n n n ‘. concat(e. i18n. t(“search. voice. recognition_retry”),’n
Part of the credit is due to the DB12’s revamped chassis, a bonded aluminum design that benefits from improvements in torsional rigidity, as well as a new non-insulated guide column, the latter of which has been implemented to provide the feeling of being centered and deflected. -center. But the real MVP, I suppose, is the new adaptive dampers, which will offer particularly wider dynamic diversity than their predecessors. This dynamic diversity allows surprises to offer more flexibility in their softer fit and more rigidity in the sporty finish of the spectrum. This added flexibility allows the suspension to deliver more than the scenario demands without resulting in ride quality that is too comfortable or too harsh in its default state. Aston claims that minor rear surprise programming and spring rate changes are the main differences in chassis tuning between the DB12 Volante and the coupe.
A fast throttle obviously illustrates why the chassis tuning has become noticeably sportier on the DB12. While I wouldn’t blame him for serving one reminiscent of the beloved 5. 2-liter twin-turbo V12 that powered the DB11, the AMG-sourced 4. 0 engine. The twin-turbo V8 housed under the DB12’s jittery bonnet isn’t a mere comfort prize.
With 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, it not only beats the DB11’s V8 with 143 horsepower and 77 pound-feet, but it also beats the V12 with 41 horsepower and 74 pound-feet. But beyond the maximum numbers, the 4. 0-liter proves its worth in the way it produces that power. With no noticeable turbo lag and no low-revving torque, the powered V8 pushes the DB12 Volante with great urgency into triple-digit territory, and it does so while delivering a physically powerful and muscular soundtrack, courtesy of Aston Martin’s active exhaust.
The three-mode exhaust formula brings far more character to the DB12’s soundtrack than any Mercedes-AMG vehicle I’ve ever driven. When closed, the eight-ply roof does a wonderful job of dampening road noise, offering almost coupe-like insulation. however, I kept the level more responsive for the vast majority of my time with the DB12 Volante because the exhaust sounds great. And when you need to melt it all down, all you have to do is press a button on the center console to do so. the pipes whisper.
Honestly, I haven’t done it very often. Unlike some DBs of the past, this one loves to be pushed down the canyons. Even on tight, technical sections, where the giant cars that normally travel don’t shine, the DB12 Volante often impresses with its ample mechanical grip, quick steering and Michelin Pilot Sport S five super-grip summer tires. The optional carbon ceramic brakes also provide adequate and consistent stopping power, although they get a little noisy when you apply them. Combine that with high-speed flat corners and very competitive broadcast programming in Sport mode and you can begin to perceive why my first query to Aston representatives after my trip was whether or not there were sports seats available. (Yes, there is a carbon hub on the DB12 Flywheel Spec Sheet. )
If there’s one area where fashionable Aston Martins have been constantly paralyzed, it’s in technology. In the past, the automaker relied on Mercedes-Benz to supply its infotainment systems, but the Germans were unwilling to offer Aston their newer, larger systems. In recent years, the British logo has been affected by systems that are quite obsolete. Thankfully, those days are over.
The DB12 and DB12 Volante feature an all-new formula built in-house through Aston Martin. While there are still some issues to be resolved (wireless Apple CarPlay isn’t expected to arrive until later this year in the form of an over-the-Air Update, for example), the 10. 25-inch touchscreen is a big step up from anything Aston has used in the past. It’s responsive quickly, the graphics are crisp, and it even features some attractive touches like the subtle haptic touch. Bass tone that alerts you to new features on your phone.
It may seem like a relatively minor upgrade in the grand scheme of things, but the infotainment formula is anything other people will interact with almost every time they get in the car, and bringing it down to a new standard is long ago. to make the DB12 Volante feel absolutely modern. Thankfully, Aston has also avoided the temptation to ditch the physical controls. There are tricky buttons for things like exhaust volume, damper stiffness, and auto start/stop, while knurled steel dials let you adjust temperature, fan speed, and audio volume.
These main points are also a testament to the integrity of the DB12 Volante. A long time ago, Aston Martins felt they were 95% of the way and others tolerated shortcomings because of their charm. These warnings have now disappeared. Of course, there are still some minor quirks, such as the fact that there’s a button on the guide wheel to move the audio track forward but none to move back. However, this picky tip actually indicates how little there is to complain about.
The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante is a functional car and provides the kind of visceral driving experience that Italians temporarily lose sight of in the pursuit of lap records. If you want to see what Aston Martin looks like on top of its Road Car Game, look no further.
2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante Specs
Do you have any tips? Send them to tips@thedrive. com