More Than Just 11 Becoming 12
There is yet to be a lineage of automobiles that can define British-born motoring as boldly as that of the Aston Martin DB. That sentiment is not about to be diminished in any way either, with the announcement of the new 2024 Aston Martin DB12.
The rationale behind its name is about as straightforward as its purpose, with the DB11 successor showcasing the absolute best that Aston Martin has to offer. So impressive is the leap, that the DB12 is now being hailed as a “super tourer”—the conventional “grand tourer” persona just doesn’t cut it anymore.
That’s not to say that this new super tourer strays far from its roots, as the DB12 strikes a familiar pose and comes with all of the quintessential giveaways which make it undeniably, an Aston Martin first and foremost.
It’s not just a bunch of marketing hubbub either, as the DB12’s credentials go above-and-beyond in backing this self-proclamation. Improving on the out-going model was always going to be par for the course, but creating something that’s greater than the sum of its (oh so very impressive) parts deserves recognition—and the Aston Martin DB12 happens to be exactly that.
Timing Is Everything
If you’ve been following the trajectory of Aston Martin lately, the announcement of the automaker’s super tourer should feel as measured and calculated as their recently discovered white-hot form. None of this is a coincidence, and if flames could turn any color, they would be green right now.
Current Aston Martin CEO—and former Ferrari gaffer—Amedeo Felisa has come out of retirement to steer the ship back on course, which turns out to be a bit of a pun in itself. It wasn’t long ago that—under previous leadership—the company was set to transition into a luxury lifestyle brand, with speed boat and airplane production being amongst the many planned ventures within a convoluted web of potential business dealings.
About a year has passed since his return, and it has become apparent that Felisa is bringing back a sense of focus and specialization to the British automaker, who will be doing just that—producing iconic cars. It’s all kind of normal again, and in the best way.
There’s now a clear vision to re-establish Aston Martin as a leader and benchmark-setter in the “super luxury” automobile segment. Coupled with this season’s particularly outstanding results in Formula 1, everything is looking really bullish for Aston Martin at the moment—and the new Aston Martin DB12 is the embodiment of all the positive things currently brewing in Warwickshire and Silverstone.
Performance & Drivetrain
At least for now, Aston Martin has decided to stick solely with the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 unit—mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission—when it comes to the DB12’s power plant. Down the road, they could opt to bring back the 5.2L V12 which powered range-topping trims like the previous-gen DB11 AMR. Given the way things are today, it no longer becomes easy to predict what would otherwise have been obvious, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Either way, the V8 remains an ideal representative of what the DB12 is supposed to be all about, with improvements over the previous iteration increasing output to 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That actually makes it more powerful than both the previous-gen’s V8 and V12 by some distance, with Aston Martin also claiming a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph, which is also superior to any of the DB11 variants.
The hand-built-Mercedes-AMG-sourced engine has been able to take its capabilities to a whole new level by way of bigger turbos, more robust cooling systems and a reprogrammed engine management system. The 8-speed automatic transmission has also had its gearing rejigged to improve acceleration and allow for a more sporty driving character.
Handling & Chassis
Remembering that the DB12 is a super tourer, and not a track-focused tool, you can also expect improvements which will help make piloting one feel more sporty, enjoyable and refined than ever before. This begins electronically, with a new state-of-the-art adaptive suspension system, updated electric power steering unit, and revised rear differential system providing a transformative experience for Aston Martin’s discerning customer base.
Mechanically, the chassis is claimed to be 7% more rigid thanks to additional bracing, while firmer anti-roll bars also help make the DB12 more “dialed-in” compared to its predecessor. Meaty 275/35 and 315/30 Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires are mounted on the car’s 21″ wheels at the front and rear respectively, while stopping power can be provided by a set of optional carbon-ceramic brakes or standard steel rotors. Aston Martin has also improved the brake booster software, which improves pedal feel and input precision even more.
Design & Interior
While there could still be a shake up taking place at Aston Martin, the silhouette of the DB12 is proof that the British automaker’s philosophies still remain very much in touch with the past—there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.
