James Bond's next car? A look at the new Aston Martin DB12
Aston Martin is liberally sprinkling the superlatives when describing the new DB12, which hits showrooms later this year.
It is variously billed as the world's first super tourer, a quantum leap over its predecessor and it claims to sets standards in terms of performance, ultra-luxury and style.
Fictional spy hero James Bond is synonymous with the British brand and no one would be surprised to see this super-tourer crop up as his company car in the next 007 movie.
The DB12 is not electric or a hybrid. Indeed there are no electric motors here, apart from those that power the adjustable front seats and other lavish accessories.
It all sounds very promising, but if you take a closer look, you will recognise the DB12 as an enhanced DB11 with a spec list of desirable improvements.
The DB11 successor continues to rely on the familiar lines and combustion drive of the old car. However, both have been given a makeover The DB12 is due to roll out to customers as early as autumn 2023.
It is designed to cock a snoot at the Ferrari Roma, Bentley Continental GT and Maserati Gran Turismo Trofeo as a convincing, long-striding GT with ample power.
The two-door model retains its seductive shape while newly-fashioned aprons at the front and rear and redesigned headlights at the front provide a fresh visual kick.
The radiator grille in the typical Aston Martin shape has grown, while the cooling air duct running underneath has been completely reshaped.
The new side skirts appear wider too and track has also been broadened by six millimetres at the front and 22 millimetres at the rear. New, smaller, frameless exterior mirrors complete the new design.
The engine of the DB12 is beefier than ever before. It uses the four-litre V8 biturbo adapted from Mercedes-AMG but has been significantly uprated.
The result is 680 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, made possible by new camshaft profiles, increased compression and larger turbochargers including an optimised cooling package for the engine and inducted air.
The drive torque is transferred to the rear axle via the tried-and-tested eight-speed automatic transmission, which, however, for the first time works with an electronically-controlled rear axle differential.
A shorter final drive ratio and a recalibrated gearbox also ensure improved driving dynamics. Aston Martin promises a sprint time of just under four seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h for the DB12.
The suspension is stuffer and powerful ceramic stoppers are optional. The interior has also been re-jigged to show that Aston is keeping up with the supercar times.
Design head Marek Reichman has opted for clear horizontal lines that emphasise the feeling of space and provide the backdrop for a state-of-the-art infotainment system. No Aston Martin would be complete without plenty of leather inside too.
Prices have not yet been confirmed and convertible fans will have to wait a little longer for a fresh-air version of the DB12 badged as a Volante.
