2024 Aston Martin DB12

That’s because it is no more. Emissions legislation has finally caught up with it. The DB12 is V8 only. Relax – the V12 is likely to put in an appearance in whatever replaces the DBS Superleggera.

Back to this V8. There’s no hybrid assistance to give a useful power (and weight) boost, but it hardly needs it. In the DB11 this Merc-sourced V8 developed 528bhp. But now it’s benefited from modified camshafts, an 8.6:1 compression ratio, overhauled cooling, plus – naturally – bigger turbos, it has gained over 150bhp. The final figures are 671bhp and 590lb ft. More than either the Porsche or Ferrari can muster.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In true grand tourer fashion, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 is a performance thoroughbred. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 in the belly of the DB12 produces 671 horsepower. We think that’s enough to spring the coupe to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 202 mph; the Volante convertible should hit 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds.

The power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and electronic rear differential. We sampled the DB12 coupe on twisty mountain roads in the south of France and the DB12 Volante convertible along the PCH in Southern California. In both drives, we came away impressed both with the car’s beastly V-8 powertrain and its balanced handling. Even in the most aggressive drive mode, Aston Martin has preserved a comfortable ride without compromising too much on the DB12’s cornering reflexes, but the throttle response is a bit too aggressive and out of step with the car’s character.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has given the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 fuel economy ratings of 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those numbers aren’t great, but for a sports car with 671 horsepower, we expected the DB12 to be a bit of a gas guzzler. When we get a chance, we’ll take the DB12 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with real-world test results. For more information about the DB12’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

As a grand-touring sports car, interior comfort is just as important as performance. Fittingly, Aston has adorned the interior of the DB12 with a blend of high-end materials. Hand-stitched leather wraps almost every surface from the seats to the dash. Cargo room counts in a car made for traveling. We don’t have specifics on how many carry-on suitcases will fit in the DB12 yet but will update the story once we get our hands on a DB12 for testing.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 comes with the brand’s first in-house infotainment system. A 10.3-inch center infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 11-speaker audio system is standard, with a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Those interested in driver-assistance technology will find plenty of it as standard in the DB12. For more information about the DB12’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlamps

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Specifications