KUALA LUMPUR: Aston Martin's latest ultra-luxury super tourer – the DB12 – has arrived.
Priced from RM1,088,000 or about RM2.3mil (after duties and taxes), this 2+2 Super Tourer uses a combination of carbon fibre and bonded aluminium for its chassis – the latter is something Nasa uses to build mechanical parts for its strength, durability and weight efficiency.
A three-year with unlimited mileage covers the DB12, but there is an unprecedented 20-year warranty available as an optional extra.
With a 2,805mm wheelbase, the DB12 comes measuring in at 4,725mm-long, 2,145mm-wide and 1,295mm-tall while weighing 1,685kg (dry).
Under the hood, the 4.0-litre front mid-mounted bi-turbo V8 churns out 680PS at 6,000rpm and 800Nm of torque from 2,750 to 6,000rpm.
Managed by a rear-mounted eight-speed automatic gearbox, this rear-wheel driven exotic two doors is able to launch from 0 to 100kph in 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 325kph.
Furthermore, there are five selectable drive modes of Wet, GT, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual – the latter allows drivers to calibrate the steering and chassis to their liking.
Although the gearbox uses a conventional torque converter, all of the engine's twist is sent to the rear wheels via a propellor shaft made out of carbon fibre and is further aided by an electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle for better dynamism while moving.
The suspension, consisting of front independent double wish-wishbone and rear multi-link set-up, is paired with an adaptive damping system with Skyhook Technology and Intelligent Adaptive Dampers for added comfort and stability.
The five-spoked forged 21-inch wheels coated in satin silver are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres (front 275/35 and rear 325/30).
Brakes come in the form of six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) callipers that bite down on the front 400x36mm and rear 360x36mm steel discs.
The Michelin tyres are made specially for the DB12 and bear the AML marking.
New owners can opt for the performance braking system that comprises larger 410x38mm (front) and 360x38mm (rear) carbon ceramic brake discs that are not only more durable over the life of the vehicle but also more expensive.
The DB12's exterior comes in a choice of solid colours - white, black or grey.
The cabin, while sporting an Aston Martin Audio system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) uses a 10.25-inch touchscreen and its user interface has been entirely developed in-house – a first for the brand.
The interior features leather upholstery, black Alcantara headliner, black 600gsm carpets, heated sports seats, a sports steering wheel, gloss black accents for the doors and centre console as well as satin chrome for its "interior jewellery".
With any vehicle of this calibre, the optional bespoked route is always preferred, from exterior colours right down to the choice of trim inlays.
"The DB12, with its raw performance and driving emotion befitting its Super Tourer label, is delivered with the engineering sophistication synonymous with the Aston Martin brand,” said Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur general manager Kumara Sooriar Sivanasan.
For more information, log on to www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com or call Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur at +603-2163 1196.
