In his varied life, Englishman David Brown was a machinist’s apprentice and he was knighted. He raced motorcycles, built tractors, played polo and bred racehorses. He also bought Aston Martin in 1947, and thus began the British automaker’s use of the initials “DB” on its vehicles.
The industrialist orchestrated models through the James Bond movie heydays when the sports car’s image was at its apex. The company also had its share of automotive doldrums when its debts ballooned and a buyer couldn’t be found.
Brown died in 1993, almost exactly 30 years before the periodically struggling niche manufacturer this year unveiled the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante. It debuted in August during Monterey Auto Week, the annual festivities known for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It’s likely the namesake of the sports car would be pleased.
Aston Martin calls it a “super tourer,” an appellation combining high-end performance with the grand touring persona of the carmaker’s traditional offerings. The name Volante has several meanings, notably “flying” in Italian.
For driving enthusiasts, the new Aston Martin has been tweaked to feature a more rigidly mounted steering wheel and suspension mounting points. The overall driving experience is touted as more responsive, a desirable quality for secret agents of all kinds.
The coupe and the just-unveiled convertible are propelled by 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engines with 671 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque. Aston Martin markets the cars with 0-to-60 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The engine is mated to a rear-mounted eight-speed automatic transmission. The coupe and convertible are equipped with 21-inch forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires. Driving modes are GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet and Individual.
The interior design differs from the DB11 with new buttons, knobs and switches, a brand signature. Safety considerations are covered in detail: Forward collision warning to autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function to lane departure warning and a 360-degree 3D surround-view camera to blind-spot warning.
The DB12 also includes hand-stitched leather wraps on nearly every surface, adding to the comfort—though as far as comfort, the rear seating area is best for petite occupants only. Aston Martin assumes the infotainment design from Mercedes-Benz for the first time. It’s a 10.3-inch configuration that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 390-watt, 11-speaker audio system is standard, with a 1,170-watt, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system available.
Convertible tops can be problematic, even on luxury and super luxury sports cars. Fortunately, they are an Aston Martin specialty. The DB12 features a stealthy automated cloth top only 10 inches tall when stacked. The top-line roof has eight layers of lined acoustic and insulation materials for less noise and more protection during inclement weather. It’s quick, too, opening in 14 seconds and closing in 16 seconds. It also can be operated remotely with the ignition fob within 6 feet of the vehicle. And as smoothly as can be expected, it’s secured under a flush hard tonneau cover. The process is available while driving as fast as 31 mph. Roof colors range from the standard black to red, blue and a black and silver combination, all ideal for knights of all persuasions.
Facts & Figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 3.6 seconds
Airbags: 8
Fuel economy: 14 mpg city, 22 mpg hwy
Horsepower: 671
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $248,086
Price as tested: unavailable
Manufacturer’s website: astonmartin.com
Warranty: Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/unlimited miles; Powertrain, 3 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 10 years/unlimited miles; Maintenance, 3 years/unlimited miles
