It's time to say goodbye to the DB11. The new DB12 has just arrived. On the surface, the new DB12 follows the concept of its predecessor. With some improvements to the bodywork and overall shape, the car is easily distinguishable and a real head turner.
That the DB12 still resembles the already 7-year-old DB11 isn't a problem whatsoever. Au contraire! It's very Aston Martin to stick with a design for several generations, and nobody is really unhappy about that. One area where Aston has lacked in the last decade was on its interior side. We haven't seen a true overhaul since the DB9. But Aston has made sure this time around to bring the interior to new standards!
So, what is new on the Aston Martin DB12?
From the outside, the new front grille stands out from the start. The increased air intake is hard to miss and reminds me of older-generation Astons. It looks great! Overall, the DB12 looks more aggressive than previous DB cars. The new daylight running lights, the way the mirrors are shaped, and the wider track add to a sense of seriousness. The DB12 is a bold statement, and I absolutely love it.
It's not all about looks either. Aston says that they've spent a lot of effort on driving dynamics and the driving experience. Previous models have been notoriously hard to handle, especially under wet conditions. And, although plenty powerful, the Aston Martins would often lose drag races because they can't get the power down. With the DB12, Aston plans on changing that.
Engine
In part, that's because we will no longer see a V12. I know, ... I know. Take a minute if you need one. My top favorite engine in the world is an Aston Martin V12. And it's sad we won't see one in the DB12. But with regulations and all that, it's not surprising since we see almost all manufacturers ditch the large engines in turn for smaller, turbocharged ones. The DB12 then rocks a 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Downsizing on cylinders isn't equal to downsizing on power, though. Aston was able to extract an impressive 671hp from the V8 with 800 Nm of torque.
That's a great amount of power for a GT car and comes with the performance figures to match: 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds, and it will reach a top speed of 202 mph. It will get you there with a ZF 8-speed transmission and an electronic differential. Shorter gears and an improved torque curve should make the car snappier and more engaging than ever before.
Driving characteristics
Does it end there? Well, not according to Aston Martin! Remember that drivability I wrote about earlier? That's when things get even more interesting. The DB12 comes with a completely revised suspension and electronics package to help manage that 671 hp. Aston has made it its goal to ensure drivers can fully enjoy their glorious V8 without overstepping and sending their $250,000 investment ass-backwards into a guardrail. The DB12 then should be a balanced package of grip, performance, and electronics that aid you when necessary without being intrusive and ruining the experience. To aid with grip, the DB12 has specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires that offer a harder compound and better responsiveness. They should be able to handle the torque better too, allowing you to reap the benefits of the 800 Nm of torque. In other words, the DB12 will make you feel like a hero behind the wheel, but it will hold your hand in the process to keep you in check.
Interior
My favorite upgrade has to be the interior, though. For quite a while, the interior of Astons hasn't changed drastically. Yes, we've seen improvements, especially with the introduction of the new Vantage. But it never really lived up to its counterparts. I remember a time where we would compare an Aston to a Bentley. But an outdated and borrowed infotainment, combined with rather boring interior design overall, disappointed time after time. So, I massively applaud Aston for the piece of art they've painted inside the DB12.
Let's start with the elephant in the room... The infotainment. If you remember correctly, the DB11 and the new Vantage have borrowed infotainment from Mercedes. That wouldn't be at all bad if it wasn't for the fact that it was the previous-generation UI. Overall, the quality and performance of the outdated software were a miserable element in an otherwise great car. And Aston Martin understood that. For the first time then, they've spent a great deal of money on their very own infotainment. Yes. You read that correctly. The infotainment system in the DB12 is no longer a borrowed and mangled software; it's completely new and tailored by Aston Martin. And it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too, which will even show up on the new digital cockpit. At first glance then, it already looks great and up to par, if not slightly ahead of the DB12's main rivals.
To many, the presence of physical buttons will also be applauded, as Aston made sure you can access car settings quickly and easily without having to faff around in some submenu. They've also made sure to spend extra time finding the optimal feeling and weight in every switch, knob, and button.
The center console obviously stands out too. It's no longer the uncomfortable V8-styled layout but a more modern combination of a touchscreen and physical buttons. It's right up there with other manufacturers in terms of design and brings an elegant interior to life. It's fair to say then that we can start comparing the interior quality of the Aston Martin to that of a Bentley. And that says something...
Conclusion
All things considered, the DB12 might be one of Aston Martin's most important cars. It elevated the brand to be ready for competition. In recent years, they've taken some great steps to stay with the other brands, but they've always lacked just a little. It seems that now, Aston is back! Their lineup is nothing short of impressive with the upgraded DBX707, DBS 777, and the V12 Vantage, and now this... the DB12. The "supertourer" I can't wait to get behind the wheel and see if the driving experience lives up to what it sure as hell looks like on paper!
All image credit goes to: © Aston Martin