2024 Aston Martin DB12 revealed

The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 – the next model in the British sports-car brand's long-running DB sports car line – has been unveiled, ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals due later this year.

While it is billed by Aston Martin as a new model, the DB12 is a heavy facelift of the DB11 introduced in 2016 – but it gains a revised exterior, brand-new interior, more V8 power, and upgrades under the skin.

The new DB12 is Aston Martin's first new 'high-volume' sports car – excluding special editions – in five years, and expected to be one of its last new models without hybrid or electric power.

First Australian showroom arrivals are due in September 2023, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch.

The sole engine available in the DB12 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, developing 500kW and 800Nm – up 107kW and 125Nm on the DB11's V8, and up 30kW/100Nm on the outgoing V12.

There is no sign of the DB11's Aston Martin-designed 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 in the DB12 range. It is unclear if it will be added at a later date, or if it has been axed entirely.

The V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a returned eight-speed automatic transmission and a new electronic limited-slip differential, claimed to deliver a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 3.5 seconds (0.4sec quicker than the DB11 V8) and a 325km/h top speed.

Aston Martin says the V8's higher output has been achieved through "modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling", citing a 56 per cent increase in "open apertures".

Under the skin, the DB12 is said to be 7 per cent stiffer than the DB11, thanks to changes to the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember, and rear bulkhead.

The new rear differential can "go from fully open to 100 per cent locked in a matter of milliseconds", while the DB12 gains re-engineered adaptive suspension, a shortened final drive ratio for improved acceleration, and revised transmission tuning.

Aston Martin claims the new suspension allows for greater differentiation between the drive modes – GT, Sport and Sport+ – which also vary the weight of the returned steering system, which is said to be better connected to the road than before.

Brakes comprise cast-iron 400mm front and 360mm rear discs as standard, with carbon-ceramic versions available asn an option, shaving 27kg of unsprung mass, and said to minimise brake fade on the race track.

The brakes hide behind 21-inch alloy wheels – claimed to be 8kg lighter than the DB11's 20-inch alloys, despite their larger diameter – wrapped in 275/35 front and 315/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres.

The DB12 is said to be the first car to fit these tyres from the factory – and it wears a unique version of the tyre compound developed specifically for the car, with 'AML' codes on the sidewalls.

Aston Martin says the Pilot Sport 5S tyres feature "noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts" within the tyre carcasses that "reduce tyre ‘hum’ transmitted to the car’s interior by 20 per cent".

Other chassis highlights include a four-mode electronic stability control system with Wet, On, Track and Off settings.

The DB12's exterior is an evolution of the DB11, led by a restyled front end with a reshaped grille and lower bumper, new LED headlight signatures, and a new Aston Martin badge.

Other changes include wider wheel tracks (by 6mm up front and 22mm at the rear) and smaller, frameless side mirrors.

The most comprehensive changes have occurred inside, where the DB11's dated Mercedes-sourced infotainment screen, touchpad controller and button-heavy centre stack have been replaced by more modern screens and Aston Martin-designed switchgear.

The seats are trimmed in Alcantara suede-like or full leather materials, the steering wheel and dashboard are new, and buyers can option a Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system.

Among the key upgrades is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen running Aston Martin-designed software, with claimed 30-millisecond response times, and wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, internet connectivity and satellite navigation.

There remains a bank of physical switches and dials for air conditioning, seat heating and ventilation, drive modes and the gear selector, as well as shortcuts for the stability control, exhaust mode, suspension firmness, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors.

The new satellite navigation system includes 3D mapping and can use online connectivity to show traffic or restaurant reviews, while there are over-the-air updates, and a 4G data connection.

A new Aston Martin App allows owners to connect with the car from their smartphone to track its location, set a speed limiter, remotely unlock or lock it, call emergency services, or book a vehicle service.

The first three years of the service are free, but owners will be required to pay once the trial period expires.

Buyers can choose between 390-watt, 11-speaker Aston Martin and 1170-watt, 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound systems.

First deliveries of the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 are due between July and September 2023 in Europe, with Australian arrivals scheduled to commence in September, according to a company representative.