ASTON MARTIN DB12: LAST OF THE GAS GIANTS?

With the coming of Aston Martin’s 3rd quarter a new car in the historic ‘DB’ series has risen (along with their stock hint-hint).

To the regular petrolhead this may not be the biggest deal (not like many of us plan on preordering one at a rough price of 200 grand). However to those who DO have access to the infinite depth of daddy’s trust fund, this car may represent more than just a new Aston for papas’ collection.

That’s because of what’s under the hood. An undeniably British 4 litre twin turbocharged v8 which will send you to 60mph (or a tree) in under 3.5s while producing 680 bhp WITHOUT a single volt of electricity. Not only this but a v12 (which we’re sure has been ripped directly out of a spitfire) is promised in an updated version down the line.

Aston has either decided to stay true to their roots (or just got lazy, had a cuppa, and copied an old design) and stuck with what can only be described as ‘a remarkably similar’ shape to the outgoing DB11, however something has been renewed, the front grill. Sure, again it’s the exact same shape as all other Aston’s, which they’ve adopted since the 60’s as their signature design language. (or pay their designers less) but this time? Well it’s massive. It seemingly takes up the entire front end, which is definitely big enough to swallow up any Toyota Yaris you plan on tailgating on your way to the golf club.

Sticking with Astons image as the old British aristocrat of car design the interior has been ‘updated’ to look like a downtown abbey spin-off (if it was set in the 2060s that is). A new 10.25 inch touch screen in the centre console with CarPlay and android auto and a full digital dash however in hopes not to give the 80 year old men who will likely be the only people able to purchase this car a stroke, the car is absolutely coated in leather, which will be entirely customisable and has plenty of physical nobs and buttons for your arthritis ridden fingers to attempt to grip.

Don’t get me wrong this car is hard to fault (genuinely I’ve tried) but as a petrolhead, it does worry me. Every other car nowadays has gone electric or hybrid and embraced a ULEZ future, even with Lamborghini’s new Revulato bending to their German overlords at VW’s whims and going hybrid, Aston Martin seems to stay steadfast in not abandoning their roots.

Here’s the thing. IF this car flops Aston has no choice but to put down the silly powdered wigs and cloaks and finally put on the sophisticated ministerial suit and tie of electrification.