Aston Martin calls it the first “Super Tourer”, a sports car that combines luxury and sportinessbut supposedly on a level “never equals”. At this point, we can only take the brand at its word, especially since Gaydon is betting big on this new model, which should represent the brand’s “rebirth” over the next few years, just like the DB11 did in 2016. .

But unlike many builders now, “new” does not necessarily rhyme with “electric”. Indeed, the successor to the DB11 will not be offered in an electric version, it will arrive in the garage of its first customers next July with a good big 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG.

A mix between DB11 and DBS?

The DB12’s proportions are typical of the Aston Martin we’re used to in the DB range. Characterized as always by the long bonnet and squat rear end, the new English GT has a 6mm wider track at the front and 22mm at the rear than the DB11.

Overall, we can’t deny that it looks a lot like the DB11, this DB12, and some will even see it as a combination of its predecessor and the DBS. The car is equipped with new LED headlights, aerodynamic elements that are applied directly to the main component, for example at the level of the shield (a first for a sports car), while the rear end is a little more consensual in the Aston Martin range.

The car is equipped with 21-inch Michelin tires, with the introduction of the Pilot Sport 5 S (275/35 R21 front and 325/30 R21 rear). These tires were developed specifically for the DB12, so calibration was carefully monitored by the British manufacturer’s engineering team. Among the innovative solutions of these new Pilot Sport 5 S, a thin layer of polyurethane foam reduces rolling noise in the cabin by up to 20%.

Three types of alloy wheels are available (8kg lighter than the DB11) and can be selected in Gloss Silver, Satin Platinum, Satin Black and Satin Black Diamond Turned. The braking system is impressive: 410 mm carbon-ceramic discs at the front and 360 mm at the rear.

Undoubtedly more modern

The passenger compartment of the DB12 features Aston Martin’s signature elegance, with upholstery crafted by the brand’s craftsmen and fully customizable through Aston Martin’s Q program.

Among the novelties, we find an infotainment system of the brand’s own production and no longer borrowed from Mercedes. It is based on a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and it allows you to control, among other things, the air conditioner, car settings or driving modes.

Indeed, like any self-respecting sports car, the DB12 has several driving modes (GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet and Individual). And that’s not all. On the Aston Martin DB12, ESP can be adjusted according to three configurations (Wet, On Track & Off) to change the intervention of the stability control system according to climatic conditions or driving style.

Not a gram of electrification on the horizon

Under the hood we find a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 680 hp and 800 Nm. The 34% increase in torque compared to the DB11 is the result of numerous improvements to the engine, including the turbocharger, cooling system and lubrication system.

The new front part and new air intakes on the hood increase air intake by 56%. In terms of performance, the DB12 drops from 0 to 100 km/h 3.5 secondsand the maximum speed is 325 km/h.

The V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time in DB history, an electronic limited-slip rear differential. Among other things, the transmission itself was completely redesigned, with a shorter gear ratio.

As for the chassis as a whole, torsional stiffness has been increased by 7%, and a new generation of adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars have also been introduced.

Prices that should be close 200,000 euros, not yet announced. A canvas version of the Volante could appear in the coming months, and a twin-turbo version of the 5.2-liter V12 can’t be ruled out.