The current V12-powered Aston Martin Vanquish will soon be replaced with a new flagship Super GT – and we now know its name. Aston Martin has announced the upcoming Vanquish successor will be called the DBS Superleggera. It's the first time the iconic DBS nameplate has been used since the range-topping successor to the first-generation Vanquish based on the DB9. It first appeared in the 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale before launching the following year.

The use of the Superleggera moniker, which is Italian for 'super-light' also hints at the car's extreme capabilities, and is a nod to the original 1967 DBS. It's previously been applied to the DB4, DB5, and the DB6 Mark 1. The DBS Superleggera completes Aston Martin's ambitions to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models as part of its Second Century Plan. The automaker says the new flagship model will "feature the highest levels of performance, craftmanship and design." "When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It's the definitive Aston Martin Super GT," said Mark Reichman, Aston Martin's chief creative officer.

"It's an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We've pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it's worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries".Technical details haven't been released yet, but it's believed the DBS Superleggera will pack a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine with over 700 horsepower.

We also get a sneak peek at the car's front-end in an announcement video, but it isn't very revealing. Aston Martin will be lifting the wraps off the DBS Superleggera in June, so we don't have too long to wait. As for the Vanquish, the nameplate will be used for Aston Martin's upcoming mid-engined supercar set to rival the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S, according to Autocar. It's due to enter production in 2021, will be built on an all-new platform, and will be powered by an engine not shared by other current Aston Martin models.