After teasing the DB11 successor for a while, Aston Martin finally unveiled the DB12 as the brand's flagship grand tourer. In fact, Aston Martin is saying that it is the world's first super tourer. Unlike the DB11, which had a V12 variant sitting at the top, the DB12 is powered by the smaller 4-litre twin-turbo V8. However, this AMG-derived engine is far more powerful than the earlier V12. Apart from that, the DB12 gets a fresh new exterior, interior, revised suspension and a handling package. So, is this actually a super tourer as Aston claims? Let's find out.
The V8 engine cranks out 671bhp and 800Nm of torque. The power is routed to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox. As compared to the earlier V8-powered DB11, the all-new DB12 puts out 168bhp and 125Nm more. It is also more powerful than the V12-powered variant of the DB11. Aston claims that the DB12 will gallop to 100kmph from a standstill in just over 3.5 seconds, and can continue building speed until it hits the top speed of 325kmph.
The DB12 gets Aston Martin’s next-gen adaptive dampers and a set of stiffer anti-roll bars. It also gets an electronic rear differential which Aston claims can go from fully open to locked in just milliseconds. As for the braking capabilities, the DB12 sports 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs made of cast iron. But for enhanced braking performance, Aston will offer carbon ceramics as an option with the DB12.
On the outside, the DB12 gets a new face with a bigger intake grille and the teardrop LED headlights have a new lighting style. In addition to that, the frameless wing mirrors are smaller than before, and there are flush door handles which compliments the DB12’s modern look. The super tourer gets new 21-inch forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S rubber. The rear sports sleek C-shaped LED taillights and two chrome-coated exhaust tips.
The cabin of the DB12 is where things get a little more exciting. The newest grand tourer from Aston gets a new in-house developed infotainment system. There are two 10.25-inch displays: one is the MID and the other is the infotainment screen, which Aston revealed in one of its teasers. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and also holds capabilities to accept OTA updates. As a flagship Aston Martin GT, the DB12 sports all the luxury to make it stand out. While most of the cabin is wrapped in luscious leather, the headlining gets Alcantara treatment and the centre console gets carbonfibre trim. The DB12 offers just the right amount of opulence and tech, which are better than any of the earlier Aston Martin GTs.
The deliveries of the DB12 will begin in the third quarter of 2023. There is no news from Aston Martin on when the DB12 will be launched in India. However, we can expect the flagship Aston GT to land on Indian shores sometime in 2024.