Aston Martin’s First Super Tourer, The DB12, Is India-bound This September

The latest Aston Martin, which also happens to be a radical model that marks the beginning of a new generation of sports cars from the carmaker, has been confirmed for India. Called the DB12, the latest super tourer (as Aston is calling it) will be launched on our shores this September. 

Beauty beautified 

At first glance, the new DB12 might not seem all that new, since it shares a lot of resemblance with the DB11. But Aston says it's 80% new so there’s more than meets the eye. The changes to the exterior have made it 6mm wider at the front and 22mm wider at the rear, giving it a meaner stance in the process.

The familiar grille is even bigger than before, sitting above an air dam that almost looks like a face grin and blends seemingly into the flat front lip. The headlights have been redesigned with new elements and you get forged 21-inch alloy wheels in profile, available in three designs. The familiarity becomes evident at the rear, with a similar body contour and taillight design as the DB11.

The crux of the work done on making the DB12 really starts to shine when you look beyond the exterior. Pop into the seat of the grand, err super tourer and you’ll be met with an interior that has no business being this good. The styling is modern and doesn’t feel like it belongs in cars a generation or two old, which usually was the case with most previous Aston Martins. 

The infotainment, for the first time ever, has been developed in-house by Aston Martin itself, and boy have they got it right. It’s a 10.25-inch unit and it's compatible with both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver-centric central console is laden with buttons and knobs, but the layout is still clean and doesn’t look cluttered. 

Where’s the V12?

Honestly, no one knows yet. But we reckon it isn’t dead just yet, but as of now, Aston has plonked a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4-litre twin-turbo V8 underneath the long bonnet of the DB12. It belts out 680PS and 800Nm, which is a full 41PS and 100Nm more than what the DB11’s V12 used to make. 

Understandably, performance is no issue, with 0-96kmph coming up in 3.5 seconds. And if you’re daring enough, its new digital driver’s display will show a top speed figure of 325kmph. And as far as dynamic traits are concerned, Aston Martin has tweaked a bunch of mechanicals, including a new suspension system that uses adaptive dampers and an electronic rear differential. Those changes, combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres, promise a very engaging driving experience without any sacrifice on the comfort.

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We reckon the DB12 will carry a steeper price tag than its predecessor, which was sold at Rs 4.20 crore (ex-showroom). The super tourer will take the fight to the Ferrari Roma and Mclaren GT.