Leading Aston Martin's Next-Generation Sports Cars—Aston Martin Unveils the New DB12 | ASTON MARTIN
ASTON MARTIN DB12
Aston Martin's New DB12 Makes World Premiere
On May 25, Aston Martin unveiled the new DB12, a luxury tourer model. Simultaneously, a Japan premiere event was held in Tokyo's Aoyama at "Aston Martin Aoyama House."
Text by HARA Akira | Photographs by AstonMartin
Equipped with a 680PS V8 Twin-Turbo
Announced in a milestone year marking the manufacturer's 110th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the iconic DB model, the new DB12 combines a thrilling driving experience with exceptional refinement, cutting-edge technology, and the highest level of luxury. It has been developed to lead Aston Martin's next generation of sports cars.
The body dimensions are 4,725mm in length, 2,060mm in width, and 1,295mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,805mm. The vehicle weighs 1,685kg.
The hand-built engine, mid-mounted at the front, is a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. Its maximum output of 680ps at 6,000rpm is class-leading, and its maximum torque is 800Nm at 2,750-6,000rpm, a 34% increase over the DB11.
Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the first-ever electric rear differential (E-Diff), its performance includes a 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h.
This E-Diff works in conjunction with the ESC system, allowing for transitions from fully open to full lock within milliseconds. This enables agile and responsive driving, as well as dynamic performance even on rough roads.
The DB12, featuring a bonded aluminum structure, boasts a 7% increase in overall torsional rigidity. With the introduction of new-generation adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, the "GT Mode" maintains a luxurious ride, while "Sport" and "Sport+ modes" deliver exhilarating performance on tight, winding roads.
The power-assisted steering system (EPAS) employs a variable-ratio, speed-sensitive assist with a fixed 2.4-turn rack ratio, enabling optimal control in various situations.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that supports the driver is seamlessly integrated with four predefined modes: "Wet," "On," "Track," and "Off," selectable via the ESP button on the center console.
Additionally, the drive modes include "GT," "Sport," and "Sport+" for progressively adjusting dynamic behavior and exploring grip and traction limits step-by-step. There are also "Wet" mode for enhanced stability on low-grip surfaces, and "Individual" mode, which allows for custom combinations of chassis, powertrain, ESP, and traction control settings. These are also selectable via a rotary controller on the center console.
The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 5s, specially optimized for the sports tourer character. The front tires are 275/35R21 103Y, and the rear are 315/30R21 108Y, bearing the "AML" tire code, indicating they are not standard production tires.
With noise-canceling polyurethane foam inserts in the tire carcass, in-cabin rotational noise is reduced by 20%, lowering noise levels and enhancing refinement and comfort.
The bold exterior features a wider track, with the front tread increased by 6mm and the rear by 22mm. The radiator opening has been enlarged, and the splitter's shape has been revised.
The LED headlights are equipped with new daytime running lights, further emphasizing the car's wide stance. The new Aston Martin wing badge adorns the front nose.
The infotainment system is a completely original, next-generation model designed and developed by Aston Martin. It displays information on a 10.25-inch pure black, high-resolution screen with capacitive touch controls offering rapid response times.
The navigation system also features 3D mapping with online connectivity.
Meanwhile, physical switches for key controls such as gears, drive modes, and climate control have been retained, creating a perfect fusion of digital and analog worlds.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, commented on the vehicle as follows:
"The DB12, the newest addition to Aston Martin's most illustrious lineage, embodies a brand leaping into the future. Its significant evolution is reflected in the DB12's styling, characterized by a completely new front end, a wider stance, and a more muscular body to enhance its presence.
The interior has also been completely redesigned, with clean, horizontal lines emphasizing the sense of space and providing a modern backbone befitting the new, state-of-the-art infotainment system.
The DB12 is incredibly fresh yet unmistakably Aston Martin; it is a new breed of super tourer, unlike any before it."
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2023.