Even from a distance, there really is no mistaking the “007” aura that the DB12 gives off; its long front hood flowing into a sleek roofline before blending with those sensual fastback proportions. It’s a classic British beauty in every sense of the phrase, with just enough modernization to keep it feeling fresh and relevant with today’s standards. Those looking for the finer details will certainly find them, with a larger front grille, reimagined headlights, a wider track, and other distinctive features, amongst the new design cues which also make the DB12 a unique automobile in its own right.
Moving into the cabin, you’ll find no shortage of exotic-grade amenities and materials which allow the Aston Martin DB12 to live up to its self-proclaimed “super tourer” billing. There’s a healthy marriage of minimalism and functionality going on inside, with an optimal balance of digital screens and tactile buttons thoughtfully placed to provide the driver full control over his or her dominion. Otherwise, you can also expect the standard fare of high-end features which include contrast stitching, carbon fiber panels, alcantara seat cushions and an intuitive infotainment system.
There are also a number of paint color schemes you can choose from, ranging anywhere from understated to extroverted, with Iridescent Emerald—which also changes the wheel color to gold—definitely taking the cake as being the most outgoing version of the car. James Bond would probably be choosing the more necessarily covert Satin Aluminite Silver DB12 for himself, I would reckon.
Pricing & Availability
We’ve been told that the new 2024 Aston Martin DB12 will be available for purchase by fall of this year. While there’s still yet to be an official word on pricing, most industry experts are anticipating a base price of around $250,000 USD, with a soon-to-follow Volante (convertible) variant likely to command a $20,000 USD premium over the coupe.
For those of you really eager to get your hands on one, Aston Martin dealers are already accepting inquiries.
Verdict
supercars.net
It’s been a long time coming, but there’s finally a new super tourer in town. The quintessentially-British luxury sports car boasts more impressive specs and a higher stature than ever before, as it arrives riding a wave of verve and optimism that’s been gaining momentum in a reinvigorated Aston Martin camp.
The performance is pretty insane, and everything else about it looks and feels familiar—and when we’re talking about the DB12, that is always going to be a great thing. On paper, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 looks like it’s practically everything you would have hoped it would be, but it does command a hefty price to go with that. Only time will tell whether the car is an under or over performer.
Stay tuned for our follow-up review, when the car is in the hands of automotive journalists.
What Other Experts Are Saying
Top Gear
It looks and feels a more serious driving tool. And that should hopefully allow it to plug the gaping hole between the wonderfully weighty Bentley Conti GT and the hyperactively flighty Ferrari Roma.
Link to full article, here.
Car and Driver
It has the performance that its overheated looks promise but let its model name lead you to assume that Aston stuffed a V-12 into it.
Link to full article, here.
MotorTrend
We’ll wait until we get behind the wheel before making a definitive judgment, of course, but at first acquaintance, the DB12 is perhaps the most important new Aston Martin grand tourer since the DB7.
Link to full article, here.
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Official Press Release
Introducing the Aston Martin DB12: The world’s first Super Tourer
- DB12 heralds a new era for Aston Martin as the first of its next generation sportscars
- Bold new DB12 delivers a quantum shift and sets the benchmark for performance, ultra-luxury and style
- The bold and assertive exterior design of the new DB12 is the perfect expression of power and potency
- Best-in-class power output of 680PS/800Nm from 4.0 V8 Twin-Turbo engine elevates the level of driving excitement to a new standard
- Huge breadth of capability fuses thrilling dynamics with refinement and comfort
- All-new suspension system featuring new intelligent adaptive dampers, Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff) and Aston Martin bespoke 21in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres amongst technical highlights
- State-of-the-art Aston Martin infotainment system forms centrepiece of all-new interior
- Ultra-luxurious interior design focuses on a driver centric cockpit, integrating latest technologies with luxury craftmanship and materials
- Top speed of 202mph, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds
- Deliveries scheduled to begin Q3 2023
Link to full press release, here.
