Aston Martin DB12 takes on Ferrari Roma

LONDON -- Aston Martin has given its new DB12 sports car beefier styling, more power and improved chassis technology to create a larger price gap to the DB11 coupe it replaces.

The DB12 uses a reworked version of the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo AMG-Mercedes V-8 from the DB11 but with power increased to 670 hp from 527 hp, reducing the 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) acceleration time to 3.4 seconds from 3.9 seconds, Aston Martin said.

The upgrades make the DB12 a direct rival with the Ferrari Roma, which also uses a front-mounted turbocharged V-8. The DB12 has more horsepower that the 611-hp Roma.

The DB12 will also compete less directly with cars such as the Porsche 911 and the Bentley Continental GT.

The DB12 is a "statement car that asserts Aston Martin's position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology," Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin chief technology officer, said in a statement. "The result is more power and performance than its rivals."

The DB12 is expected to cost around 184,000 pounds ($229,000) in its U.K. home market, 12 percent more than the DB11, which is priced from 164,000 pounds.

Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll has previously said all future Aston Martins will have a gross margin (revenue minus cost to build) of 40 percent as he tries to return the brand to sustainable profitability.

Aston Martin achieved an overall gross margin of 34 percent in the first quarter, in which it lost 74.2 million pounds ($92.7 million).

The brand said its average price per car sold was 213,000 pounds for the quarter, up from 201,000 pounds for 2022, company figures show.

The DB12 starts the range a category higher than the outgoing model, with the power output eclipsing that of the V-12 DB11. The DB12 will also be available with a higher priced Volante open-topped version, Aston Martin has said.

Better handling, cornering

Aston Martin describes the new model as a 'super tourer' to indicate that its performance is beyond that of a GT, or grand tourer, the name traditionally affixed to front engine sports cars including those from Aston Martin.

Additional technology for the DB12 to back up the super tourer claim includes an electronic differential, or e-diff, at the rear, the first time Aston Martin has fitted one to its front-engine sports cars.

The E-diff significantly improves the car's cornering capabilities in all conditions, the company said, thanks to its ability to electronically control torque between each driven rear wheel.

Also aiding the handling is a new Electronic Stability Control system with four pre-defined modes to better intervene when the wheels slip while also “allowing the driver to get the best from the car,” Aston said.

The DB12 also comes with what Aston Martin says is an "exceptionally precise and direct" electronic power assisted steering system (EPAS) and new adaptive dampers.

Muscular exterior, digital interior

The exterior of the car is given a more muscular physique to signify the extra power, Aston Martin said.

The grille is broader and deeper than the DB11 and the wheels pushed further out to give it a wider stance on the road.

The platform is the same bonded aluminium structure but made seven percent stiffer with more bracing, the company said.

The interior has been redesigned to include a new central touchscreen as well as a linked screen in front of the driver.

Aston Martin said the new infotainment system was designed in house for the first time and includes satellite navigation with "satellite view" mapping and real-time traffic delivered via an embedded SIM.

The automaker did not release details of the DB 12's driving assistance systems.

Owners will be able to download an app that links to the car to display information such as trip data and allow the owner to remotely unlock the car.

First deliveries of the car will begin in the autumn.

Launches of cars replacing both the entry Vantage front-engine sports car as well as the DBS performance coupe will follow over the next 12 months, Aston has said.