Aston Martin DB12 S: Sharper, More Refined Grand Tourer

Aston Martin has unveiled the DB12 S, the highest-performing iteration of its DB12 grand tourer, now positioned at the top of the DB lineup. The car features a power bump from 671 hp to 690 hp via software adjustments to its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 from Mercedes-AMG, along with revised suspension geometry, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, new steering calibrations, Bilstein DTX dampers, and upgraded differential and torque vectoring systems. Carbon-ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass by nearly 60 pounds. A new front splitter and fixed rear spoiler enhance high-speed stability, while a revamped quad-pipe exhaust system adds aggression. Inside, the DB12 S offers 16-way adjustable sport seats, optional carbon-fiber performance seats, and three interior trim treatments. The infotainment system, developed in-house, supports Apple CarPlay Ultra. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 mph. Starting at $272,000, the DB12 S is available in coupe and Volante forms. Simon Newton, Aston Martin's director of Vehicle Performance, emphasized that the S model's dampers allow the suspension to "breathe" more, resulting in a more compliant ride despite the performance upgrades. The car offers GT, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with hard buttons for damper stiffness and exhaust volume. The DB12 S competes with Ferrari's Amalfi and the Porsche 911 Turbo S, offering a balance of luxury and dynamic capability.