TEST DRIVE: Aston Martin DB12 Volante

Photo: David Haueter

It’s nothing new for automotive companies to proclaim that they have invented a new category that falls outside the usual definitions. Aston Martin, for instance, has stated that the new DB12 is “no mere GT” but is the “world’s first super tourer.”

According to Aston Martin, the DB12 sets new benchmarks for performance, ultra-luxury and style that make it a super tourer. I’m not sure we need a new category name, but the DB12 is a fantastic car.

The DB12 is the first in a new generation of sports cars for Aston Martin and replaces the DB11 that was in production from 2016-2023. It’s available in both Coupe and Volante convertible models, which is what I drove. At $269,000, the Volante is priced around $20,000 more than the Coupe, and they share the same hardware underneath, including the engine.

Oddly given its model name, Aston Martin doesn’t offer DB12 buyers the choice of a V12 or V8 engine as they did with the previous DB11.

Instead, the only engine option is the Mercedes-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out 680hp and around 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Although some may miss having a V12 under the hood, the V8 in the new DB12 makes more horsepower (680 vs. 630) and more torque (590 vs. 516 lb.-ft.) than the V12-powered DB11.

Photo: David Haueter

The hood that the twin-turbo V8 resides under is beautifully sculpted, as is the entire body on this car.

The DB12 Volante is just beautiful to look at, with curvaceous lines and a design that looks both elegant and aggressive, which is not easy to do. One major design element that adds to the sporty look of the car are the flared rear fenders, and the rear track has been widened by 22mm versus the previous DB11. Front track width has also been increased by 6mm.

Crucially for a car that costs this much, the Volante looks great with the top up or down. The convertible top itself has eight layers of insulation and can open in 14 seconds. Closing takes 16 seconds. To account for the lack of a roof and retain handling prowess, Aston Martin says that overall torsional stiffness has been increased by 7 percent versus the previous DB11 Volante.

The Volante is also beautiful on the inside, with quilted leather seats, beautiful natural wood trim and leather covering the dash.

I also appreciated that many of the controls that are used most often are still analog and not only accessible through a screen. For instance, the climate controls are a combination of buttons and slick metal wheels that you simply roll forward or back to change the fan speed or temperature. One small complaint is that some of the text on the digital display behind the steering wheel is difficult to see.

Photo: David Haueter

Speaking of small, this car does have rear seats, but they are pretty much useless for average adults or even older kids. If you’ve seen the rear seats in a Porsche 911, these are around the same size.

The rear trunk area is also tiny, with only nine cubic-feet of storage. You’ll have to stick to small soft bags if you want to take a trip in this car, or you can always put more luggage in the back seat. I’m willing to forgive these inadequacies since the DB12 is a true sports car.

The DB12 also has the tech to support the 680 horsepower under the hood, such as an electronic differential, six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers for the brakes (our car had the optional carbon ceramic brakes), and adaptive dampers.

The suspension itself is an independent double-wishbone setup in the front and a multi-link in the rear, both ends with coil springs and anti-roll bars. The only transmission is a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic.

As with most sports cars these days, there are different powertrain calibrations that the driver can choose from with the DB12, including GT, Sport, Sport+ and Wet. GT mode is where it will be set for most of your daily driving, but in any of the modes this car is very fast. 0-60mph zips by in 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 202 mph, presumably with the roof up!

Despite weighing 250 pounds more than the DB12 Coupe, the Volante is only a tenth slower to 60 mph.

Photo: David Haueter

The driving experience of the DB12 Volante is very impressive. Being a convertible that weighs over two tons (4,184 lbs.), you don’t expect it to be as sharp and responsive as it is. I knew it would be fast, but I didn’t expect it to handle as well as it does. Aston Martin has done a great job with the suspension and structure to give this car real prowess on twisty back roads.

The steering is sharp with good feedback through the wheel, the front end turns in crisply and there’s not much in the way of body flex. The suspension is also very impressive, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road while maintaining control and responsiveness. The tires also aid handling, as the car is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires.

There’s a bit of turbo lag from the engine at lower revs, but it goes away once you get moving. Putting the car in Sport or Sport+ mode also increases throttle response while tightening up the suspension. I found myself driving in GT mode around town and on the highway but would put it in Sport mode on the backroads. Even in Sport mode, the ride was fairly compliant, even with the 21” wheels.

I don’t know if the “super tourer” moniker will stick, but the DB12 Volante does feel a step above your usual GT car.

It’s multi-faceted, with the ability to provide elegance and comfort with the wind wafting through your hair in one instance, then switch character to become a car that is adept at giving the driver a thrilling experience on a favorite back road. I also love the way the design of the car is both graceful and powerful. It’s a great car.

Photo: David Haueter