Aston Martin’s ‘Super Tourer’ DB12 Delivers 500kW From A V8
The natural successor to the DB11, the newcomer drops the cylinders and ups the power, maxing out at 325km/h.
3 min
Seeking to bridge the gap between supercars and grand tourers, Aston Martin has expanded the DB bloodline with the release of the DB12. Billed as the “world’s first Super Tourer”—debatable!—the new Aston Martin DB12 does away with the twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 of its predecessor. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that delivers 500 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque — an increase of 53 kW and 100 Nm from the DB11.
All in all, that equates to the DB12 racing from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h.
The V8 feeds power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the addition of a new electronic limited-slip differential. Aston Martin claims its new rear differential “can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds,” promoting more precise and consistent handling.
Under the skin, structural stiffness has been increased with the aluminium structure upping torsional stiffness by seven percent as a result of changes made to the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember, and rear bulkhead. The resultant effect allows for gains in suspension performance as well as steering feel and overall driving pleasure.
The newcomer is unmistakable as anything other than an Aston Martin, with the low-and-wide proportions and two-door design a signature of the British marque. Taking on an athletic, aggressive stance, the Aston Martin DB12 is equipped with a more muscular physique befitting of its powertrain.
An upsized grille dominates the front end, which also sees the addition of a new lighting signature and surface detailing on the swept-back headlights and smaller frameless wing mirrors. On the nose sits the newly revised Aston Martin wings logo, with the DB12 the first production car to bear the badge. 21-inch alloys complement the wide design while optimising the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle.
Step inside and you’ll find an entirely redesigned interior. The newcomer does away with the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system of its predecessor. In its place is an in-house—a first for the marque—system with dual 10.25-inch screens and Aston Martin-designed switchgear. Rounding it out is surround sound audio designed by leading British auditory icon Bowers & Wilkins.
The cabin itself takes on an opulent tone, designed with long journeys in mind. There’s the option for full Bridge of Weir leather or Alcantara upholstery; each outfitted with a new quilting pattern introduced for the DB12.
The release of the Aston Martin DB12 coincides with the marque’s 110th anniversary, as well as 75 years of the DB line.
“The latest addition to Aston Martin’s most illustrious bloodline, DB12 exemplifies the brand by boldly moving forward,” says Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. “Emphatically fresh yet unmistakably Aston Martin, DB12 defines the new breed of Super Tourer.”
First deliveries are slated to begin in Q3, 2023. While Aston Martin is yet to release pricing, it’s a safe bet to assume it’ll be a step up from the DB11, which starts at $382,000 (before ORC).
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
3 min
A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
