At the end of May Aston Martin took the stage with their brand new DB12. The term Grand Tourer was thrown overboard and the term Super Tourer was born. For six weeks, the French Riviera was the setting for media from all over the world to get a taste of the Aston Martin DB12. Of course we were there to put this British exotic to the test and we can already tell you, the DB12 is a powerhouse.
A fresh breeze and a pleasant Mediterranean temperature at the swimming pool make the ultra-luxurious Maybourne Riviera hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin most enjoyable. The view over Monaco, the Principality which is world famous for its annually Formula 1 race, is phenomenal. Aston Martin seised the moment to introduce the DB12 to its clientele. Followed by the introduction to the media and therefore we were able to attend. Save the best for last, they must have thought, because a mishmash of impressive influencers such as Seen Through Glass and Supercarblondie were present with us. A good sign that Aston Martin at least knows where the target groups can be found nowadays.
The DB12 may look like a facelift of the DB11, but you can't be more wrong. Aston Martin has gone through some lengths to give it a completely new image. The V12 engine has seen its final days, but there is no need to worry. Because the British brand has made a great deal with Mercedes-Benz about their V8 engines. Previously, Aston Martin wasn't allowed to make the engine stronger than in a Mercedes-AMG. But that condition had been thrown overboard with the release of the DBX707. This time it's no different because the V8 delivers 680 hp and 800 Nm of torque. To achieve this, the engine has gone through a lot of adjustments. Aston Martin gave the V8 larger turbos, modified camshaft profiles and improved engine and oil cooling. As a result Aston Martin can guarantee the previously mentioned values, but more about that later.
Of course there is more news. The appearance of the car was adjusted and is totally up to date again. Not that the DB11 was that outdated. After all, Aston Martin has had their design in order for years. The great DBX707 or even better, the DBS Superleggera are perfect examples. The DB12 therefore clearly has traits of the DBS Superleggera, including the impressive front. But the biggest improvements Aston Martin made are found behind the wheel. For years we have been complaining about the lack of a modern interior and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Those complaints have been completely swept off the table with the DB12. The days of integrated navigation systems are over. After all, with your phone in your pocket you always have the latest information at hand. Getting in, pair your phone and you have a perfectly smooth working intuitive system on your hands. This makes us happy and so will the first customers who will receive their car in the third quarter of this year. As can be seen in the photos, the cockpit has been shaped in a very modern way. What really stands out to us is the start button surrounded by a rotary knob. That knob has a nice firm feel to it and works to activate the different driving modes. You can really tell the difference when switching between modes. Furthermore, the most important buttons can be found on the center console. Temperature, fan speed, seat heating and cooling and the most important button is the one for the exhaust position. It has three positions depending on the driver's wishes. From quiet to extra loud. You can guess which position we prefer.
A lot of work has gone into the DB12 to make it into the Super Tourer the brand promises. After the introduction and the technical presentation it was time to get behind the wheel of the Iridescent Emerald Green colored Aston Martin. A shade that we know from British Racing Green. However, Aston Martin has added a gold tint which looks wonderful in the sun. One of the most beautiful colors to be found in the automotive world if you'd ask us. We started the V8 and drove through Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. We set course via the highway towards the famous Route Napoleon. This route was followed by Napoleon Bonaparte when he returned from his exile on the island of Elba. We put the car in its standard mode which adds a lot of comfortability. The suspension feels soft and the highway miles fly past as if you were driving a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Every irregularity on the road is evened out. After a little coffee stop we entered the real Route Napoleon. With the Sport+ mode engaged the Super Tourer really comes to life. The accelerator pedal feels more aggressive and the gearbox stays longer in lower gears which makes that the engine feels like it's always ready. That's where the real power of the V8 engine comes in. Aston Martin has managed to get the DB12 to deliver a constant torque of 800 Nm from 2,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm. This makes the car feel gigantically fast. Accelerating out of corners feels like time is standing still and you are traveling through time. We cannot resist comparing this DB12 with a Porsche 992 Turbo S in terms of speed perception. In addition, it also has the better looks! The route has many bends and after each bend the Aston gives you more and more confidence. There seems to be no limit and that is partly due to the new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres. The DB12 is the first car that will be standardly supplied with these tires. The combination of the Aston Martin with these tires is unparalleled and it's almost a shame we didn't get to drive through this area for a few days. After this day of driving, we can at least confirm that it really is the first Super Tourer. A car with multiple faces, which we would have liked to play with for a bit longer. Perhaps we will get the chance to spend more time with the DB12 in the future, after all, it is only a matter of time before the Volante is presented.
Aston Martin has taken gigantic steps with its DB12. With the interior being the biggest surprise to us. The in-house developed multimedia system works wonderfully, partly due to a very responsive touchscreen. Other manufacturers can take note. Of course, all this comes with a price tag. The DB12 is available from 295,551.51 euros including VAT. And of course you can count on Aston Martin for creating an option list with numerous options. The carbon ceramic discs that were under every DB12 during the introduction are optional. They make the car 28 kilos lighter, but come with a surcharge. In addition, you're able to use Q by Aston Martin if you really have specific wishes. In that case the price will obviously skyrocket too. It's all worth it because Aston Martin has built a fantastic car with the DB12. The first round of deliveries will be released the third quarter of this year. Fortunately enough the spotters in Monaco were paying attention and we can already see how the DB12 looks on the public road. Now see for yourself, doesn't that look slick?
