Last month, Aston Martin released the DBS Ultimate Edition. This special edition was released to commemorate the end of production for the current generation DBS. High-end manufacturers typically do limited runs like that, milking every milestone for what it is worth.
Given that that the DBS is nearing the end of its cycle, that means the next-generation car is around the corner. We wrote then that we hoped the next DBS would take Aston Martin into new styling territory. The current lineup is great – beautifully-styled British grand tourers.
At some point, you’ve got to move forward though, helping to advance the brand. With the Virage, Virage Volante, DBS, DB9, DB9 Volante, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage Roadster, Rapide, and V12 Zagato, there is a lot of different models too. They’re all based on the brand’s VM architecture, which debuted in 2004. That last one (V12 Zagato) is absolutely stunning, by the way. At this week’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Aston is showing off the AM 310 Concept, as a preview to the DBS and DB9’s successor. No official photos of the car have been released yet.
And really, it isn’t anything you haven’t seen before. It looks like a sportier version of the Virage, with rear taillights stolen from the One-77 supercar. It isn’t clear if the AM 310 Concept is a finalized look at the next car, or if there will be more changes before launch. It is beautiful though no doubt. However, we’d like to see one model – just one – push the envelope though as far as styling is concerned. It’s difficult though when you’re an independent company like Aston is. Surviving on your own is a challenge. That’s probably why they play it safe – as long as the sales continue to be there, it is a smart strategy. It’s a good thing the company has a capable architecture to base its lineup on. The fact that every car is based on that undoubtedly helps profit margins.
