FIRST DRIVE: Aston Martin DB12 - 671bhp Game Changer | Top Gear

The ‘world’s first Super Tourer’ is Aston’s claim, although that’s a term that has been bandied around before, applied to cars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari Roma that bridge the GT/Supercar divide. That’s where the DB12 is aiming though.

It will be V8 only. No hybrid assistance to give a useful power (and weight…) boost, either. The final figures are 671bhp and 590lb ft. More than either the Porsche or Ferrari can muster. 0-62mph in 3.6secs since you’re asking, and still a 202mph top end.

UK pricing hasn’t yet been announced. But prices are going to have stepped up markedly – and deservedly – from the DB11. Expect a £185,000 starting point.

So, is Aston’s mission to become a genuine sporting brand, rather than a touring one, finally taking shape? TopGear Magazine’s Ollie Marriage heads to Monaco to drive the DB12 and find out.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:25 Driving in Monaco
01:04 Driving impressions
07:28 The everyday supercar
08:56 Dynamic impressions
10:03 Conclusion

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[TopGear]

Do you think Aston Martin can compete with Porsche or Ferrari with their new 'Super Tourer'?

[Hanslauer]

I have always been of the opinion that Aston continues to make the most beautiful cars on the market today, and this is certainly no exception.

[WouterZtube]

Wow this car looks like a videogame of itself. Futuristic while old fashioned. Absolutely gorgeous

[annonymously]

A huge improvement when it comes to the interior, but sadly no V12

[apb]

Oh, finally the right, high-level interior for an Aston (without that 90s infotainment screen...😅).
Definitely on my wish list (maybe in a darker British Racing green, on a future even sportier DB12).

[tarushdei]

One of the best new supercars to hit the market in the last 10 years. Aston doesn't need to venture far from the status quo for their looks, they never had to, but the new little design elements here are incredible. The sweeping look of those front fender vents are top-tier, and the car looks good from every angle.

It seems like they spent a lot of time on handling, rather than updating other things, which is good. It seems the recent Aston GT's have been a mixed-bag overall and now it looks like they've brought racing experience to the table.

I love this car, and appreciate the fact is not a hybrid, and doesn't have capacitive buttons everywhere inside. You can't search for a function in a menu when sliding sideways through a mountain hairpin.

[Sebastian-cdmo]

Loved Aston Martin design since I was a little kid (actually funky that I as a little kid could make that assessment…🤔) and to me they still are the best looking sports cars out there. 😅

[Bainbridge]

I am happy the styling hasnt changed. These cars already the most beautiful thing on four wheels

[philhayhoe]

Absolutely fabulous car and really impressive cinematography too. I know we've all got used to this standard but this review really showcases the car very well.

[obhatti]

Without the V12 they really could have called it the DB8 :P

[blairbrown]

@1:20

I submit that Aston Martin had already achieved super tourer status with the DBS and more specifically with its most recent Incarnation the DBS 770.

[treyquattro]

very nicely presented. It looks like the most interesting Aston for quite some time, and a lot of the reason is the grille which harks powerfully back to the DB5 era.

[luxehotelreviews]

It looks like a Vanquish x DB11 hybrid which is gorgeous! And finally a nicer interior!

[jasonknight]

Such a beautiful car. Even more pretty than the DB11. I am disappointed that the DB”12” doesn’t have a V12 out front though. But compared to the AMG and M’s new 6 cylinder and laughable 4’s in the AMG Mercedes. I guess I should be happy this has at least a v8. Aston could do something differently though and put the first 14 cylinder in this though or better yet a V16!!! That would make it the most crazy and one to have in the world of super cars.

[ashfaqahsan]

DB12 looks beautiful. Excellent work in showcasing it for us.

[ChrisDorgan]

Wish they had made the rear end a little more aggressive to stand it apart from the DB11. Maybe just dial exhausts would have done it. I hope they’ve sorted the noise out too, recent v8 Astons haven’t sounded too great due to the OPF’s. An AM needs that bite and bark, along with the beauty of them it then doesn’t matter if they’re not the quickest cars haha. This is great step up. A shame they didn’t put the v12 in it. I sense there will be a special edition at some point though, maybe. Love that spec too.

[zeus]

What a beautiful piece of machinery, would be a dream to own and drive.

[williamrodri]

Curious to see what they do with the DBS 🤯

[reaxions]

Thank God for the return of buttons and knobs!!! I'm so friggin' sick of trying to do anything/everything through a screen on my cars!

[ducs]

Not mentioned on any of the comparisons is the ancient Jaguar F-Type, which is nearing the end of it's run. But a 580HP all wheel drive coupe or convertible is nothing to sneeze at and can be had new for half the Aston's price.