Aston Martin DB12: The Super Tourer

Aston Martin has made a bold move by retiring the V12 engine for its core grand tourer lineage. In its place sits a heavily revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that promises more power, sharper handling, and a driving experience that bridges the gap between a comfortable cruiser and a track-ready sports car. The British marque calls this the world’s first “Super Tourer,” implying it is too aggressive to be a standard GT yet too refined to be a raw supercar.

The Heart of the Beast: More Power, Fewer Cylinders

The headline change for the DB12 is the engine. While the DB11 offered a V12 option, the DB12 launches exclusively with a V8. However, looking at the numbers reveals this is an upgrade rather than a downsizing compromise. Sourced from Mercedes-AMG and tuned by Aston Martin engineers, this hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces a staggering 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

To put those figures into perspective, this V8 generates 41 more horsepower than the outgoing DB11 AMR’s V12. The result is a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.

Aston achieved this by fitting larger turbochargers, modifying the compression ratios, and completely overhauling the cooling system. The cooling upgrade includes two additional auxiliary coolers and a low-temperature radiator for the charge cooler water circuit. This ensures the engine maintains peak performance even during spirited driving sessions.

Handling and Suspension: The "Super" in Super Tourer

A grand tourer must be comfortable for crossing continents, but a “Super Tourer” needs to handle corners with precision. Aston Martin focused heavily on chassis stiffness and suspension technology to achieve this dual personality.

The bonded aluminum structure is 7% stiffer than the DB11, providing a more stable platform for the suspension. The real magic lies in the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers. These intelligent dampers offer a massive bandwidth of adjustment. In “GT” mode, the car absorbs highway bumps with luxury-sedan compliance. Switch to “Sport” or “Sport+,” and the car tightens up immediately, eliminating body roll and sharpening the steering response.

Key handling features include:

  • Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff): This is the first time a DB model features an E-Diff. It can go from fully open to 100% locked in milliseconds for maximum traction.
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S Tires: Aston Martin worked with Michelin to create a bespoke compound for the DB12. These tires feature noise-canceling foam inserts to keep the cabin quiet.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): The system now includes four distinct stages (Wet, On, Track, and Off), giving drivers more confidence to explore the car’s limits.

Interior Overhaul: Finally, Leading Technology

For years, the Achilles’ heel of Aston Martin was the dated interior technology borrowed from previous-generation Mercedes models. The DB12 fixes this completely. It features the brand’s first bespoke infotainment system designed and developed entirely in-house.

The center console is dominated by a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen with high-resolution graphics and responsive touch control. Crucially, Aston Martin resisted the urge to move everything to the screen. Key functions like gear selection, drive mode selection, and climate control still use physical buttons and knurled metal dials. This tactile feedback is essential for a luxury experience.

The cabin materials have also seen a significant upgrade. Hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather covers almost every surface. Buyers can opt for a spectacular Bowers & Wilkins halo audio system, which uses 15 speakers and 1,170 watts of amplification to deliver concert-hall sound quality.

Exterior Design: Muscular Evolution

Visually, the DB12 is an evolution of the DB11, but it looks significantly more aggressive. The track has been widened by 6mm at the front and 22mm at the rear, giving the car a planted, muscular stance. The front grille is larger to feed air to the new radiators, and the splitter has been reshaped to improve aerodynamic downforce.

New frameless wing mirrors improve the aerodynamic profile and reduce wind noise at high speeds. The car sits on standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels that are lighter than the 20-inch wheels found on the DB11, reducing unsprung mass by nearly 18 pounds.

Is It the Best Grand Tourer on Sale?

The DB12 enters a competitive market occupied by the Bentley Continental GT, the Ferrari Roma, and the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

  • Vs. Bentley Continental GT: The Bentley is heavier and focuses more on absolute luxury and isolation. The DB12 is sharper and more engaging to drive on a twisting road.
  • Vs. Ferrari Roma: The Roma is lighter and slightly more agile, but the DB12 offers a more traditional, muscular British GT feel with a arguably more user-friendly interior layout.

With a starting price hovering around $245,000, the DB12 justifies the cost by solving the tech issues of the past while delivering performance that beats its V12 predecessor. It successfully balances the line between brute force and refined luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Aston Martin DB12 have a V12 engine option? No. The DB12 is powered exclusively by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. However, this V8 produces more horsepower and torque than the V12 engine found in the previous DB11 AMR.

What is the top speed of the Aston Martin DB12? The DB12 has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Is there a convertible version of the DB12? Yes. Aston Martin offers the DB12 Volante, which is the convertible version. It shares the same engine and chassis technology as the coupe but adds a folding fabric roof.

What infotainment system does the DB12 use? The DB12 uses a completely new, in-house developed infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing the outdated Mercedes-based system used in previous models.