Aston Martin DB12 luxury grand touring coupe is strong, light and fast

The Aston Martin DB12 launching this fall features a revamped 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers the same 0-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds as the outgoing DB11 equipped with a 5.2-liter V-12.

That's one highlight of the grand touring coupe Aston is banking on to anchor a lineup that begins transitioning to electric drivetrains in about 18 months.

A staple of the British luxury brand for 75 years, the DB is one of the company's most consistent sellers. In what will likely be its final upgrade before an electric DB arrives by 2030, the DB12 is essentially a front-to-rear revamp of the DB11 it replaces.

Engineers redesigned the suspension system and installed an electrically locking rear differential tied into the stability control system that helps the car's tires maintain grip in corners under hard acceleration. The DB12's chassis is also 7 percent stiffer.

Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz-sourced V-8 pumps out 671 hp, up from the 528 available in the 2023 DB11 V-8 and topping the 630 hp delivered by the V-12. Power goes to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The DB12 sports numerous interior upgrades. The Mercedes-based infotainment system has been replaced by an Aston Martin-designed system, the company's first.

There are two high-definition 10.25-inch displays, while buttons are retained to handle what Aston calls "key mechanical operations." The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The sound system is made by Bowers & Wilkins. Hand-stitched leather seats feature a new quilted pattern.

"The DB12 is a statement car, one that asserts Aston Martin's position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology," Robert Fedeli, Aston's group chief technology officer, said in a statement. "We have pushed every aspect of this car to be best in class."

Prices have not been announced. The DB11 starts at $219,825 with shipping.