Shortly after Aston Martin announced they’re preparing to “unleash the first of its highly anticipated next generation of sports cars,” spy photographers snapped the DB11 successor making a pit stop.

Expected to be called the DB12, the prototype features an eye-catching wrap as well as a massive grille that is far larger and more aggressive than the one found on the DB11.  It’s joined by a front splitter, evolutionary headlights, and a ventilated hood.

The prototype’s profile appears to be a spitting image of the current model and we can see a rakish windscreen that flows into a sloping roof. Both also have a similar rear pillar treatment as well as front fender vents and body shapes.  While this would normally imply the prototype is simply a facelift, it’s believed this is an all-new generation and chassis testing mules were spotted last summer.

Also: Next-Gen Aston Martin DB11 Mule Spied For The First Time Wearing The Current Model’s Body

 Aston Martin DB11 Successor Spied, Could Adopt The DB12 Moniker

The déjà vu design continues out back as the rear end looks identical to the one found on the current model.  As a result, there’s a familiar dual exhaust system and slender taillights.

Aston Martin has been tight-lipped about the car, but it will clearly embrace evolution over revolution.  Whether or not that philosophy carries over to the engine compartment remains unclear, but the current model offers a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 pumping out 528 hp (393 kW / 535 PS) and 513 lb-ft (675 Nm) of torque.  It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in four seconds flat before hitting a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h).

Customers can also get a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 with 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.  Thanks to the extra oomph, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time falls to 3.7 seconds while the top speed increases to 208 mph (334 km/h).

Pictures: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops