Aston DBX set to hit road
Spies on alert for prototypes after SUV’S design is signed off
ASTON Martin’s first ever SUV is nearing its debut, and Auto Express can reveal that the final design of the new car has been signed off.
A select number of buyers have been invited to see the finished item, which was previewed in three-door form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015 as the DBX concept. The production model – likely to be called Varekai – has been transformed into a more conventional five-door, and we’ll get to see it next year.
We could have our first unofficial glimpse towards the end of 2018, though. The Varekai will be built at an all-new Aston facility in St Athan, Wales, and CEO Andy Palmer has previously suggested that prototypes could begin rolling off the line before the year is out. So watch this space for spy shots.
Speaking to Auto Express recently, Aston Martin vice chief marketing officer Simon Sproule confirmed the advancement of the project.
“We’ve shown it to prospective customers and the design freeze has happened,” he said. “We know what it looks like and now we’re working on building first prototypes.
“It’s a proper car programme and it’s going through its first milestones,” added Sproule, confirming a 2019 launch.
While the DBX concept used a futuristic, all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain with motors inboard of the wheels, the final car will launch with petrol power the sole option, according to Sproule.
“The production DBX will be gasoline engined,” he explained. “If you look at our EV strategy, by mid next decade every car we make will be either hybrid or electric, and inevitably there will be some form of hybridisation of DBX to come. But our electrification plan is Rapide next year, then Lagonda from 2021.”