Mystery surrounds this Aston Martin DBX at the Nurburgring

Aston Martin will expand its DBX model range next year with a go-faster version. Thought to be called the DBX S, the rumour mill is swirling as to just what will power this new variant.

A test vehicle has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring sporting a subtly revised front end.

This includes a new, larger front grille and air intakes, while the bumper gets a more pronounced splitter.

Aston has said it will add more DBX models to keep sales ticking along (year-to-date August, Aston has sold 20 in NZ) and these include new bodystyles such as a fastback/coupe model, and a long wheelbase version for even more rear passenger legroom and a focus on super luxury. Because clearly the DBX is not expensive enough for some buyers.

But back to the DBX S where it’s thought the model could be powered by Aston’s own 5.2-litre twin turbo V12. The company is also engineering the little Vantage with the V12 so it makes marketing sense to offer the DBX with a 12 cylinder also. The other option is to retain the V8, but with a more potent output.

This AMG-sourced engine can be tuned to offer more than 450kW. This is the same as the standard Aston V12, while the hi-po DBS version makes 530kW. We reckon Aston will probably offer both engines.

A 450kW 4.0-litre V8 would deliver a clear power-to-weight advantage over the V12, that when combined with focused chassis tuning, would make for the most sporting of the DBXs. That would leave room for Aston to offer a 530kW V12 in a super exclusive model for those that need to have excess amounts of excess.