Aston Martin Debuts The DB12 As A ‘Super Tourer’
The DB11’s successor packs a twin-turbo V8, offering enough grunt to clock 325kmph flat out.
Ever since Aston Martin skipped the ‘DB8’ and ‘DB10’ (the concept featured in the James Bond movie doesn’t count!) monikers in an otherwise sequential flow of naming their models, there would have been people wondering if the DB11 would be succeeded by the DB13. Or perhaps not! Apologies for the apparent delusional start to this write-up.
What you see here is the Aston Martin DB12, which replaces the DB11 in the brand’s portfolio. And the Brits are tagging it as a ‘Super Tourer’. Let’s hope people don’t start calling it an ST! Anyway, in terms of looks, you have to agree that it is a jaw-dropper. Of course, some people will criticise Aston Martin for not being experimental enough in the design department. But, the evolutionary approach is always a safer bet than the revolutionary.
In the profile, I see the DB12 boasting a blend of the DB11 and the Vanquish. The more extravagant grille that blends deeper into the front splitter is as bold as they come. It is accompanied by new LED-powered headlights with a unique DRL signature. Riding on 21-inch forged alloy wheels, the DB12 features broader tracks – 6mm front and 22mm rear. The car also features smaller and frameless ORVMs, flush door handles and Aston Martin’s latest version of their wings badge. Although a bit stretched to my eyes, the rear end is elegant to behold.
Inside the cabin, the choice of upholstery can be leather or Alcantara. The design of the cockpit is very driver-centric, and occupants sit low down, even lower than the two-door coupe’s shoulder line. A standout feature is the all-new infotainment system, developed in-house by Aston Martin. It has a 10.25-inch real estate and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In the mix are the brand’s connected-car services, which use an embedded 4G/LTE e-SIM to get things done. The Aston Martin App, which connects with the car’s infotainment, is also a first.
Standard features include the Aston Martin 11-speaker 390-watt sound system, which can be upgraded to a 15-speaker 1,170-watt setup from Bowers & Wilkins. And although old-school by definition, the mechanical switches for various comfort- and chassis-related functions is a blessing.
Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 that outputs 671hp/800Nm, a 34 per cent increase compared to the DB11. The oomph is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic unit, slick enough to record a sub-4-second 0-100kmph sprint time. The top speed is 325kmph. Aiding the driver along the way are features like an electronic rear differential (a first for a DB Aston Martin), electronic stability control and a stiffer aluminium skeleton. One could even opt for the carbon ceramic brakes, which save 27kg in unsprung weight, besides offering increased stopping power.
The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres, their first OEM application. They have been designed specifically for the DB12, featuring ‘AML’ codes and noise-cancelling foam inserts. The buyer could team those up with the standard five-spoke wheels or the optional multi- and Y-spoke rims. The wheels are available in multiple colours.
Deliveries of the Aston Martin DB12 will start in the third quarter of this year. And around the same time, we’ll also learn about the pricing.
Team TCI got a chance to get up close to this British beauty. Check it out!
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