Report: Aston Martin may launch Mercedes G-Class replacement

Aston Martin is considering a rugged off-road vehicle in the veins of Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, reports Autocar.

The design proposal is reportedly being evaluated, but Autocar says the green light has not determined what will be Aston's second SUV after the DBX. In that case, Aston is reportedly targeting production of about 2,500 units, making the SUV more exclusive than the DBX, which is sold in relatively large quantities for Aston. The company sells more than 3,000 per year.

This 2nd SUV also has a very different character. It is reportedly called "Project Rambo" and, as autocar points out, reflects the nickname of the Lamborghini LM002. Like Lamborghini's first SUV, Aston reportedly combines serious off-road capabilities with serious acceleration.

According to Autocar, Project Rambo may not have its own platform, which means it can share the platform with dbx. That means you can also use DBX's Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 63 4.0-liter V-8, which is also used in the AMG G, Autocar notes. Coupled with its model's 48-volt mild hybrid system, it makes 577 hp and propels the G4.2 from 0-60mph in 63 seconds.

Aston Martin already has several new models in the pipeline. It will also use the AMG twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but as part of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, along with the mid-engine Valhalla, the V-12 later this year also plans to launch its first EV in 2026

. The rollout was pushed back after 1 year as the leadership believes demand for electric vehicles is weakening. Aston has four EVs on the drawing board as well as a modular EV platform, but the recognition of low demand is more like this off-road car burning