Seen in the mag side...
Seen in the mag side by side with a camera car - ironically an ageing XM from arch rival Citroen - the Laguna Sport Tourer is in production trim and ready for showrooms worldwide. Most of the design changes have been made at the front, where the car"s nose has been sharpened up. Fresh headlamps and a new grille are fitted with chrome detailing to create an upmarket finish, while silver trim is clearly visible all round this high-spec model.
Called the DBS, the...
Called the DBS, the very special Aston pictured here is based on an uprated version of the DB9, and will go into production. The chassis has been modified with a wider track, while the suspension has been lowered to provide it with the handling and body control it needs to chase the toughest international crime lords.
While the Ford-owned company is keeping the newcomer"s technical specification close to its chest, engineers are rumoured to have tweaked the DB9"s mighty V12 powerplant from 450bhp to well over 500bhp. That will give Bond the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in around four seconds.
Styling tweaks include aggressive scoops and air intakes at the front, as well as wider rear wheelarches and an integrated lip spoiler at the back.
Positioned in the range between the standard DB9 and the DBR9 race car, the DBS is tipped to carry a price tag well in excess of ÷£130,000. However, only the keenest collectors are likely to get a look-in - bosses at Aston Martin have yet to open the order books, and it"s expected that only 300 examples will be produced. Needless to say, the model appearing on the silver screen will be numbered 007.
As well as a DBS plaque, the cabin gets several upgrades, with a unique translucent gearlever connected to a six-speed manual transmission and a new starter switch on the dashboard.
The model will be driven by actor Daniel Craig in the forthcoming blockbuster Casino Royale, which is scheduled to appear in cinemas here in November. Aston chief Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The DBS continues our proud and lengthy association with James Bond."
The secret agent first slid behind the wheel of the original DBS in 1969 film On Her Majesty"s Secret Service. Aston Martin made its first appearance in a Bond movie when the legendary DB5 cut a dash in Goldfinger in 1964.