REFINED DESIGN – Very elegant yes, but now also aggressive: seven years after its arrival on the market, the Aston Martin DB11 changes shape and adds a number to its name. This is not a truly new model, but theAston Martin DB12 has evolved so much compared to the car from which it inherits with good80% of the components new and many new features inside. But let’s start from the style, an evolution compared to that of the DB11 which incorporates the DBS Superleggera flagship in some stylistic features (for example in the very large front “mouth”), all seasoned with new details such as the LED lights which stand out for really cared for like the three-dimensional position lights, similar in shape to crystal elements. Stringybut also muscular the side, where the new rear-view mirrors stand out with the mirror without a frame, while at the rear the differences compared to the past are limited.
INSIDE, A REVOLUTION – But we find the big news inside where, alongside high-level upholstery and countless customization options for colors and materials, we now finally find all the technology one would expect from a luxury GT these days. L’Aston Martin DB12 no longer use a multimedia system derived from Mercedes (but of previous generation), but a modern infotainment entirely internally developed. It consists of two screens, both 10-inch high-definition one for multimedia, the other for the dashboard, with Oled technology for a faithful reproduction of contrasts and black and, above all, very responsive right from this first contact static with a pre-production specimen.
THE PHYSICAL KEYS REMAIN – The operating logic of both panels appear quite intuitive with virtual shortcut buttons for the central display always visible and clear and easily navigable menus for the dashboard using the controls on the right spoke of the steering wheel. Then they stay several physical keys, almost all gathered on the central console, but well arranged: these control some of the most important functions of the car such as climate control, radio volume and chassis settings, ESP and lane keeping system. The driving mode selector is also located in this area: it is a rotor positioned around the engine start button. Then comes a new one gear selector back and forth that replaces the previous large keys (not particularly comfortable) positioned on the dashboard. With these new features, the passenger compartment of theAston Martin DB12 takes a decisive step forward compared to what we have seen in the past which, combined with the complete set of level 2 driving assistants, puts English on par with the best competition.
ONLY V8, BUT WITH MANY MORE HORSE – To transform the driving dynamics of the previous Aston Martin DB11, the engineers of the Gaydon house have changed a lot of the mechanics, starting from the beating heart of the DB12. Although – at least for the time being – no twelve-cylinder is planned, the V8 4.0 biturbo of AMG origin has undergone a drastic increase in power: from the 510 HP and 675 Nm of the DB11 V8 you go to 680 CV and 800 Nm of torque thanks to new turbos and a complete overhaul of the electronics taken from the Aston Martin DBX 707. The engine is mated to the automatic gearbox eight-speed and rear-wheel Drive for a declared “0-100” of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h.
INCREASE THE FUN – All in all, the weight for this category of cars is contained with the needle of the scale stopping at 1685 kg. Many interventions then concerned the suspensions which combined with a weight balancing almost perfect (48% at the front, 52% at the rear) they want to give a much more lively and engaging dynamic behavior than the Aston Martin GTs of the past. They change shock absorbers, are electronically controlled and are produced by Bilstein, and a new electronic limited slip differential arrives, while original equipment Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires ensure contact with the asphalt. It also increases the torsional stiffness, +7% compared to the DB11 thanks to a series of reinforcements in the body. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes, produced by Brembo with 400 mm discs at the front and 380 mm which save 27 kg of unsprung weight. The Aston Martin DB12 will hit the road as early as the end of the summer with an unannounced list price that could amount to around 250,000 euros.
