Aston Martin launches a more powerful DB12

The DB12 S boosts power to 690 hp, up from the DB12’s output of 671 hp, from its 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Aston Martin DB12 S front and side — *The new DB12 S is Aston Martin’s new halo grand tourer. – Aston Martin photo*

Aston Martin has been releasing one higher-performance model after another, giving each one an “S” designation.

It has now done so for the DB12.

The new DB12 S builds on the 2+2 grand tourer to become what Aston Martin calls the new halo model of the DB line.

The DB12 S has a reworked version of the same 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the non-S DB12.

In the DB12 S, the engine produces 690 hp (700 PS), up from 671 hp, and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, which is unchanged.

Aston Martin said the DB12 S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, an improvement of 0.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). The top speed is unchanged.

Part of the improved acceleration is an optimized launch control that reduces gearshift times by more than 50 per cent.

Aston Martin DB12 S rear — *The Aston Martin DB12 S has quad tailpipes. – Aston Martin photo*

The car also has a new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust, which the automaker said accentuates the engine’s frequencies. There’s also an optional titanium exhaust system available, which is 11.7 kilograms lighter and is said to offer more bass, and more treble frequencies.

The car comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes, which improve braking performance and thermal capacity and reduce unsprung weight by 27 kilograms.

Extensive changes were also made to the chassis to improve the car’s agility, precision and connection to the road.

There are a host of other changes to improve the car’s performance capabilities over the standard DB12, including the next generation of corner braking control system, new dual element front splitter and bonnet louvres, gloss black sill additions, and more.

The above features add to the car’s performance capabilities, but also help differentiate the care visually from the standard DB12. There are also special S badges throughout the car to separate it further.

Aston Martin DB12 S interior — *The Aston Martin DB12 S is available in three interior trim configurations. – Aston Martin photo*

The new car joins the DBX S and Vantage S, both of which are recently launched higher-performance “S” models.

The DB12 S comes with three interior trim environments. Those are: Accelerate leather and Alcantara trim; Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara; and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather.

The DB12 S is available to order now, in coupe and convertible form, and customer deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Pricing wasn’t provided.

Full model details are available on the Aston Martin website.