FiestaST
Honorary Master
The successor to the DB11, RIP V12.
This is the new 671bhp Aston Martin DB12
A new name, a new role and no V12 for Aston’s core model
"The world’s first Super Tourer," says Aston Martin. Actually, it’s a badge that’s been attributed once or twice before to cars that bridge the GT/supercar divide, cars such as the latest Porsche 911 Turbo. But let’s take it at face value, because it accurately describes what Aston is trying to do here.
The mission is sports cars. The Valkyrie has (finally) arrived, the development of other mid-engined machines is ongoing and Aston’s quest to become the British Ferrari is basking in the reflected rays of F1 success. Alongside this, the grand tourer seems a dated concept. And besides, the DB11 was never the finest exponent of the breed.
But it’s not replacement time yet. The DB11 has only been around for seven years, when the DB9 that preceded it lasted the best part of double that. Aston needs the platform to pay its way. So it’s been given a very thorough overhaul.
The headline is what’s not there anymore. The V12 is dead. Emissions finally caught up with it. Here’s what else isn’t there: a hybrid or any form of electric assistance. Instead, the DB12 uses the Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. That was in the DB11, where it produced 528bhp. But with no 630bhp twin turbo V12 and a quest to boost sportiness, Aston needs the V8 to do more heavy lifting.
www.topgear.com
This is the new 671bhp Aston Martin DB12
A new name, a new role and no V12 for Aston’s core model
"The world’s first Super Tourer," says Aston Martin. Actually, it’s a badge that’s been attributed once or twice before to cars that bridge the GT/supercar divide, cars such as the latest Porsche 911 Turbo. But let’s take it at face value, because it accurately describes what Aston is trying to do here.
The mission is sports cars. The Valkyrie has (finally) arrived, the development of other mid-engined machines is ongoing and Aston’s quest to become the British Ferrari is basking in the reflected rays of F1 success. Alongside this, the grand tourer seems a dated concept. And besides, the DB11 was never the finest exponent of the breed.
But it’s not replacement time yet. The DB11 has only been around for seven years, when the DB9 that preceded it lasted the best part of double that. Aston needs the platform to pay its way. So it’s been given a very thorough overhaul.
The headline is what’s not there anymore. The V12 is dead. Emissions finally caught up with it. Here’s what else isn’t there: a hybrid or any form of electric assistance. Instead, the DB12 uses the Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. That was in the DB11, where it produced 528bhp. But with no 630bhp twin turbo V12 and a quest to boost sportiness, Aston needs the V8 to do more heavy lifting.
This is the new 671bhp Aston Martin DB12
A new name, a new role and no V12 for Aston’s core model
