If an SUV with 405kW of power and 700Nm of torque isn’t enough for you, Aston Martin has something you might like.
The British automaker has teased a hotter version of its DBX SUV, which it’s calling “the world’s most powerful luxury SUV”.
It’s set to be revealed on February 1, though in the meantime Aston Martin has published a clip on social media of what the hot DBX will sound like.
Simultaneously, our spy photographers have captured a DBX prototype testing.
There’s a larger grille and a restyled front bumper with bigger air intakes, while one of the prototypes also includes quad exhaust outlets.
We’d also expect the production model to feature different tyres and beefier brakes, among other dynamic enhancements.
One major question remains: just what will power the hotter DBX?
Rumours had suggested the DBX S, as it could be badged, would be powered by Aston Martin’s twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 engine.
However, the teaser video – or, rather, the audio – suggests it could be powered by a V8.
That would indicate a tuned version of the existing car’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG.
The current DBX puts out 405kW of power and 700Nm of torque, but rumours suggest Aston Martin could be targeting an output of 700hp (521kW) – more than the current Lamborghini Urus (487kW/850Nm).
That would put it just below the upcoming, V8 plug-in hybrid BMW XM, which will put out 550kW and 1000Nm, and therefore contradicts Aston Martin’s “world’s most powerful luxury SUV” claim – unless Aston doesn’t consider the BMW to be a luxury SUV.
If Aston Martin was planning to use its V12, it’s tuned it to produce upwards of 522kW and 752Nm in the limited-run V12 Vantage Speedster.
After launching the DBX with a single, twin-turbo V8 variant, Aston Martin has been expanding the range.
First came the China-only Straight Six, with its 324kW/520Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
A plug-in hybrid is reportedly in the cards, while rumours have also pointed towards seven-seater and coupe variants.
