Aston Martin debating name of DB9 successor – report

Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman told Autocar the name of the next-generation sports car was the subject of hot debate among the company’s executives.

“It’ll definitely be a DB, but what number will follow that is yet to be decided,” Reichman revealed.

Naturally, the new model would be badged DB10, though the designer said by that reasoning the current car would have been called the DB8.

“We skipped a number last time to try to emphasise what a big step the new car was. As the next one will be at least as big a step forward, there’s no reason why we couldn’t do so again.”

Some senior Aston executives are also believed to be in favour of retaining the DB9 name – an idea Reichman would not rule out.

The successor to the DB9 is said to be dramatically lighter than the current 1785-kilogram coupe. It will feature an all-new aluminium platform and is expected to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 built by Mercedes-AMG.

Autocar claims the British luxury sport car maker’s engineers will tinker with the engine to make it sound and feel like an Aston Martin engine, and may also liberate more power from it.

The new engine, which will debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT will produce up to 375kW of power and up to 650Nm of torque – comparing closely with the 380kW/650Nm outputs of the DB9’s existing 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12.

Reichman also revealed the new model’s styling would be more than a simple evolution of the current car.

“There’ll be a little more revolution in it. It will be unmistakably an Aston and a DB at that, but it will look fresh and modern.”