The third new model from the British firm to get a high-performance upgrade is the new Aston Martin DB12 S, sitting alongside the new DBX S and Vantage S to emphasise the brand’s sporting image. To go along with the aesthetic changes inside and out, the DB12 S gets more power than before and a host of chassis tweaks to make the car more engaging, too.
How much more powerful is it?
Admittedly, the 20hp increase sounds modest next to the peak power of 700hp, but it doesn’t tell the full story. As before, the DB12 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, making up to 800Nm of torque. The throttle map has been recalibrated for more progressive response, while the launch control now comes with gearchange times claimed to be 50 per cent quicker, reducing the 0-100km/h time to 3.5 seconds. The top speed is a very senior 325km/h.
Aston Martin is as proud of the sound the car makes, with a new stainless-steel exhaust system ending in repositioned quad outlets. Buyers can upgrade this to a louder titanium alternative that also reduces the car’s mass by nearly 12kg.
Any other weight-reducing parts?
The DB12 S gets massive carbon-ceramic brake discs as standard, said to be 27kg lighter than the steel equivalent, and of course, as it’s ‘unsprung’ weight, it should allow the suspension to work more effectively across the board.
Advanced Bilstein DTX dampers are still used, though the software is new, while there have been minute changes to the geometry of the suspension, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, recalibrated power steering and a retune for the electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
The target is more driver involvement and competence in the chassis, further assisted by a new generation of Corner Braking Control (CBC), making use of the Integrated Brake Slip Control and Integrated Vehicle Control.
Tasty. Talk us through the exterior changes
We’ve mentioned the new exhaust system already, and it’s made obvious by the new ‘stacked’ layout of the outlets. They sit in a new aerodynamic diffuser and rear bumper design, while there’s a fixed rear spoiler where the standard DB12 has a small automatically deploying item.
Glossy new side sills complement a new aerodynamic splitter for the nose, while there are more prominent bonnet louvres for heat extraction from the engine bay. They’re gloss black as standard or “2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre” as an option. A set of 21-inch wheels are fitted and there are “S” badges on the front wings.
Anything new inside?
You won’t miss the new red surround for the drive-mode rotary selector on the centre console for a start, and Aston Martin’s press release makes mention of red seatbelts, contrast stitching and headrest embroidery, but the photographs accompanying it don’t show those. As ever, the sky is the limit when it comes to personalisation.
There are three core interior “environments” to choose from: ‘Accelerate’ leather and Alcantara trim, ‘Inspire S’ semi-aniline leather and ‘Alcantara and Inspire S’ full semi-aniline leather. The latter two include ‘S Herringbone’ quilting with micro-perforations and an Alcantara headlining, while buyers can upgrade the 16-way ‘Sport Plus’ seats to ‘Carbon Fibre Performance’ spec if they wish. An Alcantara steering wheel is also on the options list.
The DB12 S is available to order now and, along with the coupe model shown, it’s available in open-topped DB12 Volante format too.