Some time ago, Aston Martin declared to the world that it would introduce a new category of cars. And we, honestly, have seen it all, even things that shouldn’t even exist.
And what could a brand like Aston Martin come up with that we haven’t seen before? Nothing and we don’t complain, because we love what they do.
That is exactly what the new DB12 is.a model that does not reinvent the wheel. It is as sporty as it is elegant in equal parts., a true high-end grand tourer that perpetuates the tradition of the DB11, the DB9, the DB7 and so on. But the friends of Aston Martin finally came up with a unique nomenclature for this category of models that they have been doing for so long: supertourism.
And it is that Aston Martins have always been supertourism cars, only today the super category is much more powerful than before and the DB12 is much more “super” than its predecessors.
Aston Martin DB12: dimensions and design
- Long: 4,725mm
- High: 1,295mm
- Broad: 2,145mm
- Distance between axis: 2,805mm
- Trunk: 262 liters
- Weight: 1,685kg; timing 48:52
Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martinadded the following: “The DB12 is our design definition of a super touring car. Historically, the name ‘gran turismo’ has been synonymous with comfort, speed and refinement for most enthusiasts of our times. However, because Aston Martin’s customer is not just any driver, and because we no longer limit ourselves to simply designing the interior and exterior of objects, we have merged all those aspects into the DB12 (handling, dynamics, powertrain, sense of space and style) and we’ve pushed them to the max with technology to create this new category of driving experience with design features.”
As we know, the DB12 is a very forceful evolution of the DB11, taking it to the next level, but retaining his long-chested silhouette. It has a much more imposing presence, thanks to its wider axles, its huge 21″ forged alloy wheels (in multiple finishes and 8 kilos lighter than those of the DB11) and a large front air intake that has a more modern design. traditional than the one that debuted in the Vantage a few years ago and that continues to enchant the most purists. The new Aston Martin logo is also released, which although it is a redesign of the previous one, had not been formally used on a car until now.
The lights are new, including a new LED light signature. Concealed handles and smaller rear view mirrors complete the set. The rear and the profile are preserved from the DB11.
As in a good Aston Martin, those who want something more personal and unique, the Q by Aston Martin team will be happy to fulfill your dreams, which we hope are in good taste.
Aston Martin DB12: interior and technology
The supertourism experience if you live inside. We got a supercar driving positionbut all worked with the luxury and materials that we could find in a Rolls-Royce or a Bentleysuch as aromatic hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather, Alcantara, aluminum and carbon fiber. And of course everything is completely new, with a horizontal layout for the dashboard and a very low center console, which fortunately retains physical buttons.
With the changes in design also come changes in the digital, including two 10.25″ screens with HD resolution and a “pure black” effect when turned off. One is for the instrument cluster and the other is for the multimedia system, the which is no longer “borrowed” of Mercedes Benzbut completely own.
This system has all the amenities you would expect in a car of this category, including a 390-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system with QuantumLogic functionality or a 1,170-watt, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system, wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected systems, navigation, OTA updates, 4G LTE/GSM support, e-SIM card and some interesting services that are enabled with a subscription plan and a unique Aston Martin ID.
- Convenience: Connected navigation, Anti-theft alert, Voice assistant, Geo-fence alert
- Vehicle Management: Location, Identification, Protection, Speed alert, Trip data, Vehicle status, Remote lock and unlock
- Vehicle Services: Emergency call, Roadside assistance, Aston Martin Assistance, Privacy mode, Wireless updates, Subscriptions, Diagnostics
We cannot forget the driving assistance, including:
- Forward Collision Warning System
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Intelligent cruise control with Stop & Go function
- Lane departure warning system
- lane keep assist
- Automatic high beam system
- traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring system
- Door opening assistant
- Traffic assistant behind the vehicle
- Fatigue detection (coffee cup)
- 3D perimeter view with 360° cameras
Aston Martin DB12: Powertrain
The DB12 retains the four-liter V8 Twin Turbo sourced from Mercedes-AMGbuilt by hand but tuned by the people of Aston Martin so that it has its own personality.
It reaches 680 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, 34% more performance versus the DB11. This was achieved through modified cam profiles, optimization of compression ratios, the use of larger diameter turbochargers, and a complete redesign of the cooling system that adds two auxiliary coolers to the center main radiator. In order to ensure that the desired engine intake air temperatures are achieved under all conditions, an additional low-temperature radiator has been integrated into the charge air cooler water circuit.
In addition, the external auxiliary engine oil cooler now has twice the surface area of its predecessor in order to meet the needs of the lubrication circuit. Cooling has been further optimized thanks to improved air heat flow, a 56% increase in the size of the openings to allow a greater flow of cold air to enter in the radiators and the location of the central air intakes on the hood above the two turbochargers to allow the hot air to escape.
The engine uses a transaxle to connect with the eight-speed automatic gearbox that goes on the rear axle, which also complements its work with a carbon fiber shaft and an electronic LSD differential.
Other improvements:
- Shorter ratio differential and linked to the ESP system for a more integrated response
- Increased torsional rigidity of the bodywork by 7% which translates into more precise handling and better suspension work
- Intelligent active cushioning, featuring a 500% increase in the bandwidth of force distribution, for a wider fit
- Improved EPAS steering system with a column without isolation, for a greater feeling of connection with the front axle. It also has variable assistance to maintain a natural feel.
- Optional carbon ceramic brakes
- Premiere: the premiere of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires, with AML certification and which not only have a special compound for the DB12, but also an acoustic treatment
- Four ESP modes: Wet, On, Circuit, and Off
- Five driving modes: GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet and Individual
Aston Martin DB12: marketing
The announcement of the launch of the DB12 coincides with the celebration of two important milestones for Aston Martin in 2023: its extraordinary 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious family of DB models.
Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Group Chief Technology Officer, commented: “The DB12, as a vehicle, is a statement of principles. One that reaffirms Aston Martin’s position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology. We have enhanced every aspect of this vehicle to make it the best in its category. As a result, it offers more power and performance than its competitors. This, combined with exceptional handling and an impressive-sounding engine, makes it a car that exudes passion and true competitive character. With its breadth of capabilities, what’s crucial is that we’ve done it without compromising refinement, comfort and luxury. Couple that with the use of industry-leading control and infotainment systems, and the DB12 ushers in an exciting new era for Aston Martin.”
Deliveries of the new DB12 will begin in the third quarter of 2023. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso will get theirs first.
