If the sheer magnetism of the DB12’s power, ravishing aesthetics, and lavish comforts aren’t quite enough to captivate your senses, Aston Martin Singapore has just released another ace up its sleeve: the DB12 Volante.

This open-top incarnation of what’s affectionately known as the world’s first Super Tourer (a delightful hybrid of ‘supercar’ and ‘grand tourer’) recently made its grand debut.

The DB12 Volante, the glamorous sibling of the DB12, not only embraces all the virtues of its coupe counterpart but enhances them with the exhilarating pleasure of open-top driving. 

Aston Martin assures that the car’s sleek and sporty silhouette remains as compelling with the roof tucked away as it does when it’s elegantly in place.

Central to this convertible’s allure is its sophisticated electrically operated ‘K-fold’ roof. Named for its intricate two-stage folding mechanism, this marvel can open in a swift 14 seconds and close in 16, all while cruising at speeds of up to 50km/h.

With the roof up, the eight layers of acoustic insulation promise a serene escape from the external clamour. Lowered, it tucks away neatly, optimising the space available for those weekend getaways.

Lowering the roof not only brings a sense of liberation but also draws you closer to the heart-thumping symphony of the DB12 Volante’s bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.

Unchanged from the DB12, this powerhouse delivers an exhilarating 671bhp and 800Nm of torque – figures that overshadow the preceding DB11’s V12. Coupled with a ZF eight-speed transmission, the DB12 Volante achieves the century sprint in an impressive 3.7 seconds.

Although the convertible’s slight additional weight from the roofing mechanism makes it marginally slower than the coupe by a tenth of a second, the vehicle was designed from the outset to be a convertible counterpart to the DB12, ensuring it loses none of the coupe’s driving dynamism.

Behind the wheel is where the magic happens, letting drivers and passengers alike indulge in the opulent cabin that first debuted in the DB12.

Continuing the legacy of its fixed-roof twin, the Volante is equipped with Aston Martin’s cutting-edge infotainment, featuring a fully digital driver’s display and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen.

Audio is presented with a premium Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, with a 390W output through 11 speakers.

Both the DB12 and DB12 Volante are available now for design and build-to-order in Singapore. Prices are as follows:

At the time of writing, there is one unit of the DB12 Volante in Caribbean Blue available for immediate delivery. So, if you want to be the first in Singapore to own one, you better make a trip down to the showroom pronto.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

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On Wednesday 12 July 2023, Aston Martin previewed its brand new fist-bitingly gorgeous “Super Tourer” DB12 to local media. You know, because the term “Grand Tourer” just isn’t adequate.

This DB12 will no longer be offered with a V12 engine. Instead, a twin-turbocharged four-litre V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and puts down 680hp and 800Nm of torque via an electronic rear differential, that can react much quicker than a mechanical differential, to the rear wheels only.

And what alluring wheels they are. 21-inch forged alloy rims, 9.5J- and 10.5J-width front and rear respectively, wear 275/35ZR21 and 325/30ZR21 AML-mark Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres in the first OEM application for this brand new tyre.

Together, they enable the DB12 to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 325km/h. Stopping duties fall to 400mm steel brake discs which are clamped by six-piston calipers up front, with 360mm discs and four-piston calipers at the rear. Plonk down cash for the optional carbon ceramic brake (CCB) option, and the front discs increase in size to 410mm.

Aston Martin wanted its customers to still be able to do long distances in comfort like DBs of yore, while also being able to tear up the tarmac during track days. Suspension partner Bilstein worked to fine-tune the dampers to allow the DB12 to cruise like a grand tourer, and yet with a press of a button, sharpen up and perform like a supercar. Hence the new terminology “Super Tourer.” This is said to be the sharpest handling DB ever.

On the inside, Aston Martin has upped the game with a new level of technology. An optional 15-speaker 1,170-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system is controlled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both in wireless guise. The instrument cluster is digital too, but thankfully, Aston Martin has seen fit to retain physical controls where they matter, such as the climate controls for instance.

The interior is trimmed in high quality leathers and Alcantara, fitting for a “Super Tourer” of this stature. The craftsmanship is exquisite and customers will no doubt have a wide variety of materials and trims to choose from to customise their DB12 and make it their own.

More to come when we drive the DB12. Watch this space. In the meantime, this “Super Tourer’s” next preview stop is Malaysia.

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@r129_365)

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Replacing its predecessor, the DB11, which hit the production line back in 2016, the Aston Martin DB12 comes roaring with a 4.0-litre AMG-sourced V8 engine. Aston Martin’s engineers have fine-tuned this powerhouse, equipping it with enhanced cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, and larger diameter turbochargers.

The result? A staggering 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque at your disposal.

Aston Martin has also given this magnificent engine a complete cooling system overhaul, introducing two additional auxiliary coolers alongside the central main radiator.

All of this power is seamlessly channelled through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. But what sets this DB model apart is the inclusion of an electronic limited-slip differential, capable of swiftly transitioning from fully open to 100% locked in the blink of an eye.

The Aston Martin DB12 is equipped with state-of-the-art intelligent adaptive dampers, a bonded aluminium structure, and an Electronic Power Assisted Steering system, this car promises fine-tuned craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

It doesn’t look radically different from the DB11 before it, but the DB12’s exterior has a newly reshaped radiator aperture and a new front splitter. The track has also been widened, with an increase of 6mm at the front and a significant 22mm at the rear compared to its predecessor.

The inside is where the Aston Martin DB12 stands apart from the outgoing DB11. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen sits proudly atop a sleekly sloping centre console, offering a range of features to keep you connected and entertained. The new online navigation system even allows you to discover your favourite restaurants and read reviews. So you can roll up to your favourite restaurant in style.

Of course, the leather is made from meticulously hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides. Key mechanical operations such as gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation are still controlled via physical switches. Thank god.

As with new tech these days, Aston Martin now has a new app, offering a plethora of services from monitoring and locating your vehicle to sending navigation points of interest, even guiding you on foot with last-mile navigation.

The Aston Martin DB12 will start gracing the streets in the third quarter of 2023.

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