Twelve years since the model was first revealed, the DB9 is finally heading toward its demise, and Aston Martin->ke13 has already started work on its successor. A development mule for the next DB9 was recently spotted on the Nurburgring Nordschleife,->ke999 where it was likely testing a new powertrain or platform. I wouldn't hold it against you if you thought that it looks just like a regular DB9 from the current generation, but a keen eye would notice that the front end is wider and that there is some light camouflage on the lower part of the front bumper. Also, the model's wheelbase is longer and the hood features two extra closing mechanisms.

Since the next DB9 is expected to be launched sometime in 2016, this development mule will probably be replaced with camouflaged, pre-production protoypes toward the end of 2015. That would make it closer to when the DB10 is featured in Spectre, the 24th James Bond film, though that would be just a coincidence. What won't be a coincidence is that the 2017 DB9 will probably borrow some design cues from the movie-only DB10.

Despite Aston's recent tie-in with Mercedes-->ke187AMG,->ke8 from which it will source V-8 engines in the future, the next DB9 is expected to feature a revamped version of the current V-12 powerplant. Attached to a transaxle version of the eight-speed automatic from ZF, the improved 12-cylinder is expected to offer more power and better fuel consumption than today's version.

Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin DB9 successor.

Why it matters

Just like pretty much the entire Aston Martin lineup, the DB9 is a bit long in the tooth, especially when it comes to the VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform it uses. Even though it had a couple of refreshes along the way, the model was launched at the end of 2003, and some of its rivals have replaced twice since then. Truth be told, Aston Martin doesn't have the same amount of R&D spending money as other carmakers, so the VH platform that underpins every current Aston model is still a few years away from being replaced. It is not yet certain if the new DB9 will feature a new architecture or a redeveloped version of the old VH, but in any case, I sincerely hope that Aston Martin will keep offering V-12 engines.

Aston Martin DB9 Successor - spy shots