Minor changes and a small power increase make this the most compelling version of Aston's V-8-powered grand tourer.
“Subtle” is likely not your first thought as you look upon the regal lines of the Aston Martin DB12 S. And it definitely won't be when you contemplate the luxury GT's $276,000 starting price in coupe form. With a bellowing V-8 engine, blistering performance, and superstar looks, this is a car that doesn't just announce your arrival; it shouts it whenever you literally pull up.
Yet, the differences that distinguish the S from the regular DB12, which will continue to be sold concurrently, do indeed qualify as subtle. There's a small gain in horsepower, sharpened off-the-line acceleration, and visual changes so minor even existing DB12 owners will struggle to notice them. Chassis tweaks are slight too, with retuned dampers, tweaked suspension geometry, and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. Mixed with the myriad software adjustments and refinements that accompany almost all modern upgrades, the result is a car that's very slightly better in numerous areas than the already excellent standard DB12.
Aston has already released S versions of both the Vantage and the DBX, so the changes made to the DB12 S are familiar. The increase in horsepower is pretty much a marginal bump, with the AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 now boasting a peak of 690 hp, a 19-hp increase over the regular DB12. Peak torque for both variants is an identical 590 lb-ft. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed transaxle, and according to Aston's numbers, the S's 3.4-second 0-60 mph time is a tenth quicker than the standard car, a gain attributed to snappier gearbox software rather than the higher output.
View Price on AmazonI searched hard for the extra horses during my drive of the DB12 S in the south of France, exploring every part of the V-8's wide rev range in search of them. This was hugely enjoyable, but I honestly struggled to discern any difference in accelerative fury over my memories of the regular DB12. Like Aston's other non-hybrid models, the S needs either revs or a beat of time to get the turbos spinning hard. While "lag" might be too strong a word, there is a definite elasticity to the throttle response below about 3,500 rpm as boost pressure builds.
But once the V-8 is into the top half of its rev range, it pulls with a ferocity that, even on dry pavement, had the rear end squirming as it hunted for traction in lower gears. The DB12 might be positioned as the most laid-back grand tourer in Aston's current sports-car lineup, but it still delivers visceral thrills. I didn't get anywhere near Aston's claimed 202-mph top speed for the S, but the rate at which the S ate up the straights left me in no doubt it would have no difficulty reaching that speed.
The S also gets the option of a new titanium exhaust system, which adds a hefty $14,400 to the price tag and has been designed to amplify both bass notes and overall volume. Like the regular exhaust, this is a switchable system, with the sports mode making it sound truly spectacular as the engine nears its 7,000-rpm redline. Yet while I loved listening to the noise of the hard-working engine echoing off rock faces along mountain roads, the upgraded exhaust remained quite loud and aggressive even in its quieter mode — perhaps a little too raucous for the DB12's natural role as a long-distance luxury cruiser. The gearbox shifts smoothly in the gentlest drive mode, GT, but shifting using the steering-wheel paddles has become noticeably quicker, the hesitation I remember from the regular DB12 seemingly eliminated.
The chassis revisions are—again—subtle. According to Aston executives, the changes are deliberately nuanced rather than radical alterations. In essence, the GT and Sport modes have effectively been made half a step firmer in terms of the firmness of the switchable dampers, with both still feeling compliant and composed on generally smooth French pavement. The suspension alignment alterations, including more negative camber and revised toe settings, subtly enhance the car's handling dynamics.
Source: roadandtrack.com
