‘The sharpest DB ever’
The DB11 was never short on power, but poise? It wasn’t the best to drive out of the blocks, though Aston were proactive with improvements over the years. The DB12, however, is described by Aston as the sharpest DB ever and the ‘world’s first super tourer’. Based on recent form (the DBX707 and DBS770), we have no cause to not believe that.
New for the DB12 is an electronic limited-slip diff, which is linked to the car’s advanced ESC system. It has a shorter final drive too, for more shifting via the revised eight-speed auto box. The structure is seven per cent stiffer compared to the DB11, thanks to revised components including the engine brace, under trays, front crossmember and rear bulkhead. There are new Bilstein intelligent adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, with the DB12 sporting a massive 500 per cent increase in bandwidth of force distribution through the dampers. What does that mean? Much better body control.
The car’s electronics can vary in attitude, through multi-mode ESP and three driving modes, GT, Sport and Sport+. We hope with the added dynamic prowess, Aston hasn’t thrown out ride and refinement. Stopping the DB12 are 400mm and 360mm (front and rear) brakes as standard, with carbon items an option that save 26kg in unsprung mass. The new forged 21-inch wheels are shod in the latest Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres – their first official use – spanning a 275- and 315-section at the front and rear respectively.
So what do you think of the new Aston Martin DB12? As above, we’re somewhat worried the largely unchanged design will do Aston’s hard work on the face, cabin and dynamics a disservice. Let’s hope buyers can tell old from new. As for price? We’re expecting the DB12 to start in the region of £190,000, with deliveries beginning later this year. Next up, Vantage…