Aston Martin has now announced the DB12 S with more power & even more engaging dynamic prowess, while striking exterior enhancements mark out this new pinnacle of intensely dynamic ultra-luxury performance. It joins both the Vantage S and DBX S as the latest in a long line of ‘S’ designated higher performance Aston Martins, started in 1953 with the glorious road racing DB3S.
Other more recent interpretations have included both the 2004 & 2016 generation Vanquish S’, 2011 V8 and acclaimed 2013 V12 Vantage S models, the magnificently versatile four-seater Rapide S from 2013, and of course the iconic 2007 DBS V12 once described by former Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez as “explosive power in a black tie, having its own unique character which will equal that of James Bond.”
Now the DB12 S carries this intense heritage forward with an even more potent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 beating away within its hood, developing 700 hp at 6000 rpm with 800 Nm of torque peaking from 3000 to 6000rpm. Scintillatingly sharp response is the order of the day here thanks to an optimized Launch Control system & gearshifts quickened by over 50%, leading to an improved 3.4 second 0-60 mph sprint time and top speed of 202 mph.
Reflecting this richly intensified spirit, the DB12 S’ new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system is specifically tuned to amplify the V8’s full rev range frequencies for even more potent depth; something which should take care of any existing criticisms of the standard car’s aural character. For those after something even more distinctive, an optional titanium exhaust system amplifies the engine’s bass, mid and treble frequencies even further by 1.5dB, while shaving 11.7 kg of weight over the stainless steel item.
Drivers who enjoy playing such mechanical frequencies with their right foot will be happy indeed to note that Aston Martin’s engineers have further recalibrated the throttle pedal for a more progressive feeling rate of response, while a new drive-by-wire throttle map specific to the S grants them an even greater sense of connected control.
It’s not just about straight line power either: the DB12 S’ chassis is treated to a range of refinements for a greater sense of precisely connected agility, along with improved feel & composure. These include software updates for the Bilstein DTX dampers to further enhance their roll and pitch control, a stiffened rear anti-roll bar and camber, toe & castor geometry settings adapted to suit the new setup. The result is sharper, more confidence inspiring front end feel and an overall increase in responsive agility when turning into corner apexes.
This has been balanced out by Aston Martin’s engineers tuning the steering calibration & rear electronic differential (E-diff) responses for even more naturally intuitive feel, enabling drivers to get on the power earlier through corner apexes for an even more satisfyingly quick exit; thus balancing this ultimate agility with a sense of stability for ultimate enjoyment throughout the overall dynamic envelope.
Ensuring that it has the stopping power to match that heightened pace, the DB12 S now comes standard with Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) measuring 410mm in front and 360mm at the rear; these boast greater braking performance with consistently linear response & pedal feel, and increased resistance to thermally induced fade. They cut unsprung weight by 27 kg of unsprung weight over steel brakes, further benefitting the tourer’s steering feel, transient handling dynamics and overall ride quality.
The more sporting individuals among Aston Martin owners should also be delighted with the DB12 S’ next generation corner braking control (CBC) system that improves the Integrated Brake Slip Control’s digital interactions with the Integrated Vehicle Control module. Its now predictive functionality makes the DB12 S even more stable when trail braking into tighter corner entries, while using more of its rear braking force to induce tighter line from corner entry to apex.
In essence, it enables drivers to hit the brakes even later when entering turns without any loss of confidence, while the Brake Slip Control torque vectors across the rear axle to predictably optimize precisely consistent cornering behaviour across various driving environments, from sweepingly fast highway on- and off-ramps to winding country roads & even racetracks.
Of course, any S model Aston Martin has to dazzle at a standstill as much as it does at speed, and here the DB12 S impresses with its sportingly striking looks. At first glance it is frontally distinguished by a new dual element front splitter & reprofiled bonnet louvres; the former gives its front end a lower and wider visual impression for more aesthetic assertiveness look, while increasing downforce & guiding airflow around the front wheel arches for reduced turbulence and enhanced stability. Available in either gloss black or optional 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre, the bonnet louvres vent even more hot air from the 4.0-litre V8’s ‘hot-V’ positioned turbos while balancing out the DB12 S’ more aggressive front end.
Moving down its flanks, gloss black sill finishes extend & complete the front splitter’s visual line, accentuating its low-hunkered stance even further. Round the back, a fixed rear spoiler emphatically hints at the DB12 S’ sharper character while increasing its high speed stability. Beneath it, the new rear diffuser also cuts lift while framing the stacked trademark pairs of exhaust tailpipes within a widened rear bumper for even greater visual impact.
Befitting its halo model standing, the DB12 S’ interior is as distinguished as its exterior thanks to unique details including an anodized red finish for the knurled metal rotary drive mode selector, with the vibrant colour also used for its headrest embroidery, contrasting seat welts & stitching, and seatbelts. 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats come fitted as standard, while there is the option of Carbon Fibre Performance seats for those seeking an even more spirited cabin environment.
