Aston Martin DB12 revealed

Aston Martin's newest grand tourer, the DB12, succeeds the DB11 as the brand's prolific, spearhead GT car.

The latest member of Aston Martin's esteemed 75-year old DB-lineage, the storied British sportscar maker has made the decision to retire its hallmark 12-cylinder engine.

As such, the new Aston Martin DB12 will be available exclusively with the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, in this application wicked up to 500kW (at 6000rpm) and 800Nm (from 2750-6000rpm).

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That's up 53kW on the now-defunct 447kW 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12-powered DB11, when it originally launched in 2017.

The heavily-turbocharged V8 enables the new DB12 to deliver a 3.6-second 0-100km/h claimed time, and a top speed of 325km/h.

The V8 mates to an eight-speed automatic, of a similar design to the previously used unit, but fitted with a shorter overall final drive for improved in-gear response.

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Click the above photo to see our full gallery

The DB12 also debuts a new-for-Aston electronic rear limited slip differential which can go from 0-100 per cent locked in a matter of milliseconds.

Other mechanical developments include new cam profiles, compression ratio, larger turbocharger housings, along with two auxiliary charge air coolers added to the main radiator.

New suspension includes adaptive dampers, which Aston claims to provide a 500 per cent increase in scope of force distribution, with four electronic stability profiles and five selectable Drive Modes: Wet, GT, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

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Compared with the outgoing DB11, the DB12 enjoys a seven per cent improvement to torsional stiffness thanks to improved engine cross bracing, undertrays, front crossmember and rear bulkhead components.

The DB12 is cornered by 21-inch forged alloy wheels shod in the new Michelin Pilot 5S tyres, housing 400m/360mm brakes — cast iron as standard, carbon ceramic as an option.

Overall unsprung mass savings are pegged at 27kg. Tracks have widened by 6mm up front, and 22mm at the rear.

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While the face looks fresh, seemingly trading a visual language closer to the larger DBS Superlegerra, compared to the almost art-deco DB11, the turret, B-pillars and rear end largely indistinguishable from the succeeded DB-car.

Inside, however, things look more drastically different, ringing in Aston Martin's, allegedly, 'in-house' operating system, featuring dual 10.25-inch monitors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, thankfully, physical hard switches for many frequent functions.

An 11-speaker 390W stereo is fitted as standard, with a 1170W 15-piece Bowers & Wilkins package is a newly available option.

An eSIM enables the DB12 to receive over-the-air updates, while a new mobile owner's app facilitates remote lock/unlock, remote nav-point setting, and more.

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Click the above photo to see our full gallery

Aston Martin's Connected Services are free with purchase for the first three years, while optional Advantage subscription adds increased personalisation, and a vehicle tracker.

On the topic of personalisation, Aston Martin's famed 'Q Service; is ready and willing for DB12 customers, with a wide array of bespoke options limited by merely your imagination (and bank balance).

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Aston Martin CEO, Amedeo Felisa, says: "When a brand has as much history as Aston Martin it is important to honour the past. Not by looking back, but by pushing on with the same energy and passion that propelled our founders 110-years ago."

"With the new DB12 we are reinvigorating the DB model line and reasserting Aston Martin as a maker of truly exceptional performance sportcars."

While the product portfolio has moved slowly for the iconic British maker in recent times, the brand has pledged eight new launches over the next two years.

Of course, the mainstream range of Vantage, DB11 and DBS, and requisite 'Volante' convertibles, are expected; Aston Martin has previously hinted at some sort of halo model that would be positioned "above" their GT cars.

Global deliveries are expected to commence before the end of Q3 2023, with Australian deliveries expected to follow not long after.