For over six decades, James Bond and Aston Martin have been an inseparable pair—from the iconic DB5 in Goldfinger to the muscular DBS in Casino Royale. And when 007: First Light was officially revealed, one car grabbed attention instantly: a bright yellow Aston Martin DBS (circa 1970–72), seen tearing down a narrow mountain road during a high-speed chase. A clear nod to the car Roger Moore drove in The Persuaders!, it’s bold, vintage, and unmistakably Bond.
But while that adrenaline-fueled scene celebrated the past, a second Aston Martin shown in the same trailer hints at the future. Centrally displayed in Q’s lab, raised on a platform and lit from above, a second vehicle sits beneath a sleek dark grey cloth. It’s no dusty relic—it’s clearly staged for presentation. Overhead, a circular rig equipped with what appear to be robotic arms adds to the high-tech setting. And there’s one subtle clue: a shape that might just be the Aston Martin logo, either faintly showing through or printed onto the covering.
What is this car? A futuristic prototype? A next-gen mission vehicle? Or something entirely new?
After analyzing the footage and timing, here are my top three theories.
1. The Aston Martin Valhalla – Bond’s Most Likely Supercar
The Aston Martin Valhalla first appeared in the Bond universe as a backdrop—literally. In No Time to Die (2021), it was featured in Q’s lab as a centerpiece of cutting-edge innovation. But the striking hypercar was still a non-drivable concept at the time—more futuristic sculpture than road-ready machine. Interestingly, its inclusion wasn’t tied to an action sequence or a narrative arc. The prototype seen in the film differed significantly from the eventual production model, and it’s widely understood that its appearance was driven more by Aston Martin’s desire to place the Valhalla within the Bond mythos early on. It was a bold visual gesture—this car is coming, and it belongs in Bond’s world.
Originally codenamed AM-RB 003, the Valhalla was imagined as a radical hybrid hypercar. Over time, however, Aston Martin refined the design into a limited-production supercar—still extreme, but now built with input from its Formula 1 division and meant for the road. Production is officially capped at 999 units worldwide, further cementing its rarity.
The final production model, revealed in 2024, softened some of the concept’s wildest edges. The front received more traditional headlights and a cleaner splitter; the integrated rear wing was toned down. But the car retained its defining feature: a mid-engine layout. This pushes the cockpit forward and gives the Valhalla its unmistakable silhouette—low nose, short overhang, compact cabin, wide rear haunches. These visual features align well with the vehicle glimpsed in the trailer.
By the time 007: First Light launches in 2026, the Valhalla will already be on the streets—but still rare. And while No Time to Die left it parked, First Light could be the moment where Bond doesn’t just observe the Valhalla—he drives it.
See more images of the Valhalla in the gallery below (© Aston Martin | Press images courtesy of media.astonmartin.com):
| Feature | Aston Martin Valhalla (final spec) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin‑Turbo V8 + Hybrid Assist |
| Power Output | ~937 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | ~2.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~350 km/h |
| Production Status | Limited‑production supercar (second half 2025) |
| Estimated retail price | ~1,006,000 € |
2. A Game-Exclusive Aston Martin – A One-Off for First Light?
Aston Martin has a history of designing Bond-only vehicles. The DB10, built exclusively for Spectre (2015), was never released to the public—only ten units were produced, all for the film.
Could First Light follow that same approach?
A bespoke in-game car, developed in collaboration with Aston Martin, would allow IO Interactive total creative control. It could be fine-tuned for gameplay mechanics or mission-specific requirements—without being bound to real-world specs.
The car’s dramatic staging within Q’s lab suggests that it’s not just any production vehicle. Its identity is being withheld for a reason—and in the world of Bond, secrecy usually means something new, powerful, and dangerous.
3. The New Vantage S – Familiar, but Not Quite a Match
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage S was announced just weeks after 007: First Light was revealed, fueling speculation about a possible in-game appearance. Set to arrive shortly before the game’s release, it continues Aston’s legacy of front-engined grand tourers—with sharper lines, track-tuned handling, and updated tech.
But it’s a questionable fit for the mystery car in Q’s workshop. The Vantage S features a long hood, a cockpit positioned toward the rear, and distinctive sculpting on the bonnet—all details that don’t seem to match what we see in the trailer. The fabric cover lies smooth and uninterrupted, suggesting a shorter front and a more forward-set cockpit—hallmarks of a mid-engined layout.
Still, the Vantage line has Bond history. Past models appeared in The Living Daylights and No Time To Die, making it a credible contender. But for this particular reveal, the silhouette feels too traditional—and perhaps too familiar—to match the sense of secrecy and spectacle that Q’s hidden vehicle implies.
| Feature | Aston Martin Vantage S (2026) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin‑Turbo V8 (Mercedes-AMG sourced) |
| Power Output | ~671 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | ~3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~325 km/h |
| Production Status | Track-focused upgrade (launch late 2025) |
| Estimated retail price | ~213,000 € |
Will the Curtain Be Lifted Next Month?
Vehicles clearly play a key role in 007: First Light. We’ve already seen Bond behind the wheel of a yellow Aston Martin DBS—but that likely won’t be his only set of wheels.
With IO Interactive preparing for a full gameplay reveal, potentially at Gamescom 2025, expectations are high. More road scenes seem inevitable—and with them, the chance to finally glimpse what Q’s been keeping under wraps.
Whether it’s the Valhalla, a custom prototype, or something entirely unexpected, we may not have to wait much longer to find out.
