Its development came about following the launch of the DB11 V8 in 2017, which is not only more affordable than the original V12, but also just about as fast and, according to some, even better to drive on account of its superior chassis tune.
No surprises then that the first job for the team behind the AMR (that’s Aston Martin Racing, which serves as Aston’s sub-division tasked with teasing even more performance from its cars) was to apply the lessons learnt when developing the V8’s ride and handling to the V12. So that’s stiffer bushes for the rear subframe, forged rather than cast alloy wheels to save weight, 10 per cent stiffer damping, new engine mounts and a thicker front anti-roll bar. Aston hasn’t, however, changed the spring rates because it wants the V12 to retain the feeling of being a GT car.
The engine meanwhile gains an additional 30hp to take the total to 637hp. Torque is unchanged at 700NM delivered from just 1,500rpm, which feels every bit as ludicrous as it sounds. It’s enough, indeed, to propel the 1,870kg DB11 AMR from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds (an improvement of two tenths on the outgoing V12), while the top speed is 208mph (up 8mph on before).
That’s not only enough to put clear air between it and the DB11 V8, but also ensures it eclipses the new Bentley Continental GT in most of the key metrics. Where it can’t match the Bentley is in having four-wheel drive, although that could be considered as a pro or a con depending how you like your super-GT car to drive.