Aston Martin Introduces the World’s First “Super Tourer”
Aston Martin, known for their luxurious grand tourers, is taking their flagship GT line to the next level with the introduction of the 2023 Aston Martin DB12, the world’s first “super tourer”. This new model aims to strike a balance between a conventional supercar and a traditional grand tourer, offering a car that can perform at high speeds on the track while also providing comfort and convenience for long-distance travels.
To achieve this, the DB12 comes equipped with a powerful V8 biturbo engine, upgraded wheels, improved chassis and suspension, standard carbon ceramic brakes, and a completely redesigned interior. These enhancements make it capable of delivering the performance of a supercar while still offering the comfort and amenities expected from a grand tourer.
However, despite its impressive specifications, there are some key issues that prevent the DB12 from fully embodying the role of a super tourer. During a test drive with pre-production prototypes, several reviewers, including Max Earey, experienced physical discomfort and nausea while driving the car. Aston Martin suspects that this may be due to the prototype cars not being fully cured, which caused certain adhesives or resins used in the car to emit fumes that affected the occupants.
Nevertheless, a second DB12 that was tested later showed the potential of the super tourer concept. With a revised V8 biturbo engine producing over 670 horsepower, the car demonstrated impressive acceleration and power on the road. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring shorter gear ratios for more precise and aggressive shifts. The car also offers five driving modes, including Grand Tour, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Wet, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s performance to their preferences and road conditions.
While the DB12 may not have fully lived up to its super tourer aspirations during the initial test drive, Aston Martin is confident that the production models will not have the same issues. The company believes that the longer curing times of the production models will prevent any fumes from affecting the occupants.
Overall, the DB12 introduces a new category in the world of luxury automobiles – the super tourer. It combines the performance of a supercar with the comfort and convenience of a grand tourer, offering a unique driving experience for those who enjoy both speed and long-distance travels. With its impressive specifications and Aston Martin’s reputation for luxury and performance, the DB12 is poised to become a highly desirable car in the market.
As Aston Martin continues to refine the car and finalize its production models, they are confident that the DB12 will live up to its super tourer name and provide an exceptional driving experience for its owners. With its blend of power, comfort, and luxury, the DB12 represents the future of grand touring automobiles, truly earning its title as the world’s first “super tourer”.
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