The stunning Aston Martin DB12 has made its Australian debut in Sydney today, giving local media its first opportunity to see the new grand tourer in person.
Aston Martin calls it a “super tourer” rather than just a grand tourer. This essentially means it is more of a sports car than luxury cruiser. However, traditional country-crossing capability remains a primary skill.
Unlike the outgoing DB11, the new DB12 does not feature a 12-cylinder engine. Yes, it is a shame Aston had to cut off the big engine just as ’12’ enters the historic DB badge. But don’t fret, the new engine is just as, if not more exciting.
It’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 unit based on a Mercedes-AMG engine, which is tuned specifically for the DB12 and generates a mega 500kW whack and with 800Nm of force. That’s up 30kW and 100Nm over the DB11’s standard 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12.
As a result, 0-100km/h performance is claimed in just 3.6 seconds instead of 3.7, and the top speed is 325km/h, down from 334km/h. All of that grunt goes through an eight-speed automatic and into a rear-wheel drive system, with a new electronic differential sorting out the left-right distribution.
Although it is based on the same platform as the DB11, the DB12 features extensive chassis reinforcing with all-new suspension, wider track widths to improve stability, and stiffer stabiliser bars and fresh adaptive dampers.
Aston Martin promises a “huge breadth of capability” with the new model, blending “thrilling dynamics with refinement and comfort” above and beyond any predecessor. The new model also so happens to come as Aston Martin celebrates its 110th anniversary, and 75 years of the DB model family. Roberto Fedeli, group chief technology officer at Aston Martin said:
“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.”
Also new, the interior has undergone a major overhaul compared with the DB11. With a cleaner dash design that flows more logically down through the centre console, the interior now showcases a 10.25-inch touch-screen featuring 3D maps and real-time traffic information, and supports 4G LTE global roaming. It’s also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The screen itself is positioned at the top of the fascia, with the traditional gear selection buttons now dropped in favour of a more conventional toggle stick. It’s good to see a nice arrangement of physical buttons remaining on the console, perhaps reducing distraction from the screen.
There are two seats in the back but, after checking them out during this presentation, we cannot guarantee you’ll get anybody in them. Like many sports coupes on the market we think these are there for compliance/classification purposes only.
Aston Martin is planning to begin deliveries of the DB12 during the third quarter of this year, with Australian prices and arrival times yet to be confirmed. See below for the full specifications:
DB12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Two Door Body Style with 2+2 Seating
Extruded Bonded Aluminium Body Structure with Composite Panels Deployable spoiler with Aston Martin Aeroblade system
Engine:
4.0-litre V8 Twin Turbo
Water-to-air-charge cooling
Front mid mounted engine, rear wheel drive
Maximum power: 680PS / 671bhp / 500kw @ 6,000rpm Maximum torque: 800Nm / 590 lb-ft @ 2,750 – 6,000rpm Top speed: 202mph / 325km/h
0-60mph: 3.5s
0-62mph / 0-100km/h: 3.6s
Compression ratio: 8.6
Dual Variable Camshaft Timing
Fully CNC machined combustion chambers
Transmission:
Rear mounted eight-speed automatic transmission Torque converter
Electronic rear limited slip differential
Carbon fibre prop shaft
Steering:
Variable Electrical Power Assistance Steering ratio: 13.09.1
Turns lock to lock: 2.375
Suspension:
Front – Independent Double Wishbone, Coil Springs & Anti-Roll Bar
Rear – Multi-link Suspension, with Coil Springs & Anti-Roll Bar
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Skyhook Technology & Intelligent Adaptive Dampers
Drive Modes:
Five selectable drive modes: Wet, GT, Sport, Sports Plus and Individual (Tailoring Drivetrain, Steering and Chassis calibrations)
Wheels and Tyres:
21-inch Wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5
Front: 275/35/ZR21
Rear: 325/30/ZR21
Bespoke Summer Tyres – designed specifically for DB12 Bespoke Winter Tyres – designed specifically for DB12
Brakes:
-Steel Brake System
Front: 400mm x 36mm 6-piston Caliper
Rear: 360mm x 36mm with a 4-piston Caliper
-Carbon Ceramic Brake System
Front: 410mm x 38mm Carbon Ceramic Disc
Rear: 360mm x 38mm Carbon Ceramic Disc
Dimensions:
Height: 1295 mm
Width (including mirrors): 2145mm
Width (mirrors folded): 2060mm
Length: 4725mm
Wheelbase: 2805mm
Ground Clearance: 120mm
Front Overhang: 925mm
Rear Overhang: 995mm
Approach Angle: 10.1 degrees
Approach Angle: (with lower body packs): 10 degrees Departure Angle: 20.5 degrees
Boot Volume: 262 litres
Fuel Tank: 78 litres
Weight : 1685kg (dry weight)
Weight Distribution (Front:Rear): 48: 52 Turning Circle: 12.4m
