The all-new Aston Martin DB12 is set to launch today; here’s what to expect
According to Aston Martin, the new DB12 is about 80 percent new. This includes most of the exteriors, all-new interiors as well as a more powerful but smaller Mercedes-AMG sourced powertrain.
Back in May, this year, Aston Martin took the covers off the latest in the DB series of cars - the DB12. Along with some major tweaks to the exterior of the car, the DB12 gets an all-new cabin layout thanks to tech developed in-house. This car is now making its way to India, and the prices will be revealed by the end of the day. (Image: Aston Martin)
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According to the British manufacturer, the new DB12 is about 80 percent new. This seems appropriate when you look at the exteriors. While the rear section of the car looks almost identical to the DB11, in profile, the major change is the new set of 21-inch wheels. And while most of the silhouette remains identical to the DB11, subtle changes to the panels towards the bottom of the car afford a fresh look. (Image: Aston Martin)
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The story at the front, however, is a lot different. Aston Martin’s signature grille has become larger now and the new creases on the hood of the car make for an extremely mean-looking front fascia. The bumper has been tweaked with large air intakes connected widthwise. There is a new front splitter as well. (Image: Aston Martin)
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Coming to the headlamps, while the basic shape has been tweaked ever so slightly, the internals now see a three-piece LED DRL setup. Finally, Aston Martin has also increased the track width at both the front and rear axles which means when looking from either the front or the rear, the car appears to squat down more when compared to the DB11. (Image: Aston Martin)
Powering the DB12 is a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. That’s right. No more V12. This Mercedes-AMG sourced powertrain, however, shouldn’t be looked down upon. Output figures have been measured at 680 hp of maximum power and 800 Nm of peak torque. Compared to the DB11 V12’s 630 hp and 700 Nm, the DB12 is almost 50 hp and 100 Nm more powerful. Then you have a bunch of new mechanicals as well. The eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to an electronic rear differential which powers the wheel with the most grip. (Image: Aston Martin)
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Adaptive dampers are woven into the suspension and anti-roll technology is supposed to smoothen your driving experience, regardless of whether you are attacking corners or cruising down a straightway. You also get a choice of carbon ceramic brakes paired with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres that allow for confidence in high-speed turns. (Image: Aston Martin)
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Moving on to the interiors of the DB12, we were all very used to the company sourcing their infotainment systems straight from Mercedes-Benz. This time is different, however, thanks to Aston Martin’s new in-house developed system. The cabin has seen an entire layout upgrade, and the highlight has to be the new floating centre console that runs in a straight line from the AC vents at the top of the dashboard to the arm rest between the two front seats. This is where the new 10.25-inch infotainment system has been placed as well. (Image: Aston Martin)
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No other displays here as Aston Martin has decided to use buttons and toggles which in our opinion is a little more user friendly as you don’t have to pull your eyes off the road while driving. Even the engine start/stop button is located here. Then you have the beautiful new steering wheel, behind which is a fully digital driver’s display. Then there is the connected car tech that has finally made its way to Aston Martin’s cars and can be accessed via the company’s companion app. (Image: Aston Martin)
Now, the launch is scheduled for later today, so we won’t make any price estimations. However, we do expect it to cost significantly more than the current DB11’s Rs 4.80 crore, ex-showroom mark. The only other car the Aston Martin DB 12 competes against is the Ferrari Roma that retails at Rs 4.34 crore, and the Bentley Continental GT priced at Rs 4.12 crore. (Image: Aston Martin)
Stanford Masters Journalist who writes on automobiles
