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Aston Martin unveils DB12 S: more power, less weight, same grace

The new Aston Martin DB12 S hits 202 mph with carbon-ceramic brakes

2026 Aston Martin DB12 S right rear view.
Aston Martin

Aston Martin has introduced the DB12 S, a more powerful and more focused version of its Super Tourer coupe. It’s not a redesign so much as a detailed upgrade, refining nearly every part of the car that affects performance and driver feedback.

The DB12 S builds on the standard DB12 with a stronger V8, retuned suspension, new aerodynamic parts, and a standard carbon-ceramic braking system. The result is a grand tourer designed to deliver higher precision on the road or track without losing the refinement the brand is known for.

Power, precision, and presence

The DB12 S keeps its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 but now produces 690 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a 202-mph top speed. Gear shifts are more than 50% faster, and the new throttle calibration gives the car a sharper, more direct response.

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Chassis updates include stiffer rear anti-roll bars, revised suspension geometry, and recalibrated Bilstein DTX dampers for tighter control without sacrificing ride quality. The electronic differential and steering have also been fine-tuned, allowing earlier throttle input when exiting corners and better front-end feedback overall.

The standard carbon-ceramic brakes—16.1 inches up front and 14.2 inches in back—cut 60 pounds of unsprung weight and offer stronger, more consistent stopping power. A revised braking control system helps keep the car balanced through corners, using torque vectoring to improve stability when trail braking.

The new quad-pipe exhaust is available in stainless steel or a titanium setup that’s 26 pounds lighter and 1.5 decibels louder. Aerodynamic tweaks include a dual-element front splitter, new bonnet vents, gloss-black side sills, and a wider rear diffuser framing the stacked exhaust outlets. Each element is functional, trimming lift and stabilizing airflow while giving the DB12 S a more planted, aggressive stance.

Interior and lineage

The cabin features subtle but distinct touches: a red-anodized drive mode dial, contrast stitching, and trim options in semi-aniline leather or Alcantara. The 16-way Sport Plus seats are standard, with lightweight carbon-fiber performance seats available for those who prefer a racier setup.

The “S” badge isn’t new to Aston Martin. The badge dates back to the 1950s DB3S and has marked the most performance-oriented versions of several models since. The DB12 S joins the DBX S and Vantage S in continuing that tradition. Orders are open now, with first deliveries expected in early 2026.

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor   As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce… Read Full Bio
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