2024 Aston Martin DB12: An Exclusive Look At The World's First Super Tourer

Jan 11, 2024

See the V8-powered DB11 successor up close from every angle, as the British luxury car looks to redefine today's GT.

Things are going well for Aston Martin lately. Amidst the Aston Martin F1 team's recent successes on the racetrack with Fernando Alonso securing consecutive podiums for the manufacturer since the season's start, there was no better timing for Aston Martin to launch a new car: the DB12. The new "Super Tourer," as Aston Martin calls it, comes in to replace the 7-year-old DB11 model. With this super tourer status, what the DB12 essentially aims to be is a vehicle that brings in both supercar and GT qualities under one roof. As the manufacturer calls it a "world's first," Aston Martin sets a high standard, promising drivers something completely different to what they’re used to. This comes in the shape of a brand new high-tech interior, and a completely upgraded performance from the 4.0-liter V8 carried over from the DB11.

With the recently announced partnership between Aston Martin and Honda for the 2026 F1 season, Aston Martin's gorgeous Tokyo dealership located right across the street from Honda's was the perfect location to go and take a look at the world's first super tourer. We were able to get an exclusive look at the new luxury car, take a peek into the engine bay, scrutinize all the new exterior details, and experience the re-designed interior for ourselves.

Though no major changes reflect on the DB12's looks, the new model modernizes and refines the lines taken from the DB11, while hinting at the DBS's muscular silhouette. The large grille, curvy hood, and wide haunches instantly stand out for a sportier look that matches the car's upgraded performance. For this launch model, Aston Martin went with their stunning Iridescent Emerald paint — a beautiful shade of green with golden hues that creates a luxurious emerald color underneath the sun.

Keeping up with the latest design trends, the prominent body colored front splitter adds a very different look to the DB12. It leaves behind the DB11's black splitter design and takes on a new appearance that is reminiscent of older Aston Martin cars, such as the Vanquish or Vantage models from the 2000s. The line coming from the front splitter continues onto the side, featuring a new vent for the air to exit from the front wheel arches. You will also notice that the DB12's new side mirrors are now frameless, bringing in a two-in-one combination of aesthetics and aerodynamism.

Then, there is the new headlight design. While it remains overall similar to the DB11's, Aston Martin introduced new details inside the light. The previous wing-shaped daytime running light gives way to new, slim LEDs, more on par with current design trends that prioritize ultraslim headlights (think Mercedes's EQ series, the new Toyota Crown and Prius, etc). RELATED: The Coolest Features Found Inside The Aston Martin Vanquish

With the noticeable absence of a V12 engine in Aston Martin's DB12, there is undeniably a lot of space underneath the hodd. Disappointing as it may be but surprising it is not, as emission regulations got the best of the gas-hungry V12. Yet, it's not all bad news, as Aston Martin brought in serious upgrades to their latest DB model.

While the DB11 offered a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 528 hp, and a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 630 hp, Aston Martin was able to tune the same V8 engine to an even higher power output than both DB11 versions for the DB12. Underneath the super tourer's hood, the V8 now produces 671 hp, gaining about 150 hp in comparison to its predecessor. The DB12 is also much torquier too. From the predecessor's 513 lb-ft for the V8 and 516 lb-ft for the V12, the DB12 now produces 590 lb-ft of torque at 2,750-6,000 rpm. Other performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.

In terms of driving experience, drivers should feel some improvement in the car's torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness thanks to a stiffer bonded aluminum chassis, as well as several changes to underbody components. Aston Martin also redesigned its cooling system, installed larger turbochargers and an electronic rear differential. The DB12 provides a sharper and quicker response, with a performance that adapts to both its touring and supercar abilities. With the Michelin Pilot Sport 5s fitted to the DB12, the noise coming from the tires is 20% quieter than before, consequently providing a higher quality cruising experience.

RELATED: Why The Underrated Aston Martin DB Range Became So Influential In Pop Culture

There is no doubt: the DB12's new interior looks stunning. It is mature, sophisticated, and modern; bringing a much awaited upgrade to the DB series. The interior comes in with a mix of leather and alcantara, giving it a sporty yet luxurious feel. You can also find Aston Martin's new diamond stitching pattern on the seats, center compartment, rear seats, and even on the roof lining. The new air vent design blends in with the horizontal lines of the dashboard's, which helps create a polished and uncluttered feel inside.

The center console has been completely upgraded, featuring a mix of gloss black and carbon fiber materials, with quality metallic buttons and scrolls. Aston Martin went for a driver-oriented interior that is easy to understand and to navigate through. With a 10.25-inch central screen and easily accessible physical control buttons, drivers do not need to take their attention away from driving.

Noticeably, Aston Martin abandoned the Mercedes-Benz control pad. This allowed the manufacturer to truly infuse the new interior with their brand spirit. It was also the perfect opportunity for the manufacturer to feature their very first in-house built infotainment system. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and future owners can also pair their Aston Martin app for a premium tech experience.

Other drastic changes come in the shape of a new gear selection lever, located on the center console. For a more concrete idea, it is similar to the current Porsche 911 992's. This marks a major change from previous Aston Martin models, where gear selection happened via buttons. There are changes as well in the audio department, with Aston Martin's new audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins.

RELATED: Why Fernando Alonso's Custom Aston Martin DBX 707 Company Car Is So Impressive

While featuring new headlights, new aerodynamic details and an overall more muscular silhouette, the DB12 is not exactly what one would call groundbreaking in terms of looks. The DB12 looks fantastic, but the approach to its design is a safe one that remains close to what we know, somewhere in between the DB11 and the DBS.

But one would be mistaken to solely judge the DB12 on its appearance. This is something that becomes quite apparent as you step inside. The DB12 offers a completely new environment, where sitting inside feels like discovering a new aspect of the brand. From the new stitching pattern to the completely redesigned center console, this new interior feels very modern and up-to-date. To complete this fresh design, Aston Martin's all-new in-house built infotainment system should provide a new experience in the way both driver and passenger will interact with the car.

Lastly, the DB12 may carry over the same 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine from the DB11, but the upgraded power output is no small feat. With its 150-hp increase and many new tweaks to improve the car's performance, future owners should be able to feel distinct changes both in the cruising experience and when switching on Sport mode.

The price is not yet known, but we should start seeing the DB12 on roads as early as this summer. Only then will we be able to tell whether the DB12 truly is, as Aston Martin puts it, "the most complete and accomplished DB model in Aston Martin's history." With what we can see so far, it would be hard for it to not be.

French and Japanese automotive writer and photographer based in Tokyo, Claire has joined the HotCars team in March 2022. She is an automotive enthusiast who enjoys creating beautiful imagery to illustrate her car stories from Japan.