Tag Archives: DB12

News

2024 Aston Martin DBX to Receive Touchscreen in Extensive Update

In an upcoming update, Aston Martin will enhance the interior of the popular DBX SUV by introducing the new infotainment system found in the DB12 sports car, according to Lawrence Stroll, the company’s chairman.

Currently, the DBX features an outdated infotainment system from Mercedes-Benz that utilizes a trackpad rather than a touchscreen. This setup has received criticism from users for falling behind the competition. The DB12, on the other hand, incorporates a new touchscreen with software developed by Aston Martin.

Stroll confirmed the updates to the DBX during the company’s third-quarter earnings call in response to a question from JPMorgan analyst Akshat Kacker, who mentioned the new DB12 interface and suggested that many customers might be waiting for a similar update in the SUV.

Stroll responded, “On DBX, the new infotainment, the new interiors, will continue along the line of DB12 and will be in the marketplace in the near future.” However, he didn’t provide specific timing for the launch of the new DBX. Autocar has reached out to Aston Martin for more precise details regarding the release date.

Aston Martin has experienced a decline in sales in the Chinese market this year, despite strong demand for the DBX. The Chinese market places greater emphasis on high-tech interiors, putting the DBX at a disadvantage compared to more modern competitors like the BMW XM.

Nevertheless, Aston Martin reported a 23% increase in DBX sales during the first nine months of the year, largely driven by the hot-selling DBX 707 variant, which accounted for 70% of the SUV’s total sales. The DBX has made up slightly over half of Aston Martin’s total sales thus far this year, underscoring its significance.

During the call, CEO Amedeo Felisa acknowledged that software integration issues had delayed deliveries of the new DB12 sports car. However, he assured that these problems have been resolved. “We had some issues with the software, but I believe everything is fixed now,” he stated.

The DBX commenced production in 2020 at Aston Martin’s St Athan plant in South Wales and underwent a redesign to create the 707 version in 2022, named after its power output in PS (697bhp). However, the dashboard design has remained largely unchanged.

News

Aston Martin DB12 Volante: The Most Powerful V8 Cabrio GT

The new Aston Martin DB12 Volante aims to be the world’s first open-top “super tourer” by offering the most powerful V8 among cabrio GT models currently available for sale.

Aston Martin had the same expectations for the Volante as they did for the DB12 coupe: to provide uncompromised handling and performance. Since removing the roof reduces torsional rigidity, the Volante’s chassis required reinforcement.

To accomplish this, the suspension mounts were made stiffer, especially the front end, which saw a 140% increase in stiffness. Additionally, a crossbrace was added across the engine bay.

These enhancements result in the DB12 Volante having 3.7% more torsional rigidity than its predecessor, the DB11. The “K-fold” soft top from the DB11 is carried over to the DB12 Volante and can open in 14 seconds and close in 16 seconds, even while the vehicle is moving at speeds up to 31 mph.

The additional roof and chassis bracing add an additional weight of 111 kg to the Volante. However, the rest of the vehicle remains unchanged compared to the DB12 coupe. It is powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 sourced from Mercedes AMG, producing up to 671 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite the added weight, the Volante’s straight-line performance is only slightly slower than the coupe, with a claimed 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds – just 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe.

Motorsport

Aston Martin DB12 Volante Introduces Eight-Layer Fabric Roof

The Aston Martin DB12, known as the world’s first “super tourer,” is now available in a convertible version called the Volante. This new model retains the stunning design of its coupe counterpart but adds an open-top feature by replacing the solid metal roof with an intricate fabric roof. The fabric roof boasts an impressive eight layers of insulation, ensuring a quiet and comfortable cabin during long drives typical of a grand tourer.

With the DB12 Volante, it takes just 14 seconds for the roof to come down and 16 seconds to go back up, even while the car is in motion at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Operating the roof is made convenient as well, as you can use the key to remotely lower and raise the top within a two-meter radius of the vehicle. Additionally, the roof can be operated even when facing headwinds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h).


Motorsport

Aston Martin DB12 Arrives in North America at Q New York Location

The Aston Martin DB12 has made its official debut in North America, but unfortunately it is not yet available for purchase. The company will begin deliveries of the new GT car later this year. However, you can view it right now at Aston Martin’s new ultra-exclusive location in New York City called Q New York.

Q New York is not just a dealership but is in fact Aston Martin’s “ultra-luxury flagship location” for those customers who want to create their dream car using the company’s bespoke service called Q by Aston Martin. Its location on Park Avenue in Manhattan places it in the heart of New York’s luxury row, making it a perfect spot for special events, product launches, and even an overnight hotel for Aston Martin’s most distinguished customers.