Aston Martin unveiled the DB11 in 2016 as a successor for the DB9. It was the company's first model launched under the Daimler AG ownership and was an instant success: during its official launch at the Geneva Motor Show over 1,400 units were ordered on the spot. However, the car faded over the years, and now after six years of production, Aston Martin is preparing to replace it.

Our spy photographers caught a mule of the DB11 successor - believed to be called DB12 - out on the streets for some initial testing. The only difference when compared to the DB11 is the modified front bumper and -- presumably -- the bones underneath the skin.

What will power the Aston Martin DB11 successor?

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the powertrain of the DB11's successor. Initial rumors suggested this will be the company's first fully electric model. Its powertrain was supposed to be sourced from Mercedes, with an estimated range of 372 miles.

However, in early 2022 Tobias Moers, Aston Martin CEO said that the V-12 is not going anywhere and will still be used until 2026 or 2027. With the DB11 successor set to arrive sometime in 2024, it is safe to assume it will also be offered with a V-12 engine. Also, there will not be a new version of the V-12 engine, just an evolution of the current one. This means the DB12 could be offered with the same twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine as the DB11 and Vantage. Just as a reminder, the latter delivers a total of 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. And, if we were to take a look at how things evolved in the past, it is very possible for the next DB12 to deliver as much as 700 horsepower and around 600 pound-feet of torque.

But, since the DB12 it is in its early stages of development, we will find out more details about its powertrain as the testing evolves.

How will the next Aston Martin DB12 look like?

This is also a mystery, but we expect the exterior design to be a slight evolution of the current one. Most likely the next DB12 will have an exterior look inspired by the recently launched Vantage, with elements taken from the Valhalla concept. From the mule caught testing we can't make out anything in this regard. In fact, it doesn't even have a proper interior. It looks like it was only provisionally made, hence the “Prototype Vehicle” sticker on the rear of the car.

When will the next Aston Martin DB12 arrive?

Initial rumors suggested that the DB11 successor should arrive sometime in 2025. But, if Aston Martin will really decided to keep the V-12 engine instead of an electric powertrain we might see the new DB12 arriving sometime in early 2024.