Who will take over the mantle from Daniel Craig and become the next Bond is one of the hotly debated subjects right now… but at least now we know what motor he will be driving.
That’s because 007’s favourite car maker has unleashed its latest model that’s destined to have a starring role in the next film in the iconic franchise – the 202mph Aston Martin DB12 coupe.
Described as starting a ‘new era’, it is set to be one of the last to feature a petrol engine before the legendary brand is forced – like the rest of the motor industry – to produce only electric vehicles.
Powered by a mighty 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo petrol motor packing 680 horsepower, the ‘super tourer’ can charge from rest to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds. It goes on sale now with first deliveries arriving in the summer. Here’s what we know about it already…
The yet-to-be-announced Bond’s new car: We don’t know who will replace Daniel Craig as 007 just yet, but they will likely be behind the wheel of the just-unveiled Aston Martin DB12. Contenders for the role include (inset top left to right) Aaron Taylor Johnson, James Norton, Richard Madden, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill
Although no prices have been announced officially, customers can expect to pay from £185,000 for the two-door, four-seater DB12 coupe.
However, the final cost of most iterations leaving the factor assembly line will easily exceed £200,000 once a series of temping ‘extras’ are added – including carbon-fibre trim, privacy glass and sports seats and a host of personalised additions from the bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ arm.
A topless cabriolet Vantage version is expected to follow with a £30,000 premium, taking the base price above £200k.
Powered by a mighty 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo petrol motor packing 680 horsepower, the ‘super tourer’ can charge from rest to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds
Described as starting a ‘new era’, it is set to be one of the last to feature a petrol engine before the legendary brand is forced – like the rest of the motor industry – to produce only electric vehicles
It is already available to order with first deliveries arriving in the summer and prices set to start from around £185,000
The true cost of most iterations leaving the factor assembly line will likely exceed £200k once a series of temping ‘extras’ are added – including carbon-fibre trim, privacy glass and sports seats and a host of personalised additions
The announcement and unveiling of DB12 comes as Aston Martin celebrates two significant milestones in 2023 – its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious DB model line.
It also comes as makers of the Bond movies seek a new 007 to replace Daniel Craig in which the new DB12 is also likely to on-screen.
Aaron Taylor Johnson (of Kick Ass and Nowhere Boy), Grantchester and Happy Valley star James Norton, former Superman Henry Cavill, Richard Madden and Tom Hardy are all among the contenders with the shortest betting odds.
And just like the next Bond, Aston Martin says DB12 will herald ‘a new era’.
The announcement and unveiling of DB12 comes as Aston Martin celebrates two significant milestones in 2023 – its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious DB model line
It also comes as makers of the Bond movies seek a new 007 to replace Daniel Craig in which the new DB12 is also likely to on-screen
DB12 has a wider stance, aerodynamic profile and a muscular athletic physique that aims to balance measured aggression and unrivalled elegance with practical pop-out door handles
Amedeo Felisa, chief executive officer of Aston Martin, said the company was honouring the past 110 years by accelerating into the future: ‘By combining class-leading performance and exceptional chassis dynamics with cutting edge technology, impeccable craftsmanship and immaculate design, DB12 leads Aston Martin into a new era of excellence.’
Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer, added: ‘DB12 intuitively knows what the driver is wanting and effortlessly gives them that optimal combination at any driving moment.
‘It’s this total experience that separates the DB12 as the first breed of Super Tourer’.
Sitting proudly on its nose is the latest evolution of the iconic Aston Martin wings badge. ‘Symbolising the start of an exciting new era, DB12 is the first sports car to which the new wings have been applied,’ the marque states
It runs on bespoke 21-in Michelin Pilot 5S tyres, which have been specially tuned with sound-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts. These are designed to reduce the humming road noise typically heard inside the cabin of sporty models
With a massive 680 horses under the bonnet, the twin-turbo V8 engine is 34 per cent more powerful than the outgoing DB11
Aston Martin DB12: Here’s what’s new…
DB12 has a wider stance, aerodynamic profile and a muscular athletic physique that aims to balance measured aggression and unrivalled elegance with practical pop-out door handles.
