A latest trademark submitting hints {that a} main refresh of the Aston Martin DB11 might embody a brand new identify.

First noticed by CarBuzz, a trademark software for the identify “DB12” was filed with america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Mar. 17. Remember that a refreshed DB11 is anticipated to debut for the 2024 mannequin yr and, as CarBuzz notes, CEO Lawrence Stroll has stated the automaker will replace its current fashions so extensively that they might be like “all-new vehicles.”

Aston may very well be planning to name the up to date DB11 the DB12 to make it appear newer (the DB11 itself dates again to the 2017 mannequin yr), however the automaker can also simply be making an attempt to guard mental property. The automaker beforehand filed U.S. trademark purposes for DB10 by means of DB14 in 2014. The DB10 identify was used for a particular automobile constructed for the James Bond film “Spectre,” whereas the DB11 went into manufacturing because the alternative for the DB9, however the different names went unused.

Trademark filings like these assist Aston block different corporations from copying its naming conference. “DB” stands for David Brown, who bought Aston from its authentic homeowners in 1947, saving it from oblivion.

Whereas Aston principally launched DB fashions in sequence, it skipped from the DB7 to the DB9. With the DB10 being solely a film automobile, it has been some time since Aston launched sequentially-numbered manufacturing fashions.

No matter it finally ends up being known as, spy pictures present the DB11 refresh will possible have comparable styling to the present automobile. Nevertheless, a redesigned sprint with a extra superior infotainment system (the present model depends on outdated know-how borrowed from Mercedes), can also be anticipated, together with up to date variations of the present Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and Aston’s personal twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12.

The up to date DB11 might debut this yr for Aston Martin’s one hundred and tenth anniversary. The automaker has said that the primary of its subsequent era of sports activities vehicles might be launched this yr. It is also planning a limited-edition mannequin known as the DBS 770 Final to mark the top of the DBS line, with a handful of recent fashions deliberate within the coming years.