These are the first spy photos of Aston Martin’s upcoming Vantage replacement, nabbed testing on the Nurburgring.

The new Vantage will be built on a shorter version of the DB11’s aluminum platform, retaining the two-seater configuration and growing slightly in size, compared to the current model.

But the biggest news come from under the hood as it is reported that the new Vantage will be powered by Mercedes AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine most likely in two states of tune. In fact, our spies ran the UK plates of this prototype through the system and found out that there is indeed a 4.0-litre engine under the bonnet.

Aston Martin’s plan is to continue offering the new Vantage with a manual as standard and if this turns out to be true, it will instantly set it apart from its competition. Of course the company will also offer an automatic transmission as an option.

The interior will be influenced heavily by the DB11’s design language and also feature most of the new on-board technology, including infotainment systems and digital displays wrapped in expensive materials.

Aston Martin is also expected to shoehorn their new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine in there at some point for a range-topping Vantage V12 model. The new baby Aston is expected to hit the market in late 2017, with its roadster version to follow six to nine months later.

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