Just last week, Aston Mastin teased that it will be debuting its next-generation Aston Martin DB grand tourer with the tagline “Grand is not enough”. In conjunction with the British luxury sports carmaker’s 110th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of its DB grand tourer series, Aston Martin has just unveiled its brand new Aston Martin DB12, and has named it the world’s first ‘super tourer’.
The Aston Martin DB12 is an important one for the company, as it heralds a new era for Aston Martin as the first of its next generation of sportscars. On the outside, the Aston Martin DB12 features a more muscular physique and has gained an increase in track by 6 mm at the front and 22 mm at the rear.
The new ‘super tourer’ also features newly designed LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRL). Sporting the latest Aston Martin logo on its nose, the sports car is designed with new wings as well as new smaller, frameless wing mirrors to compliment the new design, while improving aerodynamics at the same time. The Aston Martin DB12 also comes with a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels as standard; 9.5 inches wide in the front and 10.5 inches wide in the rear.
Under the hood of the Aston Martin DB12 is a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine that is capable of outputting 680 hp (metric) and 800 Nm of torque. Claimed to be the best-in-class, the DB12’s power output figures have gained an increase of 34% over the outgoing DB11. This is possible thanks to modifications done by Aston Martin engineers, such as modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling.
With power sent to the rear wheels only, the Aston Martin DB12 features an 8-speed automatic transmission that features a shortened final drive ratio, as well as a unique transmission shift calibration. This, as a result, helps deliver punchier in-gear acceleration and reduces shift speeds, allowing the ‘super tourer’ to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and achieving a top speed of 325 km/h.
RELATED: Geely is now Aston Martin’s third-largest shareholder, ups stakes to 17%
To improve the DB12’s ride and handling, Aston Martin has fitted the sports car with Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. With a fitment of a non-isolated steering column, the steering provides an enhanced dynamic feel, which helps improve the driving experience.
The DB12 also comes with a new set of intelligent adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars. This works together with the Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), which, unlike a conventional Limited Slip Differential, can go from fully open to 100% locked in milliseconds, giving the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling.
Aston Martin has also said that E-diff is linked to its industry-leading Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip. The DB12 is also fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres as standard, as well as cast-iron 400 mm front discs and 360 mm rear discs. The disc brakes feature grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity as well.
Just in case an even better braking performance is needed, the Aston Martin DB12’s brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback. The new British sports car also comes with an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB), which has increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800°C.
Aston Martin Group Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli said, “DB12 is a statement car. One that asserts Aston Martin’s position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology. We have pushed every aspect of this car to be best-in-class. The result is more power and performance than its rivals. Combined with exceptional handling and an exciting soundtrack, it is a car with passion and a truly sporting character.”
“Crucially, thanks to its breadth of capability we have achieved this without compromising refinement, comfort and luxury. Together with our use of industry-leading dynamic control and infotainment systems, DB12 is the start of Aston Martin’s most exciting new era,” Fedeli added.
RELATED: Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes
Inside, the DB12 features a cockpit that is driver-centric. According to Aston Martin, the interior is also integrated with the latest technologies and features luxury craftsmanship and materials.
At the centre is Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Measuring 10.25 inches, the touchscreen unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with an all-new navigation system as well.
For those of you who prefer buttons, don’t worry, as Aston Martin has also retained buttons for key mechanical operations. This includes gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation.
Deliveries for the world’s first ‘super tourer’ is scheduled to start in Q3 2023. What are your thoughts on the car? Let us know in the comments down below!
RELATED: Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica
GALLERY
