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Aston Martin confirms DB11 name for sports car coming in 2016

A new Aston Martin is on the way in 2016, but for right now we only officially know its name. The British sports car maker is finally confirming that it's next model goes by the moniker DB11. That seriously suggests the upcoming vehicle to be a replacement for the DB9. While Aston Martin isn't divulging any technical details, the DB11 is meant to be the first big step in the brand's "Second Century Plan" that aims to overhaul its product lineup. "Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the 'DB' moniker – the very bloodline of our brand – but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action," company CEO Andy Palmer said in a statement. A vehicle believed to the DB11 has been spotted testing several times this year, but it has largely remained a mystery thanks to heavy camouflage. Spy shots showed the interior with pieces from Mercedes-Benz, and some rumors have also suggested that it might be offered both with a V12 and Mercedes' 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The styling might take some of the swoopy look from James Bond's DB10 from the upcoming film Spectre, but we'll just have to wait and see. Related Video: ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES DB11 NAMEPLATE 15 September 2015, Gaydon, England: Aston Martin is today confirming DB11 as the name of its forthcoming sports car. The new model – to be unveiled during 2016 – will sit at the heart of the luxury British brand's range and represents the first major product of the company's bold Second Century Plan. While all technical and design details will be announced in due course, the confirmation of the name – which follows in the footsteps of other iconic Aston Martin sports cars such as the DB5 and DB9 – signals the start of an exciting period of dynamic product development by the company. Announcing the DB11, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: "Today I am proud and pleased to confirm that the DB11 nameplate will sit on our next new car. "Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the 'DB' moniker – the very bloodline of our brand – but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action. "The coming years will see Aston Martin transform not only its entire range of models but also its scale and global presence, and the new DB11 will be central to that success." - ENDS -

Aston Martin reveals hardcore Vantage GT3 special edition

If there are two things of which we've seen a lot in recent years, they're versions of the Aston Martin Vantage, and road-going sports cars wearing the name GT3. And you know what? We're not tired of either just yet. So we're pleased to report that the two have come together with the release of the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The ultimate evolution of Gaydon's nimble little sports car, the Vantage GT3 is lighter and more extreme than any version to date. Envisioned as a street-legal mid-point between Aston's successful racing cars and its coveted luxury GTs, the Vantage GT3 packs a number of key upgrades to make it lighter, more powerful and more hard-core than its stablemates. For starters, the company's ubiquitous 6.0-liter V12 has been upgraded with a new intake manifold and torque tube made from magnesium and a full titanium center-exit exhaust system. Although final figures are yet to be announced, Aston Martin figures it'll crank out around 600 metric horsepower – 592 by our standards, more than any iteration of the engine to date (including the flagship Vanquish) or any road-going Aston this side of the One-77. The other side of the power-to-weight ratio is optimized through the extensive use of carbon fiber. Aston has replaced the front fenders, hood and doors with the lightweight weave, as well as the center stack and Alcantara-trimmed racing buckets. Customers can even opt for a carbon-fiber roof and the rear glass to be replaced by plexi. The result is a projected curb weight of around 3,450 pounds, or a good 220 pounds lighter than the V12 Vantage S. A more extreme aero kit (also made of carbon, naturally) includes a splitter jutting out from under the nose and a big rear wing, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires sit at the edges of a wider track. Only 100 examples of the Vantage GT3 will be offered after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, with deliveries slated to begin later this year as Aston prepares its next generation of Mercedes-powered sports cars. INSPIRED BY RACING: THE ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE GT3 SPECIAL EDITION - Lightweight and extreme Vantage special edition limited to 100 cars - Motorsport-derived chassis, aerodynamics and handling - Bridges the gap between road and race track driving 18 February 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin is today revealing the first details of its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT3 special edition.

Aston Martin previews new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12

Depicted in the teaser video above is Aston Martin's new 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12. Beyond those basic specifications, Aston isn't saying much about this new engine or what it will power, but it does promise that the new engine will debut sometime this year. The bulk of Aston Martin's current lineup – basically everything but the V8 Vantage – is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that dates back to the DB7 Vantage that debuted in 1999. Only where that model produced 420 horsepower, the latest version in the Vantage GT12 produces nearly 600 hp. Which just goes to show how much Aston has been able to do with the aging engine, but everything has its limits, and all good things must come to an end. While the switch to forced induction may mean a less revvy engine, it ought to deliver more torque (as well as lower emissions and fuel consumption). Aston has a new partnership with Mercedes-AMG that is slated to supply the British automaker with a twin-turbo V8. But the German outfit has considerable expertise with twin-turbo V12s as well. The production facility that recently relocated from Affalterbach to Mannheim produces the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that motivates Mercedes' own SL65 roadster, G65 sport-ute, and S65 sedan, coupe, and cabrio, as well as the version for the Pagani Huayra.