Aston Martin's->ke13 successor to the DB9->ke210 is out testing again. No need to get the champagne out though, as the photos we just received from our paparazzi depict the same camouflaged prototype we've seen so many times. Not the one wearing the swirly black-and-white wrap, but the all-black coupe->ke141 that could very well fill in as Mad Max's personal car in the next installment of the post-apocalyptic film series.

Just take a look at that rear end and the massive hunk of metal between those prototype tallights and tell me it wouldn't be perfect in providing protection for a huge tank of gasoline. But yeah, I know, it's not as cool as the mighty Interceptor.

Anyway, since there's is not much to talk about based on these photos, let's do a quick recap of what we already know.

First, there's a big chance this new grand tourer will come with a DB11 badge. Second, the styling should blend cues from both the 2015 Aston Martin DB10 "James Bond" car and the current 2013 Aston Martin DB9. As we found out earlier this month, the interior will feature a few parts sourced from the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as Mercedes->ke187 electronics (possibly a Comand infotainment system too). Under the hood, look for both Aston Martin's traditional V-12, as well as the AMG's->ke8 4.0-liter V-8. The smaller unit will find its way into all future Aston Martin models as part of a deal the British signed with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

Normally, this would be a case of "nothing to see here, move along." But with the grand tourer surfacing at least a couple of times a month with about a year left until it breaks cover, it means Aston Martin has a lot of testing to do before the "DB11"->ke5121 is ready to hop on the assembly line. It's probably more than the Brits are used to, given the DB9 is already 11 years old, but the end result should be grand tourer that bests its predecessor in just about every department. What's more, with at least a couple of prototypes out there, it could mean Aston is indeed developing both a V-8 and a V-12 for the upcoming model.

2017 Aston Martin DB9 Successor - Spy Shots

You can check our speculative review of the future model here.