Bond's Aston Martin DB10 revealed

ASTON Martin has ripped the covers off its latest Bond car, the strictly limited edition DB10, that previews an evolving design direction for the iconic sportscar-maker.

The DB10 will be the automotive star of the latest instalment in the James Bond franchise, titled Spectre, that will be directed by Sam Mendes who also helmed the previous Bond movie Skyfall set for release in November 2015.

The British car-maker said the DB10 was developed “specifically for the film” and built in-house by Aston's design and engineering team, but its DNA will feature in future more accessible models.

While the design of the latest Aston was led by the company's chief creative officer Marek Reichman, Aston said Mr Mendes was also involved to ensure they created “the ultimate car for the world’s most famous spy”.

Just 10 examples of the DB10 will be built and Aston's Gaydon, United Kingdom headquarters.

The company says the DB10 “gives a glimpse” of its future design direction, but it is widely believed it will replace the DB9 in 2016.

The DB10's design is a evolution of the look of all current Astons, but it carries a number of significant changes when compared with models such as the DB9.

Aston's trademark grille sits lower and wider and the bonnet line dives to a sharper-looking nose and overhangs are shortened at the front and the rear.

Its headlights feature a slimline design and give a far more modern look to the front of the Aston, and there are deep cut airvents on the side panels between the doors and wheel arches.

The character line found on most Astons running from the rear quarter window to the top of the boot-lid remains, but slopes downward to the sleeker rear end, which features new slimline tail-lights not dissimilar to those belonging to Jaguar's F-Type.

While there had been some conjecture as to Aston's future naming policy, the DB10 moniker suggests that the British manufacturer will continue beyond 10 with DB11 and 12 names in the future.

There are no technical details for the car and no images of the cabin have been published, but Aston Martin will likely continue to feed details of the striking sportscar to the media in the lead-up to the film's release late next year.

This year marks 50 years of Aston Martin's relationship with the 007 franchise which started with the DB5 featured in the 1964 film, Goldfinger.

The DB5 returned for the 1995 Pierce Brosnan-starring GoldenEye, who later drove a V12 Vanquish in 2002's Die Another Day.

Daniel Craig who took on the role of Bond in 2006's Casino Royale drove a DBS and a DB5.

Rumours are circulating online that 007 will also be driving a Fiat 500 in the new film, but this is yet to be confirmed by Fiat or the film's producers.

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer praised the design and engineering team at the company's headquarters and highlighted the relationship between Ian Fleming's iconic character and the British sportscar-maker.

“In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond.

“To be partnering once again with EON Productions is great news for this company and for everyone around the world that loves to see Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the team at Gaydon who have brought this special project from concept to reality.”