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Aston Martin DB12: Super-slick Super Tourer

Ever feel like you need to get your James Bond groove on? Aston Martin's new 671-hp DB12 Super Tourer could be just the ticket. Powerful, luxurious, dynamic, and easy on the eyes, the two-door coupe is a matured evolution of the DB 11 (with hints of the DBS) and a study in mixing high class and high performance.

DB12's core values of high performance and ultra luxury are spearheading Aston Martin's next generation of sports cars. With this latest introduction, Aston Martin also celebrates two significant milestones in 2023: its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the DB model line.

Gone is the DB11's twin-turbocharged V12 engine option, but fear not, the DB12 is more powerful using its new Mercedes-AMG 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, gaining 71 hp over the outgoing model. This is demonstrated nicely by a 0- to 60-mph time of 3.5 sec and a top speed of 202 mph. The hand-built engine is tuned by Aston Martin engineers to deliver class-leading 671 hp at 6,000 rpm and 800 Nm/590 lb-ft between 2,750 and 6,000 rpm, which Aston Martin says is an increase of 34% compared with the DB11.

These higher outputs have been achieved through modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, larger-diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling. In addition, the auxiliary outboard engine oil cooler now has over double the face area of its predecessor in order to manage the demands on the lubrication circuit. Cooling has been optimized further by improving thermal airflow, a 56% increase in open apertures allowing more cold air to flow into the radiators, while centrally mounted hood vents placed above the twin turbos allow hot air to escape.

Power is fed through an 8-speed automatic transmission, and for the first time on an Aston Martin DB model, Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff). This differential is linked to the car's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. Unlike a conventional Limited Slip Differential, it can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds, giving the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling. In low- to medium-speed corners, the DB12 is brilliantly agile and responsive, coming alive on challenging roads thanks to immense front-end grip and tremendous traction.

DB12's bonded aluminum structure has seen a 7% increase in global tortional stiffness thanks to changes to a range of underbody components, the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember, and rear bulkhead. The combined effect is a focused improvement in tortional rigidity and lateral stiffness, especially between the front and rear strut towers, which provides stronger and more stable attachment points for the dampers and rear axle. This brings gains in suspension performance, isolation, and refinement, along with improvements in on- and off-center steering feel and overall sense of driver connection.

With the introduction of next-gen intelligent adaptive dampers and extensive engineering of key components such as stiffer anti-roll bars, DB12 offers class-leading driving dynamics and greatly increased breadth of capability.

DB12 is fitted as standard with cast-iron 400-mm front discs and 360-mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity. The brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback. For this car, Aston Martin is also the first OEM to use the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires (275/35 R21 103Y front and 315/30 R21 108Y rear), which feature noise-canceling polyurethane foam inserts within the tire build. DB12 features 21-in. forged alloy wheels as standard.

DB12's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system offers four pre-defined ESP modes (Wet, On, Track, and Off). The system works by taking information from a multitude of sensors around the vehicle, the most advanced of which is the new six-axis inertia measurement unit. This complex accelerometer data builds a real-time picture of what the car is doing. Then, using cutting-edge algorithms, it predicts the level of grip available, as well as reacting to momentary instabilities. The car also features five pre-defined drive modes. GT, Sport, and Sport+ progressively adjust the dynamic behavior, with each step allowing the driver more freedom to explore the limits of grip and traction. Wet mode enhances stability on low-grip surfaces. Individual mode allows the driver to precisely tailor the vehicle systems and mix and match preferences.

The overall design is muscular and sleek. It is just slightly longer than its predecessor and features an all-new front end with a larger, re-shaped radiator aperture and a re-shaped splitter. Framed by new LED headlights with a distinctive new daytime running lamp signature and intricate surface detailing, the DB12 has a low and wider stance. New smaller, frameless wing mirrors add to the trim-and-fit look.

The interior has also been completely redesigned, with clean horizontal lines emphasizing the sense of space and providing the perfect contemporary backdrop for a state-of-the-art infotainment system.

The all-new, ultra-luxurious interior is something to behold. It combines clean, contemporary design with classic craftsmanship and the finest materials. Occupants sit below the shoulder line with a high center console. There's a pleasing combination of contemporary display screens and interactive analog switches. DB12 retains buttons for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation.

The entertainment system is the brand's first entirely bespoke, in-house system. It includes a impressive 15-speaker surround sound system by new audio partner Bowers & Wilkins.

The DB12 should start rolling off the production line in the fall of this year. Aston Martin has not released pricing. The DB11 starts at $217,000, so expect a bump up with this latest offering.

Lots more features. Learn more at astonmartin.com/en-us/models/db12.

Source: Aston Martin

Published June 2023

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