Aston Martin reveals DB12 ‘Super Tourer’

ASTON MARTIN claims to have created a ‘Super Tourer’ by combining the 500kW/800Nm V8 and 3.5-second 0-100km/h sprint time of a supercar with the long-legged luxury cruising qualities of a grand tourer with its new DB12.

The first Australian deliveries of this latest in a long line of DB cars from the famed British brand are due to arrive in the third quarter of this year, although Aston is not talking pricing or whether any local buyers have already lined up.

While a launch edition DB12 went for a cool $US1.6 million ($A2.46m) at a recent charity auction, a better reference for potential DB12 pricing comes from the fact the outgoing DB11 started from $382,007 in Australia – nice Bond reference there – for the V8 coupe and topped out at $420,219 for the V12, with a V8 Volante drop-top splitting the difference at $406,007. 

Aston Martin has not yet revealed or indicated the existence of a convertible DB12.

The muscular-looking new Aston is likely to sell against a group of similar European GT cars that include models from: Bentley, Ferrari, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren and Maserati, some now altering the formula with hybrid assistance and with all-wheel drive.

But Aston has ratcheted up the GT concept with its DB12 that is claimed to offer a blend of high-end tech, supercar performance and limousine-like ultra luxury, all wrapped in a sleek bonded aluminium and composite body.

The car is traditionally GT-configured with a front engine under a long bonnet and rear-wheel drive that includes the eight speed conventional automatic transmission mounted transaxle style at the back.

It is a layout that helps the relatively light 1685kg (dry) DB12 achieve a well-balanced front to rear weight bias of 48:52 as well as aiding performance, dynamics and fuel efficiency.

Though the world is transitioning to electric power and Aston Martin has made bold claims about the role it plans to play in this shift, it says the petrol-powered DB12 “heralds a new era for the company as the first of its next-generation sportscars”.

Under the bonnet resides a version of Aston’s AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine with 500kW and 800Nm outputs sufficient to push the big coupe from 0-100km/h in a rapid 3.5 seconds with a potential top speed of 325km/h.

These stats take the DB12 to the top of the GT segment in terms of output when comparing like-for-like combustion-powered cars. 

Its high engine outputs are achieved through modified cam profiles, an optimised compression ratio, larger diameter turbochargers and increased cooling.

To manage the increased thermal demands the cooling system has been completely redesigned with an additional two auxiliary coolers added to the existing central main radiator, while an additional low-temperature radiator has been fitted to the charge cooler water circuit for cooler intake air.

Underlining the car’s undoubted prowess is new “skyhook” suspension design where both wheel and chassis movement are controlled by adaptive dampers, while an electronic rear differential DB12-specific Michelin 21in Pilot Sport 5 S tyres put power to the ground. 

Aston days the new diff can go from fully open to 100 per cent locked in a matter of milliseconds, giving the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling.

Precise and direct electronic power assisted steering teams further enhances the car’s agility and, according to Aston Martin “brings the DB12 alive on the most dynamic of roads”.

Stopping power to match the car’s pace is via cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity. The brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback. Optional ceramic brakes are available.

A state-of-the-art Aston Martin infotainment system forms centrepiece for the all-new interior that features an ultra-luxurious design focusing on the driver-centric cockpit that integrates the latest technologies with luxury craftsmanship and materials.

The car was holistically engineered and designed to maximise performance and “intensify emotion” that started with increasing structural stiffness and ended with the specially made Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres that were made for the DB12.

The car’s electronic stability control system employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip while the driver has a choice of five pre-set driving modes. 

Aston Martin used the DB12 announcement to celebrate two significant 2023 milestones; Its 110th anniversary (despite seven bankruptcies along the way) and 75 years of the DB model line. 

The celebration comes at a time when Aston Martin is enjoying one of the most dynamic periods in its history thanks to success in the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Group chief technology officer of Aston Martin, Roberto Fedeli, said of the new DB12: “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.

Executive vice president and chief creative officer of Aston Martin, Marek Reichman added: “DB12 is our design definition of a Super Tourer. Historically, the GT code among most contemporary enthusiasts meant some semblance of comfort, speed, and refinement.” 

“But since the Aston Martin customer is no ordinary motorist, and we no longer simply design objects in and of themselves, we’ve fused everything together on the DB12 — the handling, dynamics, powertrain, sense of space, and styling— and we’ve done it to the max through technology to deliver this new category of performance-design driving experience.

“We know that when the owner of an Aston Martin heads out for open-road driving at the upper limits, hoping to reach those exhilarating moments of perfection, they are seeking the thrills of speed and performance while safely commanding control of their experience.

“DB12 intuitively knows what the driver is wanting and effortlessly gives them that optimal combination at any driving moment. It's this total experience that separates the DB12 as the first breed of Super Tourer.