Although it may appear like a small trailer or dynamometer, it is actually quite the opposite.
In the coming months, Aston Martin is going to unveil the production-ready DBX. Our spies captured it once more, but this new batch of images is even more intriguing as it shows a prototype that looks almost like a trailer.
The sides of the red boxes have “Taylor Dynamometer”, which is a Milwaukee-based company that offers engine and chassis dynos as well as towing dynamometers such the one the DBX was using. This means that Aston Martin was testing the engine and various parameters such as how much power it delivered to the wheels. AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 was most likely used in the SUV, probably with around 500 hp, as shown in the DB11.
Aston Martin’s V12 will also be found inside the engine bay during the DBX’s lifetime. Another hybrid version, with plenty of torque at the low end rpm range, is also in the works. However, that one will likely arrive later to blend efficiency and performance.
These spy photos are not just about the dynamometer. A peek through the rear windows shows that the SUV has a roll-cage and what appears to be extra hardware on its rear seats to simulate the additional weight of the rear passengers. The DBX is a little strange because it doesn’t have some of the production parts, such as the last taillights or the flush rear door handles.
The inside is a similar story. It is far from the same cabin you would find in a customer-spec DBX. It’s not hard to see the Mercedes switchgear throughout the cabin. This is not surprising considering the DB11 also includes a lot of Daimler goodies. Aston Martin may release a track-focused AMR version with those body-hugging racing seats, but it is unlikely that such front seats will be produced in a production model.
The Frankfurt Motor Show in September could be the opportunity to see the DBX fully in person. Aston Martin might have to wait until the Los Angeles Auto Show, which is scheduled for the second half November.