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“Aston Martin is celebrating its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the iconic DB Grand Touring two-door coupe. This model was made famous by the James Bond spy movie franchise as the car of choice for Agent 007.”
Legendary British luxury Sportscar maker Aston Martin is celebrating its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the iconic DB Grand Touring two-door coupe. This model was made famous by the James Bond spy movie franchise as the car of choice for Agent 007. And what a fitting way to celebrate the DB with an updated version of the 2024 Aston Martin DB12.
To put it simply, the sporty coupe is breathtaking in every way. The car oozes a panther-like exhibition of suppleness, grace, and athleticism from the understated, sleek, and muscular lines to the bulging rear shoulders. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful. At the same time, other supercars look like they were assembled from parts by robots. The DB12 shape seems cast of still-flowing molten steel or carved into its sexy, sinewy shape. A handmade jewel-like luxury interior and a powerful hand-built engine also cap it off. The roof can either be body-colored or finished in exposed carbon fiber. The exterior panels, shut lines, and finish are faultless, as expected in this bespoke expensive car.
An all-new hand-built powers the new DB12 twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, namely a serious Mercedes-AMG V8, especially massaged and tuned by Aston Martin, allowing for 671 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 590 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm. This is a 34 percent increase compared to the previous DB11 model. With the DB12’s impressively lightweight, the V8 can motivate the DB12 to a top speed of 325 km/h, according to Aston Martin. Power from the twin-turbo V8 is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The DB12 will accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. 200 km/h is available in scant 10.9 seconds. Fuel economy figures are not available as yet and would be on the high side, anyway!
Engineering highlights include handling and performance upgrades such as a rear electronic-differential system that pairs with the latest generation ESC system, resulting in dramatically better cornering and handling in all conditions. The brakes are now composed of mega-expensive high-performance carbon ceramic and are standard issues. The suspension is revamped with uprated springs and Bilstein active dampers. The DB12 also offers a choice of drive modes (Sport, Sport+, GT, Individual, and Wet) for performance-orientated drivers.
“Simply put, the sporty coupe is breathtaking in every way. The car oozes a panther-like exhibition of suppleness, grace, and athleticism from the understated, sleek, and muscular lines to the bulging rear shoulders. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful.”
Regarding the model range, the expensive DB12 comes in one fully loaded version with cosmetic options and customization features. The DB12 hardtop will also be available later in a Volante convertible version. Naturally, well-heeled buyers can specify certain custom features regarding the exterior and interior and colors and paint choices.
On the inside, it is also a beauty, blending high-quality materials with modern technology. The diamond- pattern leather seating has a sumptuous look and feel and is of the highest quality possible. The various dials, instruments, and buttons are finished off with exceptional levels of detail. It is all opulent leather, chrome, and satin metal, finishing everywhere you look. In terms of equipment levels, everything exceeds expectations. There is an audiophile quality 15-speaker, 1,170-watt Bowers and Wilkins audio system. The new in-house designed 10.25” infotainment display features an all-new Operating system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and every option you can imagine. The ergonomic seats are draped in leather, yet more hand-stitched leather adorning all surfaces. State-of-the-art digital displays now replace Aston Martin’s famously styled analog dials as technology marches on. The roomy cockpit is designed for relaxed, comfortable, long-distance touring, and there is ample cargo space for occupants’ luggage.
To sum up, Aston Martin hopes to move the DB’s perception closer to the Lamborghini, Ferrari, and McLaren performance range, and this current generation is doing that very successfully. Aston Martin proclaims the DB12 is “a quantum shift” in the sports car category and is the world’s first Super Tourer.” I think most motoring journalists will agree with that.
2024 Aston Martin DB12 – Projected price in Canada: $281,800 plus options, taxes, and fees.
