Well, what do we have here? It appears Aston Martin isn't content with its already rather splendid DB12 and has decided to give it the full performance treatment. New spy shots from the Nürburgring reveal a prototype that's clearly had more than just a light dusting of magic performance powder. This is the automotive equivalent of taking a perfectly tailored suit and adding hidden carbon fiber armor plating. It still looks elegant, but now it can take a punch. Image Credits: AutoExpress, available at [link] The standard DB12 is hardly what you'd call underpowered. With 671bhp from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, it's already capable of the kind of acceleration that makes passengers involuntarily use profanity. But in the never-ending horsepower war, that's apparently not quite enough. This hotter variant (which might be called the DB12 S, going by Aston's naming conventions) appears to be getting the full 697bhp found in the DBX707 SUV. Yes, because what every grand tourer needs is enough power to pull a small moon out of orbit. The visual changes are subtle but purposeful. Image Credits: AutoExpress, available at [link] There's a new front bumper with a redesigned splitter and grille insert. The wheels match the wider 21-inch options currently found on the Vanquish, and the side sills have been extended for that extra bit of visual aggression. Image Credits: AutoExpress, available at [link] It's at the rear where things get properly interesting. The new prototype sports a completely redesigned rear bumper with vertically arranged exhaust pipes – a significant departure from the standard DB12, which still shared its rear bumper design with the older DB11. There's also a small gurney flap on the bootlid to add downforce, though this might be replaced with something more aesthetically pleasing on the production version.Beyond the cosmetic changes, we can expect the usual performance upgrades – tweaks to the transmission and electronically controlled differential, plus retuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers and coil springs. It's the full performance package, essentially. Image Credits: AutoExpress, available at [link] Aston Martin has a history of creating these sportier variants. The previous DB11 had an AMR version, though that was more of a mild upgrade than a full reimagining. This new DB12 appears to be getting a more comprehensive makeover. The timing makes sense too. With rivals like Ferrari and Bentley constantly upping their game, Aston needed to respond. Image Credits: AutoExpress, available at [link] This hotter DB12 should position the brand nicely between the pure GT segment and the more hardcore supercar territory. No word yet on when we'll see the production version, but given how complete this prototype looks, I'd wager it's not far off. My wallet is already preemptively weeping at the thought of what this will cost, but then again, if you have to ask...
