standards) quite different to the existing 2+2 line-up. For instance new hatchback rather than the small boot opening on the db9/virage/dbs

very little is known until it's revealed in the previews later this month, for instance it could have just 2 seats

seems this car will herald what I would call the 3rd generation of interiors for the VH platform, the first being what was on the DB9 when it launched and was then carried over to all the otehr cars, the second being introduced on the DBS and again, then being brought in on all the other cars, even the vantage

but logic suggests that because they are bringing out the dbs replacement before the db9 replacement, going forward the db9 will be more greatly differentiated from the dbs i.e. not the same shape with add-ons. Otherwise they would bring out new db9 first.

my assumption based on nothing more than guesswork is that going forward there will be one car to replace db9/virage (possibly with an S version, afterall dbs should really have been called DB9S IMO), this new car (project 310) which is a DBS succesor but also a spiritual successor to vanquish with a name not yet revealed and a third car, a repackaged rapide, which everyone knows needs more space and wider openings for the rear.

Aston must know that whilst there is nothing wrong in evolving the current design language, some greater differentiation between the models is needed

There are no rumours that I am aware of regarding vantage replacements which I assume are a couple of yrs down the line

 

Honestly, because customers are buying their cars even though they are mostly the same, I don't think Aston will worry too much about it. Look at Porsche they are doing wonderfully and more than half of their vehicle lineup is just variants of the 911.

 

Hopefully someone will smarten up and add a DCT of some variety!

J

 

Man that's sharp!!

 

well you`re on the wrong path...

they for example are not doing well because of the 911s but because of the Cayennes and Pannys

 

Yeah I guess you are. Correct, I cannot begin to tell you how many Cayennes and Panameras I see every day.