Sitting proudly on its nose is the latest evolution of the iconic Aston Martin wings badge.
‘Symbolising the start of an exciting new era, DB12 is the first sports car to which the new wings have been applied,’ the marque states.
Will it fit in my garage? New Aston Martin DB12
Price: from £185,000
Style: Grand Tourer (GT) dubbed a ‘super tourer’
Doors: Two Seats: 2+2
On sale: Now
First deliveries: Summer
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin turbocharged petrol
Maximum power: 680 horsepower/671bhp
Transmission: 8-speed automatic (with manual override)
0-60mph: 3.5 seconds (0-62mph: 3.6 seconds)
Top speed: 202mph
Length: 4,725mm
Width (inc mirrors): 2,145mm
Height: 1,295mm
Wheelbase: 2,805mm
Ground clearance: 120mm
Weight: 1,685kg
Wheels: 21 inch five spoke
Tyres: Bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport S 5
Brakes: Steel or optional carbon ceramic
Boot volume: 262 litres
Fuel tank: 78 litres
Weight distribution: 48:52
Turning circle: 12.4 metres
With a massive 680 horses under the bonnet, the twin-turbo V8 engine is 34 per cent more powerful than the outgoing DB11.
Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time on an Aston Martin DB model, electronic rear differential (or ‘E-Diff’) to give the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling, especially when cornering.
The vehicle’s meticulously honed chassis means punchier acceleration that ‘elevates the level of driving excitement to a new standard’, says the car firm.
It runs on bespoke 21-in Michelin Pilot 5S tyres, which have been specially tuned with noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts.
These are designed to reduce the road hum typically heard inside the cabin as a result of running low-profile tyres on sportier models. The advancement should lower this often-irritating sound by a quoted 20 per cent.
There are five driving modes selected using a rotary controller on the dashboard: ‘Wet’, for obvious scenarios; ‘GT’ for agile cruising; ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ for maximum responsiveness on challenging roads; and ‘Individual’ to tune the car to the driver’s preference.
A new suspension system featuring intelligent adaptive dampers should also make it more comfortable on longer journeys: ‘Careful calibration of the dampers allows the progressive introduction of more response and tighter body control as you scroll through the dynamic modes,’ Aston bosses told us.
For stopping power, DB12 is fitted as standard with cast-iron brake discs, though customers can choose to upgrade to more powerful carbon ceramic discs if required.
The luxurious but contemporary cockpit has also been completely redesigned to exude modern opulence – combining clean design with classic craftsmanship and the finest materials to emphasise space and frame the new centrepiece hi-tech infotainment system.
Swathed in aromatic, hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides, a new quilting pattern is applied to the full leather or Alcantara interior.
The car also has Aston Martin’s first infotainment system developed in-house which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and uses a fully integrated multi-screen system using 10.25-inch high-resolution screens.
It retains traditional buttons for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation.
The luxurious but contemporary cockpit has also been completely redesigned to exude modern opulence
Swathed in aromatic, hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides, a new quilting pattern is applied to the full leather or Alcantara interior
The car also has Aston Martin’s first infotainment system developed in-house which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and uses a fully integrated multi-screen system using 10.25-inch high-resolution screens
Additional features by subscription
A new Aston Martin app will also allow customers to communicate, interact and engage with their car – but at a cost.
The app offers three ‘connected car subscription packages’ that are activated free for the first three-years but must be paid for after that.
Aston said: ‘As an additional benefit to future owners, the subscription is tied to the vehicle for the first three-years, even if the DB12 is re-purchased through Aston Martin’s Timeless approved pre-owned sale programme.’
These subscriptions provide access to a number of convenience features, including activation of a ‘Stolen Vehicle Tracker’.
Power is fed through an 8-speed auto gearbox and, for the first time on an Aston Martin DB model, electronic rear differential (or ‘E-Diff’) to give the driver maximum response
A new suspension system featuring intelligent adaptive dampers should also make it more comfortable on longer journeys
What do you make of the Aston Martin DB12’s new looks? Let us know in the comments section below…
CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST
This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk
