Aston Martin is looking to capitalize on the huge success of its DBX SUV by turning it into a Land Rover Defender rival. Banking on the growing demand for off-road vehicles, the Gaydon-based company is analysing the prospects of launching a luxury go-anywhere vehicle. Automatic Car reports the new derivative is internally known as “Project Rambo,” a reference to the LM002 “Rambo Lambo.”
The British magazine even called it a “surprise model” whose design draft is currently being studied. Aston Martin chief Lawrence Stroll has yet to approve the adventurous DBX for production, but could do so if there is a strong business case. Rather than becoming a permanent member of the product line, the car could end up as a special edition. Rumor has it that production will be limited to just 2,500 units.
The irony in this report is that the Aston Martin 4×4 could use the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that powers the AMG G63. That mild-hybrid engine produces 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing the sportiest G-Class to hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. However, the all-terrain DBX would be quicker because the regular version is about 700 pounds lighter than the AMG version of the Geländewagen.
It’s worth noting that the regular DBX also uses Affalterbach’s M177 engine, which produces 697 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque in the DBX707. The regular model was discontinued in 2025, leaving only the higher-powered variant on sale. It hits 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 193 mph.
Mercedes-AMG already has far more powerful technology, but it’s unclear whether Aston Martin will. The recently unveiled GT63 SE Performance pairs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor for a combined output of 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers make what Project Rambo calls the world’s most powerful SUV with a combustion engine.
How much will it cost? Logically, the off-roader will cost more than the DBX707, which started at $245,085 before the facelift. At the same time, the rugged Aston Martin will cost significantly more than the AMG G63, which starts at around $188,000 in 2025.
