The natural successor to the DB11, the newcomer drops the cylinders and ups the power, maxing out at 325km/h.
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Seeking to bridge the gap between supercars and grand tourers, Aston Martin has expanded the DB bloodline with the release of the DB12. Billed as the “world’s first Super Tourer”—debatable!—the new Aston Martin DB12 does away with the twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 of its predecessor. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that delivers 500 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque — an increase of 53 kW and 100 Nm from the DB11.
All in all, that equates to the DB12 racing from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 325km/h.
The V8 feeds power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the addition of a new electronic limited-slip differential. Aston Martin claims its new rear differential “can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds,” promoting more precise and consistent handling.
Under the skin, structural stiffness has been increased with the aluminium structure upping torsional stiffness by seven percent as a result of changes made to the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays, front crossmember, and rear bulkhead. The resultant effect allows for gains in suspension performance as well as steering feel and overall driving pleasure.
The newcomer is unmistakable as anything other than an Aston Martin, with the low-and-wide proportions and two-door design a signature of the British marque. Taking on an athletic, aggressive stance, the Aston Martin DB12 is equipped with a more muscular physique befitting of its powertrain.
An upsized grille dominates the front end, which also sees the addition of a new lighting signature and surface detailing on the swept-back headlights and smaller frameless wing mirrors. On the nose sits the newly revised Aston Martin wings logo, with the DB12 the first production car to bear the badge. 21-inch alloys complement the wide design while optimising the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle.
Step inside and you’ll find an entirely redesigned interior. The newcomer does away with the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system of its predecessor. In its place is an in-house—a first for the marque—system with dual 10.25-inch screens and Aston Martin-designed switchgear. Rounding it out is surround sound audio designed by leading British auditory icon Bowers & Wilkins.
The cabin itself takes on an opulent tone, designed with long journeys in mind. There’s the option for full Bridge of Weir leather or Alcantara upholstery; each outfitted with a new quilting pattern introduced for the DB12.
The release of the Aston Martin DB12 coincides with the marque’s 110th anniversary, as well as 75 years of the DB line.
“The latest addition to Aston Martin’s most illustrious bloodline, DB12 exemplifies the brand by boldly moving forward,” says Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. “Emphatically fresh yet unmistakably Aston Martin, DB12 defines the new breed of Super Tourer.”
First deliveries are slated to begin in Q3, 2023. While Aston Martin is yet to release pricing, it’s a safe bet to assume it’ll be a step up from the DB11, which starts at $382,000 (before ORC).
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Four one-off Cullinan commissions draw on the design language of yachting, blending marine craftsmanship with Rolls-Royce’s signature bespoke detailing.
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Rolls-Royce has revealed a new series of bespoke Cullinan motor cars inspired by the world of yachting, with four individually commissioned vehicles reflecting the materials, movement and design codes of life at sea.
Presented at Goodwood in the UK, the Cullinan Yachting collection comprises four one-off vehicles themed around the cardinal directions, North, South, East and West, each expressed through distinct exterior finishes and interior detailing.
The commissions lean heavily into maritime influence, a space Rolls-Royce says is closely aligned with its global client base.
Each vehicle features marine-grade teak, hand-painted fascia artwork inspired by the wake of a tender cutting through water, and intricate marquetry compass motifs made from more than 40 individual pieces of wood veneer.
Hand-painted elements have become an increasingly sought-after feature among Rolls-Royce clients, with the brand employing dedicated artisans to develop bespoke interior compositions.
For the Cullinan Yachting series, the painted wake effect required months of experimentation to achieve a natural sense of movement.
Inside, the vehicles are finished in Arctic White and Navy Blue leather, with hand-stitched detailing designed to echo the structure of nautical ropework. A signature Rolls-Royce Starlight
Headliner has also been reimagined, with fibre-optic constellations arranged to reflect Mediterranean wind patterns.
Each car’s exterior colour has been developed to align with its directional theme, ranging from lighter blue tones evoking northern waters to deeper hues referencing warmer southern seas and storm-lit horizons.
Rolls-Royce said the collection reflects a longstanding relationship between the marque and the world of yachting, dating back to its co-founder Charles Rolls, whose family owned a steam yacht and travelled extensively through the Mediterranean.
The release underscores the growing demand for highly personalised vehicles among ultra-high-net-worth buyers, with Rolls-Royce increasingly positioning its cars as part of a broader luxury lifestyle that extends beyond the road.
