Aston Martin will improve the DBS this year

The most radical version of the DB9 faces increasingly fierce competition in its segment. And given that it has already reached its five-year mark, Aston Martin finds itself obliged to update it to disguise its age. The British magazine Autocar has caught a camouflaged DBS on the Nürburgring circuit, showing the improvements that will be applied from late 2012.

If the front finally gives in to the pointed and menacing headlights that the Rapide debuted, as the Virage already did, in addition to a new spoiler and a larger-volume grille, the rear will also change. Only this one will adopt features of the all-powerful One-77. That is, it will be wider, more angular and with rear wheel arches that are even more massive if possible. In short, few will now be able to say it looks too much like the DB9.

The mechanics will also receive important changes. The 6.0 V12 engine will rise in power from the current 517 CV to 557. Likewise, its ZF automatic transmission will be “new,” according to internal sources speaking to Autocar. Therefore, it is expected to incorporate the eight gears found in ZF’s latest unit. Furthermore, Aston Martin plans to definitively rule out offering a manual on the DBS.

Finally, according to Autocar, the interior will not be far behind in terms of updates. The instrument cluster and the center console will be redesigned so that they resemble those of the One-77. Its presentation is estimated to take place this summer, with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California as the appropriate venue, so that production can begin in the autumn.

Via | Autocar