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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And who better to kick off this groundbreaking initiative than David Beckham himself?

As a football legend, style visionary, and global brand ambassador, Beckham has long been an admirer of Maserati classics. Now, he has infused his personal style into these automotive creations, inspiring them to unleash their unique interpretation of the quintessential Italian sports car.

Drawing inspiration from his affinity for Savile Row fashion, Beckham has blended elements of his sartorial sense into the design of his Fuoriserie DB Essentials collection. This collection features two distinct configurations that embody Beckham’s contemporary take on some of Maserati’s most enduring models.

The first configuration pays tribute to the elegant Maserati Ghibli coupé from 1967, reimagined with a captivating “Night Interaction” blue exterior and a classic tan interior. Beckham’s second configuration honours the rare 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale, of which only 51 units were ever produced.

This masterpiece boasts a dignified “Verde Royale” exterior shade, complemented by warm brown leather upholstery. Each car proudly bears a commemorative metal plate, symbolizing the collaboration between Maserati and Beckham.

Klaus Busse, the Head of Design at Maserati, eloquently describes the essence of “Fuoriserie,” which translates to “custom-built” in Italian. He emphasizes that this customization program aims to create extraordinary experiences for clients, granting them the freedom to express their personality and passion by crafting their very own Maserati.

“Our Trident’s customization program is designed to offer our clients unique experiences. We want them to express their personality and passion by creating their very own Maserati. Just like David, everyone can choose from a wide range of personalization features from our Fuoriserie Corse collection, inspired by Maserati’s glorious racing heritage, and from our Fuoriserie Futura collection, dedicated to technology and new materials enthusiasts,” shares Busse.

Beckham’s Fuoriserie DB Essentials configurations are now available for customization on two current Maserati models: the MC20 and the Grecale. 

In addition to collaborating with Beckham on the Fuoriserie collection, Maserati’s pioneering spirit is evident in its forthcoming line of fully electric vehicles. With a goal of transitioning to a fully electric range by 2030, Maserati remains firmly committed to combining timeless Italian elegance with forward-thinking innovation.

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This process, according to Bentley, is an industry-first. for the automotive industry. This new-fangled ‘additive manufacturing’ technique will produce up to 210 grams of 18ct yellow gold which will be added to the Bentley Batur.

The optional 3D-printed gold accents will be scattered around the driver touchpoints. This includes the Charisma Dial, encircling the start/stop button which is used to change driver modes.

This gold is also applied to Bentley’s Organ Stop vent controls and is featured on a gold insert marker on the steering wheel.

The gold is also sustainably sourced from 100% recycled old jewellery, which is grounded into a fine powder needed for 3D printing. Recycling ensures there is no environmental mining impact from obtaining the gold.

Every 3D gold part is digitally rendered using CAD models before being sent to be printed using laser melting printers. After printing, each piece is then hand-finished by skilled artisan jewellers.  

To ensure their authenticity, all parts produced for the Batur are also hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Additionally, any parts manufactured in 2022 will also receive the Jubilee hallmark, a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year.  

This 3D printing technology will not only be used to make artisanal jewellery. Bentley is currently exploring turning CAD models into physical parts, which we may see in the future. This opens the door to more low-volume manufacturing components and bespoke customer personalisation.

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