Get ready for an electrifying year from Aston Martin! As they celebrate their 110th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of their iconic DB model lineup in 2023, the anticipation has been building. Now, the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived. Introducing the exhilarating 2024 Aston Martin DB12 lineup, packed with a more powerful engine, fresh exterior and interior designs, and enhanced suspension.
While the Aston Martin DB12 may not be an entirely brand-new grand tourer, it's clear that this stunning sports car carries over some impressive features from its predecessor, the DB11. Take the chassis structure, for example. It's borrowed from the older model, but with a twist. The bonded aluminum structure now boasts an incredible 7 percent increase in torsional rigidity. This enhancement is the result of meticulous reworking of various underbody components, including the engine cross brace, the front crossmember, new undertrays at both ends, and sturdier strut towers at the front and rear. The DB12 also inherits the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine from its Aston Martin siblings, but with a significant upgrade. Aston has fine-tuned the V-8 with new camshafts, larger diameter turbos, an entirely revamped cooling system, and optimized compression ratio for enhanced performance. Brace yourself for a breathtaking output of 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. And let's not forget the incredible 34 percent boost in power between 2750 and 6000 rpm. This beast of an engine is exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox featuring a shortened final drive of 3.083:1. Aston claims the DB12 can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 202 mph.
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To fully exploit the prowess of the turbocharged V-8, Aston Martin has revolutionized the DB12's suspension setup. The stronger strut towers not only enhance isolation and overall performance but also accommodate intelligent adaptive dampers. These high-tech dampers provide a significantly broader range of control compared to their predecessors, boasting a staggering 500 percent increase in force distribution. This means softer responses on the comfort end of the drive mode spectrum, while still delivering the track-ready grip you crave. With five distinct drive modes—Normal, Sport, Sport +, Wet, and Individual—the DB12's suspension can be perfectly tailored to suit any driving preference. Supporting all that high-performance hardware are a set of lightweight 21-inch wheels. Despite their larger size compared to the DB11, these wheels are almost 18 pounds lighter, guaranteeing an exhilarating ride. Complementing these lightweight wheels are the cutting-edge Michelin Pilot Sports 5S tires, specially developed in collaboration with Aston Martin. These bespoke tires make the DB12 the first production vehicle to roll on this innovative rubber. For the first time in a DB model, an electronic rear differential is introduced, working in harmony with the brand's updated stability control system. This dynamic duo ensures the DB12 feels agile at low speeds without compromising high-speed stability.
The DB12 is equipped with cast-iron brakes measuring an impressive 15.7 inches at the front and 14.2 inches at the rear. For those who demand ultimate stopping power, carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. Not only do these carbon brakes provide unrivaled performance, but they also shed nearly 60 pounds of unsprung weight. Aston Martin has also refined the brake booster to enhance feedback, setting the DB12 apart from other models in the range.
When it comes to the exterior, the DB12 maintains a clear visual connection with its predecessor, the DB11. The overall styling remains largely unchanged, with subtle tweaks to inject freshness into this grand tourer. The fascias have been subtly redesigned, featuring a larger front grille opening and new lighting elements that accentuate the updates. The grille itself draws inspiration from the DBS Superleggera and One-77 models, adding a touch of elegance to the new DB12. The profile and rear of the car remain almost identical to the previous model, which is a testament to their timeless appeal. However, it's worth noting that the front track has been widened by a quarter of an inch, while the rear track has increased by 0.86 inches. Another notable change is the introduction of sleeker frameless mirrors, replacing their bulkier predecessors.
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Step inside the DB12, and you'll be greeted by a cabin that has undergone significant refinements and enhancements. Aston Martin has dedicated substantial effort to updating and improving the car's interior, resulting in a truly remarkable space. The centerpiece is the brand's bespoke infotainment system, a departure from the previous Mercedes-based system. Controlled through a user-friendly 10.25-inch capacitive touch screen, the system seamlessly integrates wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, providing a seamless connection to your smartphone. Aston has thoughtfully retained hard buttons for crucial functions, ensuring convenience and ease of use. Navigation has also been completely revamped, offering an all-new integrated system to guide you on your journeys. As for the audio experience, the DB12 comes standard with an impressive 11-speaker audio system. However, for the discerning audiophiles, Aston Martin offers an optional 15-speaker, double-amplified Bowers & Wilkins system. Crafted in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins, this exceptional audio setup elevates the driving experience to new heights. The stainless steel grilles perfectly complement the interior accents. To further enhance the luxurious ambiance, the interior surfaces are adorned with hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather, featuring a fresh quilting pattern exclusive to the DB12. With its driver-focused design, the DB12's interior is an inviting and captivating space that exceeds all expectations.
The highly anticipated Aston Martin DB12 is set to begin its initial deliveries in the third quarter of the year, perfectly timed to join in the anniversary celebrations. Although the brand has not yet disclosed the pricing details for this high-performance grand tourer, one thing's for certain—it won't come cheap. To put things into perspective, the outgoing DB11 V-8 has an MSRP exceeding $220,000. So, buckle up and get ready for an extraordinary driving experience with the Aston Martin DB12, where power, luxury, and timeless design meet in perfect harmony.
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