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Aston Martin is ushering in a new era of luxury and performance with the all-new DB12, which is being billed as the “world’s first super tourer.”

Designed to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary, the model is essentially an extensive facelift of the DB11, which was introduced in 2016. However, that’s shortchanging things as the updates extend far beyond the usual styling tweaks.

Starting outside, the DB12 is instantly recognizable as a lot – far too much, if you ask us – carries over from the DB11. However, there are a handful of changes including a new front bumper and a larger grille. They’re joined by a pronounced splitter and evolutionary LED headlights. The model also sports a new hood and a revised Aston Martin badge.

More: Aston Martin Vantage Successor Spied With A More Traditional Aesthetic

Sadly, the front end is the only part worth talking about as virtually everything aft of the A-pillar is shared with its predecessor. That being said, there are slimmer side mirrors and new Aston Martin lettering out back.

They’re joined by new 21-inch wheels, which are 17.6 lbs (8 kg) lighter than the 20-inchers found on the DB11. The wheels are wrapped in specially developed Michelin Pilot 5s tires, which have noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts that promise to reduce the amount of tire ‘hum’ in the cabin by 20%.

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An All-New And Much Improved Interior

While the exterior will undoubtedly give you déjà vu, the same can’t be said about the cabin as it finally joins the 21st century. Drivers sit behind a new steering wheel and find themselves looking at a modern digital instrument cluster.

In the center is an all-new 10.25-inch infotainment system, which has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as 4G connectivity, a voice assistant, and support for over-the-air updates. It appears to be a massive improvement over the old Mercedes-sourced infotainment system and seems to be far more intuitive as well.

Putting the screens aside, there’s a floating center console and a new dashboard with slender air vents. The model also sports a minimalist shifter, new switchgear, and higher quality materials. Drivers will also find a knurled rotary controller, which provides easy access to the five different driving modes.

An 11 speaker audio system comes standard, but customers can upgrade to a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. On the topic of options, there’s Sports Plus and Carbon Fibre Performance seats as well as aluminum, wood, or carbon fiber trim.

A New Twin-Turbo V8 With 671 HP

New Aston Martin DB12 Eschews A V12 Engine, But Promises To Be A Better Driver’s Car

Under the hood, there’s a Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces a thunderous 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.

That’s a huge increase over the DB11, which was rated at 528 hp (393 kW / 535 PS) and 513 lb-ft (675 Nm) of torque. The new V8 is also more powerful than the previous twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12, which developed 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque, and this could explain why the DB12 is V8-only.

The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). To put those numbers into perspective, the DB11 V8 took four seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) and it maxed out at 192 mph (309 km/h). Likewise, the DB11 V12 could run to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and eventually top out at 208 mph (334 km/h).

Besides the new engine, the DB12 rides on a revamped chassis that is 7% stiffer thanks to modifications to the “engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember and rear bulkhead.” The upgrades don’t end there as the model has been outfitted with an electronic limited-slip differential and a revamped suspension, which has stiffer anti-roll bars as well as new adaptive dampers.

Rounding out the highlights are an improved electronic stability control system and a retuned brake booster. On the topic of brakes, a carbon ceramic braking system will be available and it saves 59 lbs (27 kg) of weight while also offering reduced fade during track use.

The Aston Martin DB12 will be launched in the third quarter and we can expect it to be joined by a DB12 Volante in the near future.

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