The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 is set to make its debut as the successor to the outgoing DB11, with an anticipated starting price of $245,000. Aston Martin aims to position the DB12 as a super tourer rather than a grand tourer, showcasing its enhanced capabilities and design. The car exhibits a distinctive Aston Martin aesthetic, featuring a low and wide two-door design with notable updates.
The grille has been enlarged, the swept-back headlights now sport a new lighting signature, and the frameless side mirrors are smaller. The front and rear tracks of the DB12 are wider, further enhancing its presence on the road. The car proudly showcases Aston Martin’s revised winged logo on its front end, making it the first production vehicle to bear this new emblem.
With the arrival of the DB12, Aston Martin bids farewell to the previous twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine option. The sole engine choice, until the potential introduction of an AMR performance variant, is now a twin-turbo V-8 with a displacement of 4.0 liters. This hand-built engine, sourced from Mercedes-AMG, has undergone significant improvements. The addition of larger turbos, revised compression ratios, and a comprehensive cooling system overhaul has resulted in a substantial power boost.
The upgraded V-8 engine produces an impressive 671 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque staring at 2750 rpm all the way up to 6000 rpm. These figures not only surpass the previous V-8 engine’s output of 528 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque but also exceed the performance of the previous V-12 engine, which generated 630 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The enhanced engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that now features a shorter final-drive ratio. Aston Martin claims the DB12 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 202 mph.
The DB12 boasts a newly developed suspension system that incorporates firmer anti-roll bars and Aston Martin’s latest adaptive dampers. It rides on 21-inch wheels wrapped in specially engineered Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 summer tires. The rear tires benefit from enhanced control thanks to the introduction of an electronic rear differential, capable of almost instantaneous adjustment from fully open to fully locked.
Aston Martin has also made notable improvements to the DB12’s steering system, introducing an updated electronic steering system with a non-isolated steering column, aimed at enhancing the driver’s feel and feedback. Braking performance has been enhanced with 15.7-inch front and 14.2-inch rear cast-iron rotors. The car’s pedal feel has been improved with a new brake booster. For those seeking the ultimate braking experience, a carbon-ceramic set is available, offering a weight reduction of around 60 pounds, thereby minimizing unsprung weight. The DB12’s chassis has undergone revisions, resulting in a 7% improvement in the bonded aluminum structure, primarily achieved through enhancements to the underbody braces.
As the DB12 is positioned as a super tourer, its interior has been designed to match this mission. The cabin looks to offer an improved level of livability compared to its predecessor. The DB12’s interior showcases luxurious materials and provides extensive customization options through Aston Martin’s Q program. The dashboard design appears cleaner, and increased cubby space is noticeable below the center stack.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to Aston Martin’s new in-house system, featuring a 10.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The onboard navigation includes 3-D mapping and an online connection, but the smartphone mirroring capability is expected to be the primary choice for most users. The DB12 introduces Aston Martin’s new smartphone app, providing access to vehicle-specific content and subscription services, with three free services available for the initial three years.
The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the third quarter of the year. Although official pricing has not been released, Aston Martin has indicated that the coupe variant is expected to start at $245,000, representing an approximate $37,000 increase over the V-8 coupe version of the DB11. It is anticipated that Aston Martin will also unveil a convertible DB12 Volante at a later date, with an estimated starting price of around $260,000.
