Sports cars that carry the legendary name of Aston Martin have long been objects of desire among driving enthusiasts. Ever since the genius engineer Sir David Brown introduced the Aston Martin 2 Litre Sports back in 1948 (subsequently to become the DB1) the prestige DB badge has always been attached to the halo cars ever since. Let’s be frank here; if it’s good enough for James Bond then it’s good enough for the rest of us. Introducing the latest model with the premium name, this is the Aston Martin DB12 S.
The DB12 S builds on that pioneering recipe of intensely dynamic ultra-luxury performance by adding more power and even greater dynamic prowess. Together with striking exterior changes and extensive interior enhancements, the DB12 S is the new pinnacle of the Super Tourer ideal.
Joining the other models, the DBX S and the Vantage S, this new model is the latest to honour Aston Martin's long tradition of applying the 'S' suffix to the highest performing derivative of an established model.
Beauty & Efficiency In Design
Visually, the new DB12 S reflects its significantly bolstered performance and sporting feel with a striking new look. Starting at the front, the sports tourer is identified by a new dual element front splitter and new bonnet louvres, with each performing both a functional and aesthetic role.
The splitter visually lowers and widens the DB12 S to create a more assertive look, while also generating downforce and guiding airflow in and around the front wheel arches to stabilise airflow and further reduce lift. The bonnet louvres, in gloss black or optional ‘2x2 Twill’ Carbon Fibre, aid extraction of hot air from the 'hot-V' configured 4.0 litre V8 while completing the car’s more aggressive frontal aspect.
Moving to the flanks, the Aston Martin DB12 S features gloss black sill additions. These continue the line formed by the new front splitter, further enhancing the ground-hugging stance, also continuing the tradition of carrying S badges in key locations, specifically, on the bumpers (fenders) just below each side strake. Featuring a hand-made, in either bright or dark chrome, forged 'S' badge completed with red glass enamel, it is a discreet but enduring mark of performance.
The rear design of the DB12 S makes an emphatic statement, capturing the essence of boosted power, sharpened dynamics and, naturally, an unforgettable soundtrack. Once again aerodynamics play a major role, the fixed rear spoiler adding drama and increasing high speed stability. Below sits the new rear diffuser, which also reduces lift while allowing space for the DB12 S signature stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes, which are framed within a broader rear bumper for maximum visual impact.
A Premium Interior
In common with its 'S' badged stablemates in the revitalised Aston Martin range, the interior of DB12 S features a host of distinguishing details unique to this halo model. Foremost amongst these is a red anodised finish to the knurled metal drive mode rotary controller, which also informs the colour of the seatbelts, contrast seat welts, contrast stitching and headrest embroidery.
Amongst the enticing must-have options offered on the DB12 S are an ‘Alcantara’ heated sports steering wheel, and the iconic Aston Martin wings applied to the seat headrests by an industry-first technique using both embossing and de-bossing for unprecedented precision and sculptural depth.
The DB12 S comes with a choice of three interior trim environments; ‘Accelerate’ leather and ‘Alcantara’ trim, ‘Inspire S’ semi-aniline leather and ‘Alcantara’ and ‘Inspire S’ full semi-aniline leather. Both ‘Inspire S’ packages include ‘S Herringbone’ quilting with micro-perforations and an ‘Alcantara’ headlining. DB12 S is fitted with 16-way ‘Sport Plus’ electric front seats as standard, plus the option of a Carbon Fibre Performance seat.
The Power
The heart of the DB12 S is an even more potent version of the formidable Aston Martin 4.0 Litre Twin-Turbo V8. Now with 700PS (690BHP) at 6000rpm and 800Nm of mighty torque delivered between 3000 and 6000rpm, the DB12 S offers scintillating response, relentless acceleration and a 202MPH top speed.
In keeping with this intensified spirit, this prestige sports car features a distinctive new exhaust sound character. The new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system has been tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency. An optional titanium exhaust system amplifies that soundtrack, further boosting the bass, mid and treble frequencies uplifting the sound level by 1.5dB. while also reducing weight by 11.7kg compared to the stainless steel system.
Calibration changes to the power-train have optimised the ‘Launch Control’ system, reducing gear shift times by more than 50% and contributing to a 0.1sec improvement in 0-60mph time, which is now just 3.4 seconds. Aston Martin engineers have apparently further honed the throttle pedal calibration, introducing a more progressive throttle pedal feel with a new S-specific drive-by-wire throttle map to give the driver an even greater sense of connection and control.
An extensive package of chassis changes target a commensurate increase in the driver's sense of agility, connection and precision together with improvements in feel and composure. Software changes to the ‘Bilstein DTX’ dampers to improve roll and pitch control work in harmony with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar and a finessed camber, toe and castor geometry settings. Combining these changes bring improvements in front-end confidence and overall agility feel.
Additional tuning of the steering calibration and electronic rear differential (e-diff) has enabled Aston Martin's chassis engineers to dial-in further connection and response for even more natural and intuitive feel, with the ability to use more throttle earlier in the corner for maximum satisfaction from corner entry to exit, thus achieving an impeccable balance of agility with an underlying stability for ultimate confidence and enjoyment.
Another significant and crucial upgrade for the DB12 S is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes. The Aston Martin also benefits from the next generation of corner braking control system, which optimises interaction between the Integrated Brake Slip Control and the Integrated Vehicle Control modules. A predictive function allows the car to maintain optimum stability while trail braking into a corner, using more of the rear braking performance to maintain a tighter line from corner entry to apex.
The point of this being that the system allows the driver to brake later and with improved stability to provide predictable, precise and consistent cornering behaviour in all driving environments, from twisting country roads, high-speed highway junction exits or even driving on a racetrack.
MHH International With Aston Martin
Aston Martin build a small but perfectly formed range of cars that are sought after by discerning buyers. MHH International’s current stock is found here. Alternatively, to enquire about current model availability, please contact our dedicated team via this website. We export prestige cars from a wide range of manufacturers from the UK to New Zealand and Kenya as well as a number of other countries around the globe. VAT-free options are available under certain conditions, so please ask. We look forward to delivering your Aston Martin.
