The new Aston Martin DB12 is the first model in a renewed range of next-generation sports vehicles that comes with 680 HP of power.
Although it may seem like a relatively modern vehicle, it’s been six years since the Gaydon firm introduced the Aston Martin DB11 to the market. In this span of time, technology has continued to evolve to take sports cars to the next level. In Aston Martin they have it very present and for this reason they have just revealed the successor to the DB11.
The new Aston Martin DB12 is already a reality. The British company describes it as the first of the brand’s next-generation sports vehicles, a car that reinvents itself without the need to resort to electrification to obtain even more benefits. Despite this, it is more powerful, faster, dynamic and technologically advanced than its predecessor.
This is the Aston Martin DB12, the new Gaydon GT
The exterior design of the Aston Martin DB12 adapts to the new times, although without losing the essence of these last 75 years of history of the DB family. The front now features a significantly larger grille, which is accompanied by a sporty bumper with a splitter at the bottom and air inlets at each end.
The LED headlights have an elongated design and are integrated between the front wings and the bumper, flanking a large bonnet with strong lines of tension that run lengthwise. The wings integrate an opening with a trim and give way to doors with a minimalist design with flush handles and rear-view mirrors mounted on the A-pillar.
The rear end is now sharper than ever. It accompanies a descending roofline, in true coupé style, with two almost horizontal C-pillars, marked wheel arches and a large sloping rear window. There are also some C-shaped pilots and a bumper that integrates the diffuser and a pair of round exhaust outlets at each end.
The new DB12 is equipped as standard with new 21-inch forged alloy wheels on both axles, which are 8 kilos lighter than those of the DB11. They are covered with new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires developed specifically for the new Aston Martin model, in measurements of 275/35 ZR21 on the front axle and 315/30 ZR21 for the rear axle.
A luxurious interior and craftsmanship
Regarding the interior of the Aston Martin DB12, the Gaydon firm has designed a luxury cabin with high-end materials and a technological atmosphere. The multifunction steering wheel is joined by a new 10.25-inch digital instrument panel with all the necessary information for the driver.
This display is complemented by a second touch unit built into the center console from where it is possible to control all of the DB12’s infotainment, navigation and climate control functions, as well as connectivity solutions via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
This display is accompanied by a cascading center console where there are numerous physical switches and knobs to configure different functions of the vehicle. Also noteworthy is the Bower & Wilkins surround sound system, a new business partner for sound equipment from the English brand.
The console has a lower compartment where a wireless charging base for mobile devices has been installed and is made of exposed carbon fiber, matching the door panels or the paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.
The rest of the cabin is finished in leather upholstery for the sports seats, padded surfaces, visible stitching, and generally every type of trim and color/material combination you’d find on a high-end Aston Martin-built car.
High-performance mechanics and specifically tuned chassis
On a mechanical level, the new Aston Martin DB12 is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This propeller now develops 680 CV at 6,000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque between 2,750 and 6,000 rpm, which represents an increase of 34% compared to the figures thrown by the DB11.
In terms of performance, the new DB12 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and announces a top speed of 325 km/h. The block is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time on an Aston Martin DB model, to an electronic rear differential (E-Diff).
On the other hand, at the chassis level, the extruded aluminum structure of the DB12 presents a 7% higher torsional rigidity thanks to changes in various components of the underbody, the transversal reinforcement of the engine, the underbody protection panels, the front crossbar and rear bulkhead.
Aston Martin engineers have integrated a new generation of intelligent dampers into the DB12 that can be adjusted based on 4 pre-set driving modes (GT, Sport, Sport+ and Wet) and a customizable one (Individual). Special attention has also been paid to perfecting the power assisted steering system (EPAS) of the new GT from the British brand.
On the other hand, a powerful brake system has been installed with 400 mm cast-iron discs on the front axle and 360 mm on the rear wheels. Optionally, this system can be replaced by a set of ceramic brakes reinforced with carbon fiber that reduces the unsprung mass by 27 kilos and improves braking response, withstanding temperatures above 800 ºC.
Prices for the new Aston Martin DB12 have not yet been announced for the Spanish market, but the brand has confirmed that the first deliveries will begin during the third quarter of 2023.
