Aston Martin DB11 cabin spied, with a fascinating new development

It appears that, in addition to using a Mercedes-Benz powertrain, the British supercar might offer its drivers a suite of high-end interior bits from the German brand’s S-Class flagship.

These images from our European spy guys clearly show the familiar S-Class digital instrument cluster, rotary multimedia dial and operation buttons ahead of the centre console, and possibly the steering wheel.

It might be that the DB11 mule is merely using the Mercedes-Benz parts to assist testing, but it’s very unlikely. The last interior spy shots we saw featured a mess of wires and covers.

The cooperation comes as less surprise than it may first appear to be. Remember, Daimler owns 5.0 per cent of Aston Martin. Last November, it said it was unlikely to increase its share, though it has a new source of cash since it divested from Tesla.

The latest external testing shots, as well as those we’ve run previously, show us a clear impression of the overall shape of the car’s nose. Swept-back elliptical headlights, a diving bonnet with long vertical vents leading to a slimline horizontally slatted grille, and a prominent lower splitter.

It’s still a different story at the rear, where the Aston Martin DB11 prototype is fitted with fake tail-lights and panels over its boot lid. Lower down, a large diffuser panel dominates the bumper and includes large tailpipes on either side.

Based on the British car maker’s first all-new platform in more than a decade, the DB11 will be lighter and stronger than the model it replaces.

It will also be the first Aston Martin powered by a V8 engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG – likely a version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 used by the Mercedes-AMG C63 and GT.

Aston Martin has also confirmed that it will continue to offer V12 engines and manual transmissions in its future models.

Expect the Aston Martin DB11 to premiere at the Frankfurt motor show this September.