Aston Martin DB12 Coupe

Redefining what Gran Turismo should be

The flagship model in Aston Martin's lineup is the DB12. The open-top Volante was released first, but we finally got to test drive the coupe. What kind of performance will it offer with its elegantly lined +2 closed body and 680 PS V8 twin-turbo engine? — The open Volante arrived first, but I finally got to test drive the coupe.

The Aston Martin DB12, which was announced in May 2023, has finally arrived in Japan. We have already covered the Volante, which was announced last August, but we have been eagerly awaiting the coupe that was announced earlier.

The DB12’s styling adheres to tradition, making it instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin DB model. It exudes a bold strength that exudes hidden power and performance. And yet, it has not simply been refined while carrying the 75-year history of DB. The DB12 has redefined what Gran Turismo should be. That is what makes it the world’s first “Super Tourer.”

With even wider and lower proportions than the DB11, an enlarged front grille, massive design, aggressive details, and a powerful yet elegant feel, the DB12 exudes an overwhelming presence and clearly exudes a sense of “newness.”

A calming interior

The leather seats feature intricate stitching. One of the DB12's charms is that it has a small rear seat. — [1]

The body color is not the familiar British Racing Green, but a bright Iridescent Emerald, which contrasts beautifully with the tan leather interior when you open the door. When you sit in the driving seat, you feel as if you are being embraced by a low hip position. The interior is made of carbon fiber and leather materials, and the black and tan colors are high-quality yet not flashy, creating a calm atmosphere befitting a grand touring car.

The interface around the cockpit has also been revamped to the latest generation. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is laid out at the top of the center console, providing infotainment. This is said to be the first fully digital Aston Martin in history. Meanwhile, a row of physical switches are located below it, allowing intuitive operation of everything from shifting to adjusting the air conditioning and driving function switches. The fusion of digital and analogue elements has improved convenience, operability and even design.

And sound is essential for grand touring. The car is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 15 speakers, dual amplifiers, and 1170W output. The pleasant sound quality makes you want to drive just to listen to the music, even if you don’t have a destination in mind.

Pleasant engine sound

The front grille is 56% larger than the DB11, allowing for a large amount of air to be drawn in. The newly designed headlights feature impressive daytime running lights with six blocks. — [1]

The AMG-designed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine uses a hot V configuration, and the transaxle with the transmission located at the rear optimizes weight distribution. — [1]

Unfortunately, this test drive was limited to urban areas and not “grand touring,” but as soon as the car started moving, I was so surprised that I almost gasped out, “Wow!” The ride was as rich and smooth as a saloon car. Apparently, a new suspension system equipped with the latest adaptive dampers has been adopted, but even so, I never expected that a high-performance super sports car could offer such improved comfort. It’s truly a level of comfort worthy of being called “ultra-luxury.” The car is fitted with specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires. The adoption of carbon ceramic brakes also reduces unsprung weight by 27 kg, which likely contributes to the car’s refined footwork. The impact I received at just 20-30 km/h remained a strong impression throughout the subsequent test drive.

I got on the highway and tried out the high-speed range. That said, for a DB12 with a top speed of 325km/h, 100km/h is only a small part of its performance… The 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 680PS and a maximum torque of 800Nm. As I accelerated through the highway gate, the engine sound was pleasant to the ears. At moments like these, I thought, “Pure engine cars are the best after all.”

Even if the test drive is limited to a certain stage

The DB12 has five drive modes, with GT mode being the default. If you’re looking for a flat feel at high speeds, Sport mode is recommended. I also tried out Sport+, the most agile mode, and found the car to feel so direct that you could practically feel the roughness of the road surface. (Yes, the DB12 has a refined steering feel.) But it always maintains stable contact with the road. The dry engine sound and enhanced throttle response really got me excited. If I have the chance, I’d definitely like to experience the handling on a mountain pass next time. Although the test drive was limited to a certain stage, it was enough to understand the meaning of the redefinition of GT and the potential of the Super Tourer.

The new flagship Vanquish was unveiled in early September, completing Aston Martin’s next-generation sports car portfolio. We can’t wait to see this super tourer, which will likely offer even more performance and ultra-luxury.

REPORT / Kumi Sato

PHOTO / Wataru TAMURA

MAGAZINE / GENROQ November 2024 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Aston Martin DB12 Coupe

Body size: Length 4725, Width 1980, Height 1295mm

Wheelbase: 2805mm

Vehicle weight: 1788kg

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 4000cc

Maximum output: 449kW (680PS) / 6000rpm

Maximum torque: 800Nm (81.6kgm) / 2750-6000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed AT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc (carbon ceramic)

Tire size: Front 285/40ZR22, rear 315/35ZR22

Top speed: 325km/h

Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h: 3.6 seconds

Vehicle price: 29.9 million yen