The new Aston Martin DB12 has been revealed! Though it seemingly ditches the V12 that was available in the DB11, the newcomer still boasts a whopping 500 kW…

Meet the new Aston Martin DB12, a grand tourer the Gaydon-based automaker promises will deliver “a quantum shift” in character and dynamic ability compared with the DB11 it replaces. In fact, the British firm describes the newcomer as the “world’s first super tourer”, insisting the traditional “grand tourer” label is simply not sufficient.

Arriving as Aston Martin celebrates both its 110th anniversary as well as 75 years of the DB model line, the new DB12 seemingly ditches the turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 petrol engine that was available in the DB11, instead employing a seriously uprated version of the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 motor still sourced from Mercedes-AMG but “tuned by Aston Martin engineers”.

As a result, the fresh-faced DB12 boasts peak outputs as lofty as 500 kW and 800 Nm, along with a top speed of 325 kph. Aston Martin claims the newcomer will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 3.6 seconds. Power is fed through a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission (with a shortened final drive ratio of 3.083:1, plus a unique shift calibration) and an electronic rear differential, with the latter linked to the vehicle’s electronic stability control system. In addition to a new multi-mode stability programme, the DB12 features 5 pre-defined drive settings.

The new Aston Martin DB12 cabin features a mix of digital and analogue controls.

According to the British manufacturer, the V8 powerplant’s higher outputs were achieved through modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger-diameter turbochargers and increased cooling (the latter including an additional pair of auxiliary coolers added to the central main radiator). In addition, the auxiliary outboard engine oil cooler boasts more than double the face area of that of its predecessor.

Other under-the-skin highlights include intelligent adaptive dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, revised electronic power-assisted steering and a braking system comprising 400 mm cast-iron front discs and 360 mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces. In addition, the new DB12 can be specified with a carbon-ceramic brake package that offers improved braking performance and reduced brake fade, along with an unsprung mass saving of 27 kg.

To complement the 6 mm-wider track up front and 22 mm-wider track at the rear, there are 3 designs from which to choose when it comes to the lightweight 21-inch forged alloy wheels (9.5J fore and 10.5J aft), though each includes bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres (275/35 R21 103Y front and 315/30 R21 108Y rear) as standard. The new tyres also feature noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts to improve rolling refinement.

Aston Martin bills the DB12 interior as “completely redesigned”, with “clean horizontal lines” and an all-new infotainment system (the marque’s first in-house set-up, run through a pair of 10.25-inch displays) along with a surround-sound system from Bowers & Wilkins. The cabin features modern display screens and more traditional analogue switches, along with swathes of hand-stitched leather, as you’d expect.

Initial deliveries of the new Aston Martin DB12 are scheduled to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2023.

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