A MAJOR sports car firm is reportedly set to discontinue a popular model and replace it with a “hardcore” supercar.
The motor is expected to be radically reinvented as the brand seeks to offer a more “extreme” driving experience.
According to a report from Autocar, Aston Martin will transform the DBS into a “bonafide” V12 supercar.
The company had already announced that all three of its “core” sports cars, the DB11, Vantage and DBS will be discontinued at the end of this year.
The former is being replaced by the DB12, while the latter two will see new versions arrive in 2024.
According to the report, Aston may revive the Vanquish name badge, famed for its appearance in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day, for one of the two new models.
Earlier this year, Alex Long, director of product and market strategy at the company, said that there will “always” be a “flagship” model, and indicated that its name will begin with a V.
He added: “The focus on performance as a pillar of the brand is critical. Historically, we’ve been a performance brand as well as a luxury brand, and we’re moving back to that.
“As much as the electrification revolution continues, [a V12 engine has] a different use case, and it’s still very much a huge emotional connection for our customers.”
And executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said: “There’s still room for a V12 in our sports car generation.”
The DBS replacement is expected to look more similar in shape to the new DB12, with a redesigned cockpit inside that will be rolled out across the lineup.
Aston Martin declined to comment.
It comes after Bugatti unveiled a new 311mph hypercar dubbed the “ultimate billionaire’s toy” for an eye-watering price.
Meanwhile, the new Audi RS3 was spotted undergoing secret testing ahead of its release.
