Aston Martin, renowned for its luxury and performance vehicles, is all set to unveil its latest masterpiece, the Aston Martin DB12. Serving as the successor to the popular DB11, this exquisite supercar comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 4.8 crore (ex-showroom) in India. Aston Martin enthusiasts can start booking their DB12s in early June, with deliveries expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. This launch aligns perfectly with Aston Martin’s 110th birthday and the 75th anniversary of their esteemed DB nameplate.
The Aston Martin DB12 packs a punch with its impressive 680 horsepower Mercedes AMG V8 engine. This high-performance powertrain positions the DB12 as a force to be reckoned with, capable of competing against formidable rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT and the Ferrari Roma. The DB12 has undergone significant upgrades, not only in its powertrain but also in its chassis and interior.
Designer Miles Nurnberger and his team have dedicated themselves to enhancing the DB12’s performance and power. As a result, the new GT boasts a more aggressive and commanding presence compared to its predecessor. The front grille is larger, while the aero elements, wheels, and tracks have been enhanced to give the car a noticeably muscular stance. The sleeker wing mirrors and flush door handles contribute to the DB12’s aerodynamic profile. Additionally, the car features reshaped headlights equipped with LED Matrix technology, incorporating Aston Martin’s revised wings badge for the first time on a production vehicle.
The Aston Martin DB12 represents a complete reinvention, with the most striking changes found inside the vehicle. Gone is the outdated Mercedes infotainment system, making way for an all-new, bespoke setup created by Aston Martin’s in-house software division. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, placed on a beautifully sloping center console known as the ‘waterfall,’ serves as the focal point of the cabin. This high-resolution screen, boasting a quick response time of just 30 milliseconds, introduces Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wide range of connectivity functions. Aston Martin owners can now enjoy reading restaurant reviews within the navigation interface and even pre-programming the route guidance via a smartphone app before entering the vehicle.
Furthermore, the DB12 offers over-the-air connectivity, allowing for seamless updates without requiring a visit to the dealer. This advanced feature also provides an opportunity for Aston Martin owners to engage with an online community through an integrated interaction platform. Aston Martin is generously including a selection of subscription features free of charge for the first three years after purchase, including 4G-connected navigation, voice assistant, car locator, breakdown response, and remote diagnostics. The cabin retains its exquisite physical switchgear, thoughtfully designed and arranged around a new gear lever and steering wheel for easy access.
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The Aston Martin DB12 is powered by a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivering an impressive 680 horsepower and 800Nm of torque. This represents a 34 percent increase in torque compared to the V8 DB11. With such power, the DB12 can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 325 kilometers per hour. Aston Martin achieved this performance boost by modifying cam profiles, adjusting compression ratios, incorporating larger turbochargers, and improving cooling.
Notably, the DB12 foregoes the thunderous 5.2-litre V12 engine found in its predecessor, the DB11, and the limited-run DBS 770. Aston Martin assures enthusiasts that the V12 engine will find its place in an “all-new application” in the future. However, they highlight the weight reduction of 100 kilograms over the front axle achieved by the V8, which makes it nearly as powerful and quick as the outgoing V12-engined DBS.
The DB12 retains its predecessor’s eight-speed ZF gearbox but replaces the mechanical limited-slip differential with an electronic unit. This innovative system can transition from fully open to 100 percent locked in a matter of milliseconds, significantly enhancing handling precision and consistency.
Aston Martin has focused on improving the DB12’s long-distance capabilities while ensuring it possesses the agility and handling prowess of the most formidable supercars on the market. The new electronic stability control (ESC) system enhances responsiveness and agility at all speeds, accompanied by upgraded adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, offering an increased breadth of capability. The aluminum chassis of the DB12 is now 7 percent stiffer due to reinforced braces, crossmembers, and undertrays. This enhancement improves both the car’s dynamics and refinement, while also enhancing steering feel. Aston Martin has also fine-tuned the brake feel by incorporating a retuned brake booster.
The Aston Martin DB12 is set to launch in India in October 2023. Priced at Rs 4.8 crore (ex-showroom, before options), it will directly compete with the Ferrari Roma, priced at Rs 3.76 crore (ex-showroom), and the Bentley Continental GT, with a starting price of Rs 3.29 crore (ex-showroom). Aston Martin enthusiasts can anticipate an exhilarating and luxurious driving experience with the DB12, accompanied by the prestige and heritage associated with the iconic British brand.