Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur celebrates a new generation of the legendary DB bloodline with the official launch of the Aston Martin DB12 in Malaysia. Improved in every imaginable way from the iconic grand tourers preceding it, the all-new DB12 is an engineering milestone that demands a new definition: enter the world’s first-ever Super Tourer.
“The Aston Martin DB12 is an exciting proposition for Malaysian enthusiasts who have long been romanced by the undeniable appeal of grand tourers, what with the wealth of amazing driving roads we have in this part of the world. The DB12 elevates this appeal to the next level with the raw performance and driving emotion befitting its Super Tourer label, all delivered with the engineering sophistication synonymous with the Aston Martin brand,” said Mr. Kumara Sooriar Sivanasan, General Manager of Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur.
The launch of the Aston Martin DB12 coincides with two significant milestones for Aston Martin in 2023; its monumental 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious DB model line. This comes at a time when Aston Martin is enjoying one of the most dynamic periods in its 110-year history thanks to continued podium success in the 2023 Formula 1® season.
Under the swooping hood of the Aston Martin DB12 lie machinery that are more than capable of matching these grand occasions. The familiar, hand-built 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine has been further tuned by Aston Martin engineers to deliver class-leading 680PS at 6,000RPM and 800Nm in a wide torque band spanning between 2,750rpm and 6,000rpm. This marks a notable 34 percent increase in performance when benchmarked against the outgoing Aston Martin DB11.
These higher outputs have been achieved through modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios and larger diameter turbochargers. To manage increased thermal demands, the DB12 features a completely redesigned cooling system with two additional auxiliary coolers and an additional low-temperature radiator for the charge cooler water circuit. Thermal airflow has also been improved via a 56 percent increase in open apertures allowing more cold air to flow into the radiators, while centrally mounted bonnet vents placed above the twin turbos allow hot air to escape more efficiently.
Power is fed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter and, for the first time on an Aston Martin DB model, an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) which can go from fully open to 100 percent locked in a matter of milliseconds for maximum response and precise throttle control. Flat out, the DB12 will do 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 325km/h, thanks to its expansive list of powertrain improvements and optimisations.
“We have pushed every aspect of this car to be best-in-class. The result is more power and performance than its rivals. Combined with exceptional handling and an exciting soundtrack, it is a car with passion and a truly sporting character. Crucially, thanks to its breadth of capability we have achieved this without compromising refinement, comfort and luxury. Together with our use of industry-leading dynamic control and infotainment systems, DB12 is the start of Aston Martin’s most exciting new era” said Roberto Fedeli, Group Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin.
The significant gains in straight-line performance are complemented by similarly game-changing developments in the ride and handling department of the Aston Martin DB12, starting with its new-generation intelligent adaptive dampers. With a 500% increase in bandwidth of force distribution, these state-of-the-art dampers are a huge advance as their greater capacity facilitate a far broader range of control and refinement across the DB12’s drive mode settings.
As the primary point of contact between car and driver, careful attention has been paid to perfecting the DB12’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering system (EPAS). EPAS calibration focuses on ensuring plenty of on-centre feel mated to a swift but natural-feeling rate of response. In the interests of consistency and driver connection, the EPAS has a constant 13.09:1 ratio rack with variable, speed sensitive assistance and 2.4 turns lock-to-lock. This variable level of assistance is integrated with the DB12’s drive mode programmes, the level of assistance reducing incrementally while moving towards the most aggressive mode (Sport+).
Ensuring it has the stopping power to match its prodigious pace, the Aston Martin DB12 is fitted as standard with cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity. These can be upgraded to the optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) that raise the bar for resistance to brake fade to temperatures of up to 800°C, all while reducing unsprung mass by 27kg, which in turn benefits ride quality and steering response.
The brakes of the Aston Martin DB12 are shrouded by 21-inch forged alloy wheels with three design variations and a palette of colours and finishes to choose from, all of which offer an 8kg weight reduction over the previous 20-inch offerings. They are paired with the first-ever OEM application of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres featuring a bespoke compound tuned to the precise specifications of the Aston Martin dynamics team. The ‘AML’ codes marked on these unique tyres ensure they are not mistaken for off-the-shelf alternatives.
After all, a Super Tourer of the Aston Martin DB12’s stature prides itself on its grand sense of exclusivity. This is most evidently portrayed through its bold and assertive design; a culmination of 75 years of DB heritage defined by its timeless elegance. An all-new front end flanked by LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lamp (DRL) signatures and intricate surface detailing stands out thanks to a wider stance. The track of the car has been widened in the front and rear by 6mm and 22mm respectively, complementing the iconic Aston Martin grille and muscular surfaces for maximum presence.
As summarised by Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin: “DB12 is our design definition of a Super Tourer. Historically, the GT code among most contemporary enthusiasts meant some semblance of comfort, speed, and refinement. But since the Aston Martin customer is no ordinary motorist, and we no longer simply design objects in and of themselves, we’ve fused everything together on the DB12 — the handling, dynamics, powertrain, sense of space, and styling— and we’ve done it to the max through technology to deliver this new category of performance-design driving experience.”
This dedication to performance-driven aesthetics extends to the interior of the Aston Martin DB12, which preserves the fine craftsmanship the brand is renowned for while pushing the boundaries of on-board technology. A major DB12 landmark is the introduction of Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment. Entirely bespoke, designed and developed by Aston Martin, it is the marque’s first in-house system. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity via its 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen. The audio setup features 11 speakers in its standard configuration, with a 15-speaker, 1,170W surround sound system developed in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins available as an option for true audiophiles.
In addition to an extensive catalogue of optional accessories to choose from, Q by Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation services limited only by the imagination. This allows clients to push their creative boundaries and commission an Aston Martin DB12 that embodies their individual sense of style in the form of a truly unique Super Tourer.
The Aston Martin DB12 is now available for viewing and booking in Malaysia, with a starting price of RM1,088,000 excluding duties, taxes, options and customisation. As with all Aston Martin models officially on sale in Malaysia through Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, the DB12 can be ordered with an extended warranty offering up to 20 years of coverage. This complements the Aston Martin ownership experience with vehicle lifetime protection for total peace of mind, subject to terms and conditions.
For more information about the Aston Martin DB12 and other associated products and services, please contact Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur at +603 2163 1196 or visit www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com.
