Aston Martin has unveiled the DB12 S, the new halo model in its DB12 line-up…and it packs a punch.
Aston Martin has introduced ‘S’ suffix to the DB12 and along with it comes more power and several mechanical enhancements. Meet the DB12 S.
As a reminder, at the heart of the current-generation DB12 models is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. In non-S guise, the front-mounted unit produces 500 kW and 800 N.m of torque, the latter available from 2 750 r/min to 6 000 r/min. For the halo DB12, Aston Martin has handed the AMG-sourced, M177 unit an injection of 15 kW; lifting peak power output to 515 kW. Torque remains the same, though is now available in a slightly narrower swathe of the rev band – from 3 000 r/min to 6 000 r/min.
According to Aston Martin, the DB12 S Coupé sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.5 seconds, making it one-tenth of a second quicker than the “standard’ variant. The DB12 S Volante dispatches the 0-100 km/h dash in 3.6 seconds. Both models top out at 325 km/h.
The company says the improved 0-100 km/h times are as a result of an “optimised” launch control system, which reduces gearshift times by “more than” 50%. The firm says the throttle calibration has also been honed.
The V8 soundtrack is provided by a new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system, which, the carmaker says, has been tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency.
As standard, the DB12 S is fitted with a carbon-ceramic braking system, comprising 410 mm front and 360 mm rear discs. The former and latter items are housed within all-around 21-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S rubber, measuring 275/35 and 325/30 in size, front and rear.
“The technology we introduced with the DB12 now allows us exceptional scope to explore a new depth of character and capability within the same vehicle platform. With DB12 S, we have carefully engineered a host of detailed changes, which preserve signature levels of refinement, boost vehicle performance and amplify driver engagement. Having added this greater dynamic and performance bandwidth to DB12 S, we believe this elevates the Super Tourer ethos to a thrilling new level,” said Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance at Aston Martin.