During the festivities of this past weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza Ville d'Este in Lake Como, Italy, Aston Martin introduced a new concept called the Project AM310. Unlike the superlative BMW Zagato Coupe, the AM310 is expected to serve as more than a one-off concept - it's reportedly a preview of the replacement for the DBS.
According to media reports, the new Aston Martin concept made its debut on the banks of Lake Como with very little fanfare. Indeed, information about the car on Aston's website is limited to this brief statement: "Entered in the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, Project AM310 points to an exciting and dynamic future for Aston Martin as we prepare to celebrate our centenary next year in truly luxurious and sporting style."
The concept lost out on the design award to a freshly painted Alfa Romeo 4C, and perhaps that's because judges saw exactly what us car fans see: a concept that looks like it's already a part of Aston's line-up.
To be fair, while the overall shape and look of the AM310 is pure Aston 2012, you'll find some revisions if you investigate a little closer. The rounded haunches and rear fascia, redesigned front-end (particularly down low), and One-77-inspired side vents and tail lamps separate the AM310 from the soon-to-be-replaced DBS.
According to Autocar, the AM310/new DBS will differentiate itself slightly from the current DBS in terms of materials. The new flagship will use more generous amounts of carbon fiber in the chassis and body, borrowing again from the limited edition One-77. It will be powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine with an output increase to around 550 hp.
The DBS replacement is expected to get a full reveal within the next few months.
Source: Aston Martin via Autocar