Cover Aston Martin DB12
Aston Martin DB12
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We take Aston Martin's grand salute to the internal combustion era, the DB12, on an exhilarating drive along the stunning Côte d'Azur to put its claims to the ultimate test
Aston Martin has been enjoying a significant 110th anniversary. The storied marque finds itself soaring to new heights, propelled by the phenomenal performance of their F1 team, led by the remarkable Fernando Alonso. With an impressive tally of six podium finishes this season, two of them in second place. Seizing the perfect opportunity to showcase their latest masterpiece, the DB12, Aston Martin cheekily unveiled this automotive marvel during the esteemed Monaco F1 Grand Prix where they clinched second place.
The DB12 marks the dawning of a new era under the stewardship of billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, standing as the first car wholly developed during the Stroll era. While the future promises electrification, the DB12 proudly upholds its status as a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Regrettably, the iconic V12 engine did not make its way to this generation; instead, a robust iteration of the trusted AMG-sourced bi-turbo V8 is tucked deep in the chassis front, delivering a breathtaking surge of power at 680hp and 800Nm.
Although we bid farewell to the melodious symphony of the V12, the turbocharged V8 reigns supreme as a superior powerplant, boasting impeccable power delivery, reduced weight, and a compact form that enables a resolute front mid-engine configuration, placing the DB12 in a league of its own. Harnessing such tremendous power comes with its challenges, particularly in the realm of cooling. However, the astute stylists at Aston Martin have ingeniously overcome this hurdle, endowing the DB12 with an even more aggressive appearance through the addition of larger grille openings and strategically designed ducting in the snout. While the DB12 may bear a resemblance to its predecessor, the DB11, the entirety of the front fascia has undergone a transformative evolution. Gone is the complex one-piece fender/hood arrangement of the DB11, now replaced with a more conventional front-opening engine hood, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
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Beneath the surface, an array of remarkable changes awaits, primarily centered around a revised and fortified aluminium chassis, serving as the bedrock for the enhanced suspension system. Collaborating with the revered Michelin brand, Aston Martin embarked on a pioneering journey, resulting in the first-ever original equipment (OE) application of the latest Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires. The front tires, sized at 275/35/ZR21, work harmoniously with the colossal 325/30/ZR21 rear tires. These Michelin tyres were ingeniously crafted to elevate performance and comfort, pushing boundaries to redefine the driving experience. Also key to the DB12’s deft handling and ride composure is the new Bilstein DTX active suspension that gives the car an envelop of handling and ride that is five times what they had before. This works synergistically with the strengthened body as well as the excellent bespoke Michelin tyres to deliver the best chassis in a road-going Aston Martin ever.
Aston Martin’s unwavering commitment to innovation has delivered what they proudly label as the first Super Tourer—a realm transcending the conventional Grand Tourer, yet not quite a supercar but approaching the best of both worlds. As luxury behemoths like Rolls Royce and Bentley amplify their focus on unparalleled comfort, and Ferrari and Lamborghini venture further into the realm of extreme performance, a striking void emerges in the luxury car segment—a void that Aston Martin, with their shrewd foresight, deftly fills.
The cabin of the DB12 serves as a testament to Aston Martin's unyielding dedication to craftsmanship, boasting a level of opulence that rivals the upper echelons of the luxury market. The sleek coupe design exudes the spirit of a true sports car, a characteristic that has often been misunderstood when it comes to Aston Martin. However, tracing its origins back to its racing heritage, Aston Martin has gracefully transitioned into the realm of the gentleman's luxury performance car, flawlessly blending power, elegance, and unrivalled comfort.
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Equipped with the latest ZF-8HP automatic transmission, renowned for its smooth, swift gear shifts, the DB12 springs into action, catapulting from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.6 seconds, ultimately achieving a top speed of 325 km/h. This torque-converter automatic gracefully maneuvers through heavy start-stop traffic, delivering seamless shifts that culminate in an unruffled drive experience, from the beginning to the end of your journey.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary revelation as the DB12 unveils its finely tuned ride and handling, a calibre that rivals the esteemed Porsche 911 Turbo. Astonishingly, the DB12 surpasses expectations, exuding not only unmatched comfort in its various modes, like GT, Sport and Sport Plus but also offering sharp handling that effortlessly navigates every twist and turn. Potholes and manhole covers fade into insignificance as the DB12's additional chassis strengthening grants it an imperturbable composure, ensuring a ride that is nothing short of sublime.
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Switching to firmer, modes like Sport and Sport Plus does not bring the usual bone-jarring ride seen in some of its competitors. Yet comfort is not its only crowning achievement because you will enjoy these modes' incremental sharp handling. Even in its severest mode, Sport Plus the comfort is wholly acceptable and I used this mode for much of the journey enjoying its fabulous handling while cossetted in decent comfort, arriving at the end destination unruffled. The GT mode has been meticulously designed to offer the best ride, even on rough roads, and it doesn't compromise on handling either.
Addressing a longstanding critique, Aston Martin has bid farewell to the much-maligned Mercedes-sourced infotainment system, replacing it with their own creation, meticulously designed and developed in-house for the first time. This cutting-edge system seamlessly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities, complemented by an array of fully integrated multi-screen displays boasting high-resolution visuals on 10.25-inch Pure Black screens. The system's touch controls are responsive, enabling effortless interaction with the DB12's exquisite interior.
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Aston Martin's ingenuity shines in the thoughtfully preserved physical buttons and switches that adorn the DB12's centre console, ensuring that commonly used controls remain conveniently at your fingertips. From the air-conditioning to the volume control, every detail has been meticulously considered, including the continued presence of the engine start-stop button, allowing for instant access, among other essential features. While the esteemed Ferrari Roma and the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo could be categorised as Super Tourers, they are often classified as sports cars. Aston Martin's DB12, nestled between its Superleggera and DB11 models, rises above the pack, offering unparalleled ride comfort and handling that rivals its Superleggera sibling while maintaining exceptional composure over demanding roads. Aston Martin undeniably possesses the credentials to claim this new automotive genre. As for its potential status as the next Bond car, it seems they need to find a new Bond first, but the local screening of the DB12 will begin in Q1 2024.
Aston Martin DB12
Price from: $1.289 million before COE or options
Engine: 3982 cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with paddle shift
Power: 680 PS (671 bhp) at 6000 rpm
Torque: 800 Nm at 2750 to 6000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 325 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 12.2 l/100km (city)
Agent: Wearnes Automotive
Credits
Images: Max Earey and Andy Morgan
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