ASTON MARTIN DB12

IS IT A GT CAR OR IS IT A SUPERCAR? ASTON Martin thinks its new DB12 operates in both camps and has therefore declared that it has created the first ‘super tourer’. With 671bhp from its AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged V8 it has the ‘super’ bit covered, but the greatest supercars aren’t simply defined by their numbers; if that was the case, electric hypercars wouldn’t be parked unsold, gathering dust.

Supercars offer so much more than raw performance and our first drive of the DB12 earlier in 2023 suggested that Aston’s new 2+2 has some convincing to do when it comes to playing the supercar role. It’s far more convincing as a grand tourer, although in pursuit of super-performance some of the expected refinement has been left on the shelf, but not at the cost of the sense of occasion. Both to look at and to sit in, the DB12 is a striking piece of design and craftsmanship.

In this company and on this test the DB12 will need to call upon all of its core attributes on every occasion. While in isolation it’s proven to be a fine driver’s car that is immensely satisfying and richly rewarding with a deep sense of desirability, a standout car in eCoty needs to go that extra mile.

Aston Martin has clearly gone the distance with the car’s development, polishing the areas that needed it while overhauling those that were past their best. Only 20 per cent of the car is carried over from the DB11. A great deal hangs on the DB12’s success, not only in this test but in the wider market, for it sets the template for the next generation of Aston Martins. No pressure, DB12.

‘THE DB12 DELIVERS STUNNING URGE WITH EXCEPTIONAL CONTROL AND PRECISION’ – JOHN BARKER