As I write this article, we are still no clearer as to who the next James Bond actor will be. Will it be Henry Cavill or Tom Hardy? Who knows. However, we do know that Aston Martin and James Bond’s connection on screen stretches back to 1964’s Goldfinger, where Bond is presented with a DB5 stocked full of gadgets by Q. The latest news comes to us in the form of 3 teasing images with the tagline, ‘Grand is not enough’. Where have we heard a similar phrase before in the bond universe? If you know, you know.

Nevertheless, if it’s an unveiling you’re looking for, Aston Martin has provided the goods. On the 24th of May 2023, the latest of the DB range will be presented to the public and is sure to be a landmark date heralding the start of the British brand’s next generation and perhaps the end of its petrol-powered vehicles. We know that the Valkyrie and upcoming Valhalla use a hybrid powertrain, but like so many other brands, Aston seems to be heading towards full electrification.

The DB bloodline has been a fixture for 75 years and when it comes to producing a grand tourer, Aston Martin is one of the best in the business. There are very few other brands that can smash continents in the manner of an Aston, providing equally brilliant driving mechanics and comfortability. 

Expected to be called the DB12, and widely assumed to be the next Bond car, Aston Martin has given little away with its 3 published images. Nonetheless, the lights, bonnet and grille are what we can sort of see.

The highlights are three cluster units and the overall shape seems to be an evolution of what we’ve seen before on the DB11. The sharp and aggressive looking bonnet hides the engine which is expected to be the 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 as well as AMG’s 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 powerplant. Going into the interior, the image shows us the centre console which seems updated from the previous DB, with a new display for infotainment as well as actual buttons rather than a touchscreen.

I can’t wait to see proper pictures of the new DB and if this is to be the new Bond car, then can the James Bond who sits in it please be more of a Roger Moore than a Daniel Craig? After No Time to Die’s terrifyingly sad ending, I wouldn’t mind something a little more light hearted!

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Aston Martin