Aston Martin

2024 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive

Aston Martin. Embarking on a drive from Monaco, the bustling heart of Europe, to the serene Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. Skyscrapers shrink, making way for majestic mountains, and the clamor of city life fades into tranquility. Amidst these diverse settings, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12, a new coupe heralded as a "super tourer," gracefully asserts its presence.

Unveiled in May 2023, the DB12 represents a bold evolution from its predecessor, the DB11. With an updated exterior design, a plethora of advanced interior technologies, enhanced chassis dynamics, and a more potent V8 engine, this car epitomizes Aston Martin's commitment to redefining itself. Although not an entirely new creation, an Aston Martin spokesperson revealed that approximately 80% of the DB12's components are fresh developments compared to the DB11.

Notable visual changes are concentrated at the front of the DB12, where a larger grille, redesigned lights, and a new bumper provide an unmistakable aesthetic impact. Retaining the timeless appeal of an Aston Martin, this coupe effortlessly captures attention, making it unlikely to be misplaced even in a crowded parking lot. While the larger grille may generate some debate, its purpose becomes clear upon closer inspection.

2024 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive

According to Marek Reichman, the head of Aston Martin's design department, "It has a larger grille because it has more power under the hood, and that all needs cooling." This expansion is a result of the DB12 housing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which generates a robust 671 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 590 pound-feet of torque between 2,750 and 6,000 rpm. A descendant of the DB11's V8, which itself originated from the Mercedes-AMG's 63-badged models, this evolution brings substantial performance gains. Notably, the DB12 marks a significant departure as it forgoes the option of a V12 engine, a tradition maintained for three decades.

Prior to installation, Aston Martin fine-tuned the V8 powertrain extensively. Simon Newton, Aston Martin's director of vehicle performance, highlighted their comprehensive involvement, stating, "We chose the turbos, we chose the cams, and we chose the compression ratio. Importantly, we had a huge influence on the powertrain’s characteristics through calibration." Although the DB12's eight-speed automatic transmission retains the same ratios as its predecessor, Newton's team made the final drive 13% shorter to enhance acceleration.

From the driver's seat, the most striking upgrade in the DB12 is its new infotainment system. It immediately captivates, elevating the driving experience as the Monaco landscape fades away. Aston Martin's previous models, including the DB11 and DBX, employed an infotainment system based on older Mercedes-Benz technology, featuring a touchpad and a dial. While functional, it lacked the user-friendly appeal of a touchscreen. In contrast, the DB12 boasts a bespoke in-house system centered around a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Offering responsive touch-sensitive controls, crisp graphics, and intuitive menus, this enhanced system delivers a refined experience. Its thoughtful demeanor is evident, bidding farewell with a polite "have a nice day" message upon reaching the destination.

2024 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive

As of now, the new infotainment system is exclusive to the DB12. However, Aston Martin plans to gradually introduce it across its range over the next 12 to 18 months, promising exciting prospects for upcoming models. Although the DB12's interior is markedly improved, it remains grounded in tradition, eschewing an all-digital approach. Below the touchscreen, a row of buttons provides easy access to features like the rear defroster, while climate control commands reside lower on the center stack, just above the switches for selecting various suspension and exhaust settings. Embracing modernity, the dash-top PRND shift buttons, a long-standing Aston Martin feature, make way for a small, leather-upholstered shifter powered by shift-by-wire technology, adding to the cabin's refined ambiance.

Beyond its technological upgrades, the DB12 presents a comfortable and luxurious space. Pillar-to-pillar leather upholstery envelopes the cabin, and the seats strike an ideal balance between comfort and sportiness. Accompanying the journey is an exceptional sound system, while the exhaust note, though not overwhelming at lower speeds, can be awakened by a simple button press. The DB12's captivating aesthetics continue to turn heads, even in a region where supercars are a common sight.

The rear seats, although limited in space, serve as seat-shaped parcel shelves rather than functional seats suitable for adults. Nevertheless, the trunk space offers a commendable 9.2 cubic feet, an unexpected advantage in this segment, comparable to that of the Ferrari Roma.

2024 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive

As the population density dwindles, so do the well-paved roads. Embarking on the historic Route Napoléon, a twisting, fast-paced two-lane road named after the French emperor, one can truly appreciate the DB12's spirited performance. Selectable driving modes play a significant role in shaping the car's character, and as the journey progresses, the DB12 reveals its multi-faceted capabilities. While retaining its luxurious essence, engaging Sport or Sport+ modes yield sharper throttle response and encourage the transmission to hold gears longer, among other enhancements. This "super tourer" distinction becomes evident, as the DB12 fuses grand touring comfort with supercar-like performance.

Aston Martin's claimed zero-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds impresses both on paper and in reality, as the DB12 effortlessly pins occupants to their seats. Notably, the engine's elasticity ensures an abundance of power at any speed or gear, rendering forceful accelerations easily accessible. Aston Martin asserts a top speed of 202 mph, although testing such limits on these scenic roads would be ill-advised, as Napoleon's commemorative statue embedded in the grille would be an unwelcome consequence.

The DB12's drivetrain layout draws inspiration from its predecessor. The front-mid-mounted V8 engine positions the majority of its mass behind the front axle, while the gearbox is integrated into the rear axle in a transaxle configuration. This arrangement promotes balanced weight distribution, with 48% in the front and 52% in the rear (based on a dry weight of 3,715 pounds). Complementing this layout, Aston Martin equipped the DB12 with a new suspension system featuring adaptive dampers, a redesigned and well-weighted steering system, and sizable brakes (carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option). Together, these elements contribute to an authentic driver's car, enabling a harmonious connection with each turn and delivering an engaging and agile driving experience that avoids unpredictability or clumsiness.

2024 Aston Martin DB12 First Drive

The DB12 effortlessly blends enjoyable driving dynamics with an elegant simplicity that eschews excessive reliance on technology. While lacking hybrid assistance, four-wheel steering, or advanced 48-volt-powered suspension systems, the DB12 upholds Aston Martin's timeless formula, honed over decades.

Surpassing expectations for a grand tourer and defying preconceptions of a supercar, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 adeptly bridges the divide between two segments, emerging as an even stronger contender. While luxury remains a core value for Aston Martin, the DB12 signifies a renewed emphasis on performance, a characteristic that is expected to permeate forthcoming additions to the brand's lineup. As the successor to the Rapide sedan is ruled out, Aston Martin's product pipeline takes on a more Monaco-like appearance, promising an exciting future for the marque.