The Aston Martin DB12 is already no slouch, with 617 horsepower from its AMG-derived V8 engine and main upgrades throughout the board in comparison with the DB11 it changed. However now the DB12 is a pair years previous, so it is excessive time for a good higher model to come back out. Earlier this yr Aston introduced again its ‘S’ moniker with the DBX S (which is great, as I found once I just lately drove it), and we have since seen the Vantage S, each of which have extra energy, sportier tuning and a few glorious new design cues. Now Aston has revealed the 2026 DB12 S, which does not pack many surprises however is attractive nonetheless.
Director of auto efficiency Simon Newton says “With DB12 S we’ve got fastidiously engineered a bunch of detailed modifications, which, protect signature ranges of refinement, increase car efficiency and amplify driver engagement. Having added this higher dynamic and efficiency bandwidth to DB12 S, we imagine this elevates the Tremendous Tourer ethos to an exhilarating new stage.” I am certain it actually can be nice to drive, however I am most excited concerning the even louder, cooler-looking exhaust.
Faster and louder
Aston introduced the Vantage S’ horsepower consistent with the bottom DB12, so clearly the DB12 S needed to up the ante a bit, although it would not fairly attain the Ferrari Purosangue–beating 717 hp of the DBX S. The DB12 S’ twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 now makes 690 hp, and its peak 590 pound-feet of torque (the identical as earlier than, and because the Vantage’s) is available in between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm. Prime pace is unchanged at 202 mph, however because of new calibration for the launch management system the DB12 S will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, a tenth faster. Aston says it additionally recalibrated the gasoline pedal really feel for “a good higher sense of connection and management,” and equipment shifts are greater than 50% faster than earlier than.
As with the opposite S fashions and the brand new Vanquish, the DB12 S has a pair of enormous exhaust pipes stacked on high of one another on both sides of the diffuser, which seems to be superior. The usual exhaust system is constructed from stainless-steel and is tuned “to intensify the engine frequencies all through the rev vary for added depth and efficiency.” If that is not sufficient, you may spec a titanium exhaust that reduces weight by 26 kilos, raises the sound stage by 1.5 decibels, and “additional increase[s] the bass, mid and treble frequencies.”
Higher to drive and to cease
The Bilstein DTX dampers have new software program for improved pitch and roll management, and the DB12 S has a stiffer anti-roll bar and tweaked camber, castor, and toe geometry for higher agility and front-end really feel. The digital rear differential and steering have new tuning as effectively, for improved responses and the power to get on the throttle earlier in a nook. There is not any magnesium wheel choice like on the DBX S, however the DB12 S does have a cool set of 21-inch wheels carrying Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires.
Humongous carbon-ceramic brakes, a $14,400 choice on the conventional DB12, are commonplace on the DB12 S, saving 60 kilos of unsprung weight in comparison with metal brakes. There are another modifications made to the braking and torque vectoring programs, all with the intention of constructing the DB12 S pretty much as good to drive as potential:
The DB12 S additionally advantages from the following technology of nook braking management system (CBC), which optimises interplay between the Built-in Brake Slip Management and the Built-in Automobile Management modules. A predictive perform throughout the CBC permits the automotive to keep up optimum stability whereas path braking right into a nook, utilizing extra of the rear braking efficiency to keep up a tighter line from nook entry to apex. This method permits the driving force to brake later and with improved stability, the Built-in Brake Slip Management system offering torque vectoring throughout the rear axle to supply predictable, exact and constant cornering behaviour in all driving environments, from twisting nation roads, high-speed freeway junction exits or driving on a racetrack.
S-specific styling
Along with the brand new exhaust and wheels, there are different aesthetic modifications to make it clear you are taking a look at a DB12 S, not only a lowly regular DB12. Among the many new parts are a extra advanced entrance splitter that creates extra downforce and higher guides airflow across the wheels, larger hood vents that extract extra scorching air, a redesigned diffuser that reduces carry, a bigger mounted rear spoiler that will increase high-speed stability, and decrease aspect skirts which are simply all concerning the seems to be. The S badges on the fenders are hand-made from both vibrant or darkish chrome with a purple glass enamel insert.
The knurled metallic drive mode knob within the middle console, which is likely one of the best-feeling bodily controls in the marketplace, will get an anodized purple end. You may get the Aston Martin wing brand placed on the headrests by a newly developed approach that makes use of each embossing and debossing, there are S-specific coloration schemes with Herringbone patterns, and you may choice a heated Alcantara steering wheel and carbon-fiber efficiency seats.
Aston Martin hasn’t introduced pricing for the DB12 S but, however with the DBX S being simply $5,500 greater than an ordinary DBX707, the DB12 S must be a reasonably whole lot. The DB12 S can be accessible in each coupe and Volante convertible physique kinds, and deliveries will begin within the first quarter of 2026.
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