It May Not Be Valhalla, But Aston’s DB12 AMR Prototype Can Certainly Move Fast | Carscoops

      Both coupe and convertible versions of the high-performance AMR-branded DB12 have been seen at Aston's Nurburgring testing facility.

      Aston Martin's DB12 AMR prototypes have been caught on camera during their testing at the Nurburgring.

      AMR, which stands for Aston Martin Racing, typically offers enhanced power and a sportier chassis setup.

      The spy photos show both the coupe and convertible featuring a reworked grille, new bumpers, and modified tailpipes.

      This month, Aston Martin unveiled its long-anticipated Valhalla, a mid-engine sports car that directly competes with brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. However, the sighting of two DB12 AMRs at the Nurburgring indicates that Aston Martin remains committed to its front-engined heritage, even for its most performance-oriented models.

      AMR signifies Aston Martin Racing, a designation the manufacturer uses for more driver-oriented versions of its vehicles. The previous generation Vantage and DB11 both received AMR variants, and CEO Adrian Hallmark hinted at the likelihood of more AMR models as Aston looks to leverage its recent and expensive launch of new cars by developing new variants.

      Traditionally, AMR models come with increased power, a sportier chassis calibration, and subtle design improvements such as enhanced aerodynamics, which are evident in these images of the DB12 coupe and convertible making their spy debut.

      The base DB12 already showcases an aggressive front-end design with a pronounced lip spoiler integrated into the bumper. The AMR version adds another front lip with small slats at either end, and it replaces the horizontal grille bars with an egg-crate style reminiscent of some classic Aston racing cars.

      At the back, the changes are more noticeable, as the brand has exchanged the previous oval tailpipe layout, with one on each corner, for a stacked pair on each side. This design approach has been seen before in models like the Lexus IS F and Ferrari California. Additionally, rather than having an active spoiler on the trunk lid that retracts when not in use, the AMR features a small, fixed Gurney flap.

      While Aston’s new Vanquish will feature a V12 engine, the transition from DB11 to DB12 coincided with the adoption of a 4.0-liter AMG bi-turbo V8, which is also found in other models like the Vantage and DBX. This engine produces 671 hp (680 PS) in the standard DB12, which is actually 41 hp (41 PS) more than the previous DB11 AMR’s V12. It's expected that the DB12 AMR will further increase this output. The DBX 707 SUV already utilizes a version of the same AMG M177 V8 with 697 hp (707 PS), leading to speculation that the DB12 AMR could offer even higher power.

      We anticipate a closer look at the AMR later this year, and it will come at a premium. The standard DB11 Coupe and Volante convertible are priced at $252,000 and $272,000 respectively, so the AMR's pricing could range around the $300,000 mark.