Aston Martin is throwing around a lot of superlatives as it unveils the successor to the DB11. The DB12 is “a quantum shift and sets the benchmark for performance, ultra-luxury and style,” says the 110-year-old British sports car maker. “Combining a scintillating driving experience with exceptional refinement, state-of-the-art technology and indulgent luxury, the DB12 demands a new definition. Grand is not enough; this is the world’s first Super Tourer.”
These are bold claims for what, at first glance looks like a made-over DB11, but there’s an awful lot of new stuff under the skin to justify the bravado. The whole structure is significantly stiffer, with the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember and rear bulkhead all beefed up. The suspension now features next-generation intelligent active dampers which are said to provide better control across all of the DB12’s drive settings. There’s an E-Diff and revised ESC system for enhanced traction and the electric power steering system offers variable assistance with a constant ratio, giving just 2.4 turns lock-to-lock. Braking is the job of 400mm front discs and 360mm rear rotors which are drilled and grooved to better dissipate heat. A carbon ceramic setup its also offered. Unique-to-Aston Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires are fitted with a special compound and polyurethane foam inserts to reduce noise.
With less road rumble you’ll be able to better hear the sounds of the DB12’s engine, which despite what the name suggests, is actually a V-8. The AMG-sourced four-liter, twin-turbo gets a hefty 34 per cent power hike compared to its previous installation in the DB11. There’s 671 bhp at 6,000rpm and 590lbft of torque available between 2,750-6,000rpm which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The DB12 will launch from rest to 60mph in 3.5 seconds and top out at 202mph.
Aesthetically it’s an evolution of the DB11 with the profile changing little, but there’s a bigger, more aggressive front grille, funky new headlamps, a wider track, and frameless door mirrors. The DB12 is also the first Aston Martin to wear the brand’s new wings badging.
It’s a different story inside where the most noticeable change is the fitment of Aston Martin’s first in-house infotainment system. Supporting Apple Car Play and Android Auto the multi-screen system also, thankfully, has physical buttons for gear selection, drive modes, heating, and ventilation. It looks to strike the right balance between technology and usability, and means that the DB12 will be the first Aston that can receive over-the-air updates, and let customers control certain features from a smartphone app. Of course it’s as opulent as ever, with quilted leather provided by Bridge of Weir in Scotland and a surround sound audio setup from Bowers & Wilkins.
The DB12 is the first new model to be released since CEO Amedeo Felisa joined from Ferrari and he certainly sounds confident. “When a brand has as much history as Aston Martin it is important to honour the past. Not by looking back, but by pushing on with the same energy and passion that propelled our founders 110-years ago,” he says. “With the new DB12 we are reinvigorating the DB model line and reasserting Aston Martin as a maker of truly exceptional performance sportcars. By combining class-leading performance and exceptional chassis dynamics with cutting edge technology, impeccable craftsmanship and immaculate design, DB12 leads Aston Martin into a new era of excellence.”
Deliveries are set to begin in the autumn of 2023 with prices and detailed specifications to follow soon.
