The DB12 offers three drive modes that offer different responses: GT provides an initial ride quality suitable for cruising while Sport and Sport+ modes restrict body motions and sharpen reflexes of the car.
Aston's engineering brief for this DB12 was to maintain everything great about its predecessor model while dramatically increasing its dynamic capability - and they achieved it!
Utilizing Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires, the Aston Martin DB12 is now more responsive when pressing down hard on the gas. Newton's team spent significant time perfecting steering feel - now more linear and precise than before.
The DB12's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 has been enhanced with a larger diameter turbocharger and revised cooling, now producing 671 horsepower and reaching 60mph in 3.5 seconds.
Aston Martin also made improvements to their eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving it a 13 percent shorter final drive ratio compared to what Mercedes offered with their DB11 model. It feels much more intuitive when taking corners even with Sport+ mode engaged and is almost like its systems can read your mind; that is particularly useful considering how brittle its low speed ride remains.
The DB12 sits firmly on 21-inch wheels that conceal cast-iron brake discs measuring 400 millimeters at its front axle and 360 millimeters at the rear. Its bodywork features skillful enhancements that combine muscularity with modern design elements for an aesthetic finish.
As soon as you press the starter button, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 springs to life with an invigorating burst of acceleration before settling into its comfortable idle. When activated with drive mode selector, adaptive dampers stiffen while anti-roll bars reduce body movement with minimal intervention from them both.
Simon Newton, Aston Martin's vehicle performance director, states that their engineering team's goal for the DB12 was "to retain all that was good about the DB11 while drastically increasing its dynamic capability". On dry tarmac with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires (with noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts to reduce rubber hum), highway passing becomes effortless while low speeds show where its true potential lies.
Aston Martin owners know that style is integral to substance, yet are realistic in understanding that James Bond who drives around in a diesel sedan with moisture-wicking athleisure fabrics isn't what they had in mind when purchasing their dream vehicle.
To achieve this goal, the DB12 features a host of performance-shaping electronics - an electronic rear differential for quicker cornering and a new stability control system with four intervention protocols and five drive modes (GT, GT Sport, Sport+, Wet and Track). A Bosch six-axis inertial measurement unit also allows more subtle powertrain and chassis responses.
Aston's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 from Mercedes features revised camshafts, new turbos, and an updated cooling system to produce 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - more than enough power to propel this GT from zero to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and onward to its top speed of 202mph.
The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission in the DB12 is an exceptionally responsive partner, shifting quickly yet smoothly without fuss or disruption. It downshifts readily when accelerating hard from corners, holding onto gears when climbing steep grades quickly reducing time and distance traveled.
Simon Newton, Aston Martin's Vehicle Performance Director, states that their engineering team was given the task of maintaining all that's good about the DB11 while greatly increasing its dynamic capability. While its chassis remains unchanged, revisions made to engine cross brace, front crossmember, rear bulkhead and underbody tray significantly increase structural rigidity by 7 percent.
At low speeds on Route Napoleon, flooring the right pedal unleashes a kidney punch of acceleration from your V12 engine. Even its soundscape is equally satisfying as its exhilarating performance - with a mixture of hushing and glistening as you glide past mountains and towns of this scenic principality.
Aston Martin set out with the DB12 to demonstrate their 2+2 could take on the super-tourer role, and it definitely has this capability if pressed hard on its rotary controller near the gear selector and placed into Sport+ mode.
Aston claims 3.4 seconds from zero to 60 mph and top speeds of 202 mph - far outstripping even its archrival, the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
The DB12's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 starts to rev before quickly settling into a smooth idle. Thanks to a new stability control system with four intervention protocols - GT, Wet, Sport and Track - as well as Bosch six-axis inertial measurement units providing real-time information on grip levels available, subtle powertrain and chassis adjustments can be made earlier.
No matter where it's driven from or how it's driven, the DB12 remains thrilling yet controlled. Power comes from its hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft between 2750 and 6000 rpm; an increase of 34% when compared with its predecessor engine. Furthermore, modified cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, and larger turbochargers contribute even further.
It comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission that strikes a delicate balance between precise shifts and mechanical movements, while maintaining responsive handling characteristics. A new Electronic Rear Differential works in conjunction with the latest generation ESC to increase cornering grip while its shorter final drive ratio keeps acceleration under control for an enjoyable experience on dry tarmac roads or highways alike.
After its debut, Aston Martin designers returned the DB12 to its studios and decided that "we couldn't improve upon it". Instead, they made significant modifications that make this version of their iconic GT sports car the most compelling Aston ever.
Aston's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 now produces 671 horsepower and comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic and, for the first time ever, an electronic rear differential.
The engine of the Aston Martin DB12 is also more advanced than its predecessor thanks to a range of sophisticated changes such as different cam profiles, optimized compression ratio, larger turbos and an upgraded cooling system. Furthermore, its bonded aluminum structure boasts seven percent increased torsional rigidity; providing a strong platform for chassis upgrades. On twisty roads the DB12 devours corners before quickly thrusting out with sports-car-esque gusto; on soulful yet relaxed drives it's soulful yet swifter than its Ferrari V12 cousin yet still very quick indeed!
Aston Martin DB12 is an ideal grand tourer, boasting effortless power delivery, comfortable gearbox tuning and cushioning suspension that effortlessly smoothes out rough roads. But when the time comes for acceleration, its twin-turbo V8 delivers all of its 590 lb-ft of thrust - no other grand tourer can rival its power!
Aston engineers claim they have tuned its engine for maximum capability, although it remains an AMG unit. It delivers class-leading torque and horsepower reserves; we didn't come anywhere close to reaching its 220 mph top speed though.
Aston Martin has combined its engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time ever on an Aston Martin car, an electronic rear differential capable of quickly shifting from open to locked position within milliseconds. Furthermore, there is a selection of drive modes including GT calibrations that prioritize ride quality for long distance cruising and Sport and Sport+ settings which sharpen chassis responses.
The DB12 appears like an even more muscular and aggressive version of its DBS sibling with its broad haunches, larger intakes and wider track. Its appearance combines authority with lashings of Bentley-esque luxury; something evident inside with beautiful stitched Bridge of Weir leather seating surfaces, elegant wood trims and authentic metal switches complementing state-of-the-art digital displays.
Simon Newton was specific in his engineering brief for this car: Preserve everything that made the DB11 great while dramatically increasing its dynamic capability. The DB12 delivers on this promise, creating an astoundingly capable and luxurious GT with impeccable steering and plenty of ferocious power on tap. To further tame its boldness, five drive modes (including Individual settings for personalized calibrations) provide customization capabilities; GT mode provides ideal primary ride quality for long distance cruising while Sport+ modes tighten down body motions to sharpen reflexes while GT mode provides maximum primary ride quality with good primary ride quality while Sport/+ modes help curtail body motions to tighten body motions further and sharpen reflexes further than before.
Start up the DB12's V-8 engine, and it comes to life with an alert idle. Although its top speed can reach 202 mph, what strikes you first about this car is its smooth ride over road imperfections: its suspension effortlessly handles urban road acne and speed bumps like experts.
Aston engineers placed great importance on developing an intuitive steering feel for their DB12, placing more weight on the front wheels for quicker turn-in and less front-end push. A Bosch six-axis inertial measurement unit gives real-time understanding of its dynamics while the car delivers subtle powertrain and chassis adjustments via its stability control system. GT mode was tailored specifically for luxurious long-distance cruising; Sport+ modes reduce body motions and sharpen reflexes so as to maintain sporting verve even when traversing winding two-lane roads.
