Aston Martin previews DBS with the Project AM310

Aston Martin often unveils new cars at the Villa d'Este in Italy. Last year, it was the V12 Zagato that was unveiled there. This year, it's the AM310 concept car (called the Project AM310 by Aston). The concept is going to production, with test mules being spotted in the press in Nurburgring.

Based on the VH platform, the AM310 is said to be a preview of the upcoming next-generation DBS. Most of the changes are in materials rather than heavy-handed design upgrades. Most likely it will use the high-tech carbon fiber displayed on the One-77.

Other aspects of the One-77 can be seen clearly in the AM310 concept down the sides and rear with side vents running nearly to the door handles and in the tail lamps. The familiar Aston grille and front end from the DBS remain.

The interior is being kept close to the vest by Aston Martin, but it's likely to be one of the DBS' greatest new features and expected innovations include a lot of technology and new materials in design. This will be a major upgrade from the current DBS.

The power plant is a V12, of course, but little else is known except that it will be over 550bhp.

The next-generation DBS will unveil officially just before its first public showing at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California this August. The car will go on sale in 2013 as the new Aston Martin flagship will set the stage for future styling upgrades to the rest of the Martin line.