Aston Martin Reveals All New DB12 - The 'Super Tourer' We Don't Need, But Want

Aston Martin introduces the DB12, a 'Super Tourer' designed to bridge the GT and supercar divide, featuring a powerful Mercedes-sourced V8 engine and extensive upgrades, aiming to redefine the sports car landscape.

The new Aston Martin DB12, labelled as the world's first "Super Tourer", is here. While this term has been previously attached to certain vehicles, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, which are seen as bridging the gap between GT and supercars, the badge accurately mirrors what Aston Martin is aiming to achieve with the DB12.

Aston Martin's current goal is clear - to dominate the world of high-performance vehicles, whether it be on the road, at a track day, or even on the F1 circuit. The traditional grand tourer concept seems somewhat out-of-date against this backdrop, especially considering that the DB11 didn't exactly stand out among its competitors. 

However, the DB11 isn't slated for retirement just yet. Having been around for just seven years - a tenure significantly shorter than the DB9 that came before it - the DB11's platform still has some work to do to pay its dues. Aston Martin has therefore treated it to an extensive overhaul. And it's not all good news, I'm afraid.

The most significant news lies in what the DB12 lacks - a V12 engine, which had to be retired due to emissions constraints. Nor does the DB12 feature a hybrid system or electric assistance. Rather, it uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from Mercedes (not Honda, not yet anyway). This engine was also featured in the DB11, where it produced 528bhp. However, with the twin-turbo V12 gone and in a need to elevate sportiness, Aston Martin has entrusted the V8 to shoulder a heavier load.

With modified camshafts, an improved cooling system, bigger turbos, and a compression ratio of 8.6:1, the V8 has gained over 150bhp. This colossal increase results in a horsepower of 671bhp, bringing the DB12 close to the potency of the 715bhp DBS. This power also means speed, and it certainly has that with the DB12 boasting a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202mph.

A power surge of this magnitude requires adjustments elsewhere in the vehicle. The bonded aluminium chassis, for instance, has been fortified to increase torsional rigidity by seven percent. The DB12 will also feature new adaptive dampers and retain the electric steering, with the aim of improving precision and calibration. Aston Martin is proud to be the first OEM to adopt Michelin's newest PS5S tires as standard equipment. These tires, equipped with noise-cancelling foam inserts, promise to reduce road noise by 20 percent.

In terms of appearance, it's certainly a looker with enhanced bodywork, showing off defined creases and modern lines, bearing a resemblance to the DBS's muscular design. The car's interior, meanwhile, has seen a total transformation. The DB12 now features an in-house infotainment system, removing all traces of Mercedes switchgear, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a 30ms reaction time.

Perhaps the most noteworthy change is the DB12's new direction as a serious driving tool, underscored by the optional sports seats. These seats are firmer, less padded, but have higher bolsters. Aston Martin confidently asserts that this new model is their most complete and accomplished DB model, setting new dynamic benchmarks in the process. 

Whether the DB12 can live up to these bold claims, however, remains to be seen. The sports car is set for release this autumn, in line with the 75th anniversary of Aston's DB cars. It's worth a bit of excitement we think.