Aston Martin DB5

[Renesis]

Aston Martin unveiled the AM V8 "concept car" at the Detroit Motor Show - and now here's the real thing, snapped out testing round Germany's Nurburgring circuit. The AM V8, known as the 'baby Aston', is the Ford Premier Automotive Group's proposed 911 rival; set to cost from around £60,000 when it goes on sale in 2005, it should certainly give the Porsche a run for its money. Its final name hasn't yet be confirmed, but insiders are referring to it as the 'DB5', reviving a classic badge. Aston expects this model to play a major role in upping its annual output, and for it to account for 40-50 percent of all Aston sales.

The first Aston to be built on the company's all-new aluminium platform, it is also the first Aston to be built at the former Rover site at Gaydon, where ultimately the next-generation DB7 and Vanquish will be built. Styled by Henrik Fisker, it has a wide-opening hatchback, a generous luggage area and a two-seat interior inspired by that of the Vanquish. Power comes from a Jaguar-derived 4.3-litre V8, likely to give a good 370bhp, and a 500bhp-plus supercharged R version is also said to be on the cards. The engine is front mid-mounted - positioned well back in the engine bay to give optimum front-:rear axle weight distribution. Six-speed manual transmission will be standard, a sequential-shift auto optional, and both gearboxes will be rear-mounted.

[haha604]

Looks nice, I like it. Its good to see some credible competition for the 911 finally.

[MPower]

370 horsepower isnt something too spectacular.... but still is a great looking car and will certainly be something very special. Plus, if 370 horsepower isnt enough Ill just upgrade to a 500 horsepower engine.

[Renesis]

I prefet the DB9 looks.. but its still nice

[tifosi]

i doubt the car will named DB5.

they already have a DB5, and it is not in Aston Martin's tradition to name a new car with an old name.

and that's why the new DB9 isn't called DB7.

[Renesis]

a name like DB5 would sell though.. and competing against the 911, bringing back and historic famous name would be wise

[SiR_dude]

Looks good to me. I'm not too sure about that side vent, though.

[zenon]

That's a really gorgeous design, but I also don't really like the side vent all that much right now - I'd probably have to see it in real life to judge it completely.

The hood of the car looks a bit too 'busy' as well. It would probably look better with a simple solid hood - without that front square vent thing especially.

[kteO1]

i think that from a first look it looks great..any interior fotos?

[Renesis]

I like the side vent.. it adds a nice toutch to the side just like n a BMW Z8...

but I agree with you on the hood though

[Jostyrostelli]

It's nice but the rearlights are too much McLaren Mercedes SLR Concept, and it's not really something shocking new

[kteO1]

maybe it is not something new but it is great..it looks compact powerfull...i think that i would pick that instead of a porsche 911...specially with that 500bhp